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Ex-Google exec: Apple tablet has front camera

updated 10:40 pm EST, Wed December 30, 2009

 

Kai-fu Lee says tablet an oversized iPhone


Former Google China president and now Innovation Works head Kai-fu Lee has stirred attention over Apple's rumored tablet this week with an update to his 163 mini blog claiming knowledge of the device. The executive, who claims an "informed friend," says the tablet has the predicted 10-inch screen and resembles a "large iPhone." While multi-touch and 3D support are expected, he adds that the tablet has a front camera for video chats, making it a first of the sort for any Apple handheld.

Lee's witness adds that the tablet purportedly has an "amazing" interface and will include a significant e-book component, though whether the interface is any different than for an iPhone or iPod touch isn't stated. He does reinforce rumors that Steve Jobs will launch the device at a January event and echoes the widely assumed belief that the end price will be below $1,000.

Aside from his Google experience, Lee's mention is significant as Innovation Works considers contract assembler Foxconn, which regularly manufactures Apple's products, as one of its key investors. [via GadgetMix]


By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, multi-touch, gadgets, Google, tablet, Foxconn, Apple, Innovation Works

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  1. Leftnotracks

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2009

    +6
    12/31, 12:03am | report spam | (1 reply) | reply

    Follow a bull...

    The longer you follow a bull, the more bullshit you step in.


  1. iphonerulez

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2008

    +2
    12/31, 12:55am | report spam | reply

    More speculation, of course...

    I would like to see the tablet with a videoconferencing camera if it's able to use iChat. There might be some use for it for people heavily into that social stuff. I'd have no use for it, though. I just want it to have good battery life above all if it's merely a big iPod Touch.


  1. Bobfozz

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2008

    +2
    12/31, 01:28am | report spam | reply

    What's Up with MacNN commentors?

    Every time I read a negative comment about some future Apple device it's always about what THAT person wants for themselves, as if no one else could use the item. The problem, as always, with this type of very limited thinking is that there are always people who will come up with novel uses for something that were never expected. Video conferencing and e-readers would be 2 terrific reasons to have one. Maybe you can even draw on it (diagrams, etc.) If it is powerful enough, I'll be the gaming industry will come up with some amazing 3D games. Battery life, power... who, as yet knows. I hope it comes with an AC outlet. WiFi? Who knows.
    I'm sure there will be all kinds of other things too. This is why Apple bowls over the competition. Battery life? WHo knows how Apple is going to handle this. Apple, so far, has said NOTHING.


  1. tortenteufel

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2007

    +1
    12/31, 05:28am | report spam | reply

    and a beer tap on the side

    nice when chatting with friends


  1. Peter Bonte

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

    +1
    12/31, 06:53am | report spam | reply

    iBook Touch

    Mac portables all have front facing camera's, the "10 model could well be a full iBook Touch with osX. Hopefully a "7 and a "10 model, i only need a bigger iPod.


  1. ebeyer

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2004

    +5
    12/31, 07:02am | report spam | (1 reply) | reply

    Hmm..

    I'm withholding judgment until/unless Apple makes its sales pitch. As of now, the idea of spending "less than $1000" on a device that reads books takes pictures and does video conferencing does not light my fire. A netbook, albeit with a smaller screen, can do the same thing for about $300. So we'll have to see.


  1. jarod

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2005

    +2
    12/31, 08:14am | report spam | reply

    Damn you Apple!!

    I can hear my bank balance drop by $1000 already!! :D

    CHA-CHIIIING!!!


  1. Feathers

    Grizzled Veteran

    Joined: Oct 1999

    -3
    12/31, 09:23am | report spam | reply

    which will it be?

    I think there is a world of difference between a 10" iPhone and a 10" iPod Touch, such as network exclusivity, two year contracts and lousy data plans. I'm hoping for a 10" Touch not a 10" iPhone. I'm expecting to be disappointed though because that's why the Apple has a bite out of it!


  1. stevesnj

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Apr 2003

    +3
    12/31, 10:59am | report spam | reply

    Well

    If this Ex-Google exec is disclosing trade secrets he is in for a lot of trouble!


  1. Tanker10a

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2003

    -2
    12/31, 12:36pm | report spam | reply

    Camera

    About time! Assuming that this rumor is true. I was hoping to see this camera on the last release of the iPhone 3GS. But then again, what's the point of an iPhone front-camera enabled for chat with AT&T's lousy 3G coverage...
    With free Wi-Fi Hot points becoming so ubiquitous, device-equipped camera is going to be something mundane in 2010 and beyond... Starting with the "Apple, Inc. Tablet" coming out next year....


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