You may have heard some rumbling across the Internet over the weekend about Staples recalling the Viewsonic 10-inch GTablet because of a hardware defect. Turns out that according to Viewsonic (full press release after the break) the hardware's still top notch, and "is one of the fastest Android tablets on the market today, consistently leading industry benchmarks." They're right, but to be fair, that's only after it's been hacked nine ways to Sunday. The stock user interface -- known as Tap and Tap -- is plain awful (see our review for the proof), and Viewsonic admits that this, and the fact that Adobe hasn't certified Flash 10.1 for the Tegra 2 chipset just yet, is the reason people were rushing to return the things.
They also go on to say they will be releasing an update starting Dec 22. The new Tap and Tap, which according to Viewsonic, has been significantly enhanced since the product launch will now be a choice presented to the end user, along with the standard Android 2.2 user experience. They also suggest the users can download Flash from websites that distribute Android applications until Jan 2011, when Adobe has certified the software for their product. If this turns out to be the case, you're forgiven Viewsonic. Hit the break for Viewsonic's press release. [via Engadget]
ViewSonic Confirms High Performance of GTablet
Software Upgrade Release to Improve User Experience
WALNUT, Calif. – December 20, 2010 – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today responded to recent retailer actions surrounding its GTablet 10.1" Android 2.2 Tablet. The GTablet, based on the nVidia Tegra II chipset, is one of the fastest Android tablets on the market today, consistently leading industry benchmarks.
"We always listen to customers; while they love the hardware, they raised several issues about the user interface," Jeff Volpe, VP and GM for ViewSonic Americas. "As a result, our software partner is releasing an upgrade that will address customer concerns. Along with great performance improvements, customers will have the flexibility to use both a standard Android interface as well as a user-customizable interface which has been significantly enhanced since the product launch." Volpe went on to say, "ViewSonic is committed to its tablet endeavors and will continue with new announcements at CES in January."
Current GTablet owners will automatically receive the upgrade through their WiFi connection by Friday, December 24. Users simply need to accept the request to install the upgrade. In addition, Adobe® Flash certification is targeted for the end of January, 2011. In the interim, users can download Flash from various websites that distribute android applications.
For the latest on GTablet software updates, please visit ViewSonic.com/gtablet beginning Wednesday, December 22. For general questions, please contact GTablet support at (866) 501-6405.
