Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
| Products | Galaxy Tab 10.1 (among others) |
| Website | www |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Overview
Launched in 2011, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is an Android-powered tablet developed and produced by Samsung Electronics. This device belongs to the Galaxy Tab lineup and boasts a 10.1-inch (260 mm) screen coupled with a 1 GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor.
History
Samsung unveiled a new Galaxy Tab model in January 2011 at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, alongside the Samsung Galaxy S II. The initial release showcased a larger 10.1" HD screen powered by a dual-core Tegra 2 SoC from Nvidia, running on Google's Android 3.1 Honeycomb platform. This device was planned for launch in collaboration with Vodafone, targeting a March 2011 release in the United States and an April debut in Europe. However, following the launch of the iPad 2, Samsung's CEO Lee Don-Joo criticized some specifications as "insufficient," which hinted at a potential revision of the device or a shift in Samsung's market approach.
Consequently, Samsung introduced a redesigned, slimmer version at the Samsung Unpacked Event during the CTIA Wireless conference in March 2011, along with an additional 8.9" model. These changes postponed the US launch to 8 June, while the smaller model was slated for release in "early summer." The originally manufactured larger 10.1" tablets were rebranded as the 10.1v and made available exclusively through Vodafone in Europe, Australia, and South Africa.
During Google I/O 2011's Android Keynote, Hugo Barra presented the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to attendees, announcing that Samsung would distribute one unit to each of approximately 5,000 participants. This edition was named the "Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition" and featured a white Android-themed rear cover, included Android Debug Bridge and Fastboot, as well as a robust 7000 mAh battery. Apart from these features, its specifications matched those of the 32 GB Galaxy Tab model.
Software
Both Galaxy Tab 10.1 variants operate on Android 3.1 Honeycomb. The 10.1v runs a "Pure Google" version without any manufacturer modifications, whereas the standard 10.1 includes Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz interface overlay. The most recent operating system update provided by Samsung for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Features
ChatON offers fundamental functionalities such as automatic friend registration, text messaging, and multimedia transmission. Additionally, it introduces new capabilities including My Page, voice and video calls, and translation services. The core features of ChatON are categorized into Multimedia, Group Chat, Trunk, and Animation Message. Through ChatON, users can exchange various multimedia formats like text, images, videos, and audio files.
Users personalize their experience via the My Page profile. Group chat rooms can be effortlessly created by selecting two or more contacts. Every piece of content shared within a chat session is stored in individual trunks. The Animation Message feature transforms simple sketches and stamps into brief animated clips.
Update
In August 2012, Samsung provided users in Italy, the UK, and the United States with the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (excluding the 10.1v variant) and the Galaxy Tab 8.9 at different intervals.
Samsung introduced an over-the-air upgrade to the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A interface, which included:
- Live Panels: A collection of customizable widgets and panels enhancing Honeycomb with additional content such as weather updates and calendar events. These widgets are resizable and adhere to a grid layout.
- Mini Apps Tray: A dock-like bar designed to provide quick access to frequently used applications.
- Social Hub: A unified messaging platform that consolidates social interactions by integrating inboxes and timelines from services like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, among others. It organizes information into "Feeds" (updates) and "Messages".
- Reader's Hub: An e-book store exclusive to the US market, offering access to approximately 2 million books, 2,000 newspapers in 49 languages, and 2,300 magazines across 22 languages.
- Media Hub: A video-on-demand service available solely in the United States.
- Music Hub: A music streaming service accessible in both the US and Australia.
Linux
Linux distributions compiled for the ARM architecture have been successfully operated using chroot environments.
There is ongoing development of a native port of Ubuntu tailored for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1,[1] which boots through the moboot multiboot bootloader, utilizing a method similar to that used by the Android port. This port is currently in an early alpha phase but is functional.
Hardware
Both versions of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 are equipped with a dual-core 1 GHz Tegra2 T20 processor, paired with 1 GB of RAM and an InvenSense MPU-3050 3-axis gyroscope.[2][3]
Consistent with other Honeycomb tablets, physical buttons have been minimized: traditional Home, Menu, Back, and Search buttons commonly found on Android devices are integrated into the notification and menu bar. The only tactile buttons present are Power, Volume Up, and Volume Down.
Stereo speakers are featured on both the Galaxy Tab 10.1v and the slimmer Tab 10.1 models. The 10.1v includes two speakers on each side, whereas the standard 10.1 has one speaker per side; the related 8.9 model places speakers at the bottom.[4]
The proprietary Samsung PDMI-style interface connector remains on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for both charging and data transfer functions.
A keyboard dock accessory is available exclusively for the 10.1 model (part number ECR-K14AWEGSTA), which can also be adapted for use with the 8.9 through a separate detachable dock slot. A demonstration video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRRBm6l9wNk&t=18s
All variants come equipped with a front-facing camera of 2 MP resolution. However, while the Galaxy Tab 10.1v boasts an 8 MP rear camera, the slimmer version is fitted with a reduced-size 3 MP rear camera due to its thinner design.
The slimmer iteration also supports 4G connectivity alongside dual-band Wi-Fi antennas compatible with a/b/g/n standards operating at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.
In June 2011, a USB host adapter was released, connecting via the 30-pin dock connector to enable compatibility with USB peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and flash drives.[5] No additional accessories have been launched by Samsung for the 10.1v model in Australia or New Zealand markets. Accessories designed for the standard 10.1 are incompatible with the 10.1v due to differences in physical design specifications.
Reviews
Early feedback on the device was varied. According to CNET, it was described as "the most attractive Honeycomb tablet available, yet it falls short in performance." TechSpot commented: "The Galaxy Tab 10.1 boasts a sizable, wide-screen display that is both crisp and vibrant, housed within an exceptionally slim and lightweight chassis. Despite its 10-inch screen, this tablet weighs less than several smaller competitors, while featuring a dual-core 1 GHz processor and running the latest Android 3.1 Honeycomb version."
Apple patent lawsuit
Samsung's Galaxy Tab has faced multiple patent and design infringement claims initiated by Apple. Apple has simultaneously pursued intellectual property disputes against other manufacturers, including Motorola Mobility (MMI) and HTC.
These allegations led to injunctions that halted the Galaxy Tab’s sales in Australia, causing the cancellation of its official launch there. Samsung voluntarily paused sales in Australia pending legal outcomes, resulting in the device being unavailable through official channels, though a grey import market persists. Central to Apple's claims are infringements involving input gestures like pinching, which Apple asserts violate their patents.
On 10 August 2011, a German court issued a preliminary injunction—pending a comprehensive hearing—that banned sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across the European Union, excluding the Netherlands where separate proceedings were underway. Although Apple accused Samsung of breaching ten of its patents related to data transmission and wireless communication technologies, the injunction was primarily based on an alleged violation of one of Apple’s registered community designs linked to the iPad 2. Following this ruling, customs officials throughout the EU reportedly seized incoming shipments of the product, effectively blocking its entry into major European markets. Consequently, online retailer Amazon.co.uk removed the tablet from its listings. Samsung stated it had not been notified about Apple’s request to cease sales and responded with counterclaims in South Korea as well as in Japan, the United States, and Germany.
Dutch publication Webwereld revealed discrepancies in evidence submitted by Apple to the German court comparing the two devices. The Galaxy Tab images presented did not accurately represent its actual shape; for instance, dimensions were altered to more closely resemble Apple’s product, and the Samsung logo appeared digitally erased. Moreover, the depiction showed the Samsung device with an Application drawer interface rather than a home screen like the iPad, implying a similar user experience.
On 16 August, part of the injunction was suspended on grounds that the court might lack jurisdiction to enforce an EU-wide ban; thus, restrictions would only apply within Germany.
Subsequently, on 9 September, a German court upheld the sales ban on Samsung's Galaxy Tab due to infringement of Apple’s designs—a verdict Samsung planned to appeal. This decision affected only Germany and reportedly had "no practical consequences" for Samsung’s business operations within that market.
In Australia, on 12 October, Federal Court Justice Anabelle Bennett granted Apple's motion to maintain an injunction barring Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales until litigation concludes or another court order is issued. Despite this restriction, the tablet remained accessible through online marketplaces and auction sites. However, on 30 November, this injunction was overturned by the Federal Court.
Samsung introduced an updated model named Galaxy Tab 10.1N on 17 November 2011 featuring design modifications such as a metal frame extending over the edges and repositioned speakers.
Following a legal victory on 3 December 2011 in Australia that overturned Apple's sales ban, Samsung regained authorization to market its latest Galaxy tablets there. Globally, approximately twenty legal disputes between Samsung and Apple spanned nine countries including the U.S., Japan, and the U.K.
After most European Union countries lifted their bans—except Germany—on 23 December 2011 a German court preliminarily ruled that Samsung's tablet no longer infringed Apple's European design patent. A final decision regarding the Galaxy Tab 10.1N was scheduled for 9 February 2012. The redesigned Galaxy Tab featured sufficient alterations clearly distinguishing it from Apple's iPad according to the German judge’s assessment.
Sales prohibition
On June 26, 2012, District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, approved Apple's motion for a preliminary injunction that halted the distribution of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 within the United States. This restriction was contingent upon Apple posting a $2.6 million bond to cover potential damages to Samsung should the injunction later be deemed unjustified. The prohibition on sales was subsequently revoked on October 1, 2012.
See also
References
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- ↑ "Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 hands-on" Archived 2016-02-01 at the Wayback Machine, "Engadget", 23 March 2011, accessed 12 April 2011.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
External links
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