Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

I didn’t see this coming, though I should have.  The iPod touch has found a competitor thanks the the ecosystem that presented the first real challenge to the iPhone, Android.  Electronic gear maker GiiNii, whom I had not heard of until tonight showed me a prototype of a mobile entertainment device running Android with a 4.3” screen.  This could get real interesting, here is why.

Connectivity

This thin device features connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which one ups the Touch.  Skype not only becomes a possibility but a reality as long as your in Wi-Fi range.  I chatted with a company exec who said they are not putting too much thought into equiping the device with a sim card just yet.  They want to keep the devices simple and are working hard to do that.

Camera

Oh how many times have I wished my touch had a camera.  While the prototype I fondled had one, they’ve not decided on a Megapixel size yet.  This feature is a big selling point.

Ecosystem

One of the big advantages of the iPod is the App Store.  With Android, there are many useful applications and more coming.  And being open source, anyone can write an application specifically for the device.  Exciting.

Price and Distribution

I’ve learned to ask questions the company reps can’t answer.  One such question was price.  The rep groaned, not wanted to give me the answer on his tongue; but I broke him and he fessed up: “much less than the iPod touch.”  You’ve got to figure they are not paying for the open source OS so there is a possibility he is right.  GiiNii currently sells some of their product through the mighty Wal-Mart and hinted this may end up there too.

Excited yet?  They expect a release in Q3 (according to the company rep) and have a 7” screen version in the works.  I’ll be watching.

Company site: [GiiNii]