UK supermarket giant Tesco has announced that it is to enter the tablet computing market place later this month with the launch of its 7-inch Android slab, Hudl. Tesco says the device has been designed with "accessibility and convenience" in mind, and its £119 price tag is competitive for its able specification.
Tesco has revealed that the Android 4.2.2. Jellybean device packs a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 16 GB of memory (expandable to 48 GB) and a "scratch-resistant" 1,440 x 900 display (with a density of 243 pixels per inch). The company claims the device is capable of 9 hours of video playback on a single charge.
The Hudl is Wi-Fi only as far as connecting to the 'net is concerned, though Bluetooth 4.0 and a Micro-HDMI port are included for connecting the tablet to other devices and screens.
Though Hudl may not become the first choice of many technology enthusiasts, Tesco's plan is to sell the device through its 1,000 or so retail stores where it may appeal to bargain-spotters with little concern for the branding on the product.
In what may yet prove a canny move, Tesco is making the device available under its Clubcard Boost scheme, doubling the value of shoppers' vouchers and club card points which, Tesco hopes, will reduce the price to under £100 for many buyers.
Tesco is hoping Hudl sales will translate revenue from other services. The Tesco-owned Blinkbox film and TV streaming service and a home-shopping app will be among those pre-installed on the device.
Hudl will be available from September 30 in black, red, purple or blue finishes. The £119 price point is about US$190.
Source: Tesco