China unveils the first Google Android 4.0 tablet PC for under £100

Chinese electronics manufacturer Ainol has unveiled a brand new Google Android 4.0-powered tablet PC that is set to retail for less than £100.The tablet has a seven-inch capacitive screen and is powered by a 1GHz single core MIPS processor. Its battery lasts for around eight hours while watching video, seven hours while using its web browser and around six hours when playing games or apps.In addition, the tablet also includes cameras on the front and back of the machine, it has a 3D graphics chipset, 1080p video and also has HDMI output, enabling it to be connected and display items in high definition on a suitable television.

The tablet also runs Google’s Android 4.0 operating system, nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich, which is the latest update to Android 3.0, Honeycomb, which is the operating system included on most of the higher priced Android-based tablets today.Currently, the tablet is only available in China through Ainol Electrics retailers, but it is believed that over the next few months that the tablet will be shipped to other countries around the world.The company is also seeking to diversify its range by offering tablets with eight-inch and nine-inch screens in the near future.In the UK, several retailers are already advertising the product, with prices starting from just £81.24, although there is no confirmed date for delivery as yet.

For users seeking an inexpensive tablet running the latest operating system, the new machine promises to be a popular choice. Most current tablets running Android 3.0 are selling for over £160.Andy Rubin, the senior vice president of mobile at Google was delighted at the news, explaining: “I’m thrilled to see the entrance of MIPS-based Android 4.0 tablets into the market.Low cost, high-performance tablets are a big win for mobile consumers and a strong illustration of how Android’s openness drives innovation and competition for the benefit of consumers around the world.