Ubuntu Tips n Tricks

Friday, September 17, 2010

High-end Avaya Android-powered Table PC Unveiled

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 03:25 AM PDT

Avaya, an enterprise communications systems company, just announced a high-end table PC that is primarily designed for business conferencing. Called the Avaya Flare, the device has an Intel Atom processor and runs Android operating system. It is said to make use of Avaya unified communications software utilizing a new interface called Flare User Experience and features Aura Conferencing and the Linux-based Avaya Aura Messaging software.

Since the Avaya Flare is based on the free and open-source Android, software applications can be easily written for it or purchased from the Android Market. Google Maps integration, a web browser, and social networking widgets are included out of the box. On the other hand, users can also use Avaya's ACE application development toolkit to customize communications apps on the Avaya UC platform that runs on the device.

The Avaya Flare features an 11.6-inch HD (1366x768-pixel resolution) multi-touch LCD screen. It has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera that can capture 720p videos at 30fps, which together with its built-in dual microphones and stereo speakers make it possible to do high-definition video conferencing. The Avaya Flare is equipped with several communications and connectivity tools such as 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet RJ45 jack, Bluetooth 2.0/2.1, HDMI port, and USB ports. It supports standard USB devices like keyboard, mouse, external speakers, cellular modem, external storage devices, and more. Its handset and cradle allows private conversations with wideband audio (7KHz) and a TDD acoustic coupler w/o an adaptor.

Here is an impressive video that shows the Avaya Flare experience:

Other technical specifications and details that we know of about the Avaya Flare tablet PC:

* Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Atom
* Operating System: Android 2.1
* RAM: 1GB
* Storage: 4G flash
* Dimension: 13.0 x 9.25 x 0.625 inches
* Weight: 3.25 pounds
* Battery: Lithium-polymer (minimum of three hours of battery life)
* Docking station is available for recharging
* Upcoming versions will support remote access over VPN connections and 4G access
* Fold-out desk stand included

Avaya Flare will be available to consumers around the fourth quarter of this year. It is said to have a price tag of about $2,000 (ouch!). Do you think the Avaya Flare have what it takes to compete with other enterprise-ready tablet PCs like the Cisco Cius?