InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[thelurker]

Acer defers launch of tablet PC and smartphone

Acer will postpone the launch of Iconia A100, an Android 3.0 7-inch tablet PC, from May-June as originally scheduled to August-September 2011 because Android 3.0 has some compatible issues with 7-inch screen and Google is currently busy resolving other issues, acording to industry sources.

Since Android 3.0 was specifically designed for 10-inch display, Acer has found that many appliactions are incompatible with its 7-inch device. Therefore, the company has decided to postpone the launch of the product, the sources said.

Samsung Electronics and High Tech Computer (HTC) also have 7-inch tablet PCs in their product lines. But since Android 2.x is currently showing no issues supporting 7-inch panels, Samsung and HTC have been able to launch the Android 2.2 7-inch Galaxy Tab and Android 2.3 Flyer respectively.

Acer believes that the 7-inch device will have its own unique market and will be suitable for female users as the device is lighter in weight, the sources said. But since the company is unwilling to give up the latest Android version, the company has decided to delay the launch of the product by about one quarter, the sources added.

In addition, Acer will also delay its 5-inch smartphone, Iconia Smart, from May to July due to short supply of key components arising from the earthquake in Japan, the sources added.