HTC to launch Android 2.3 tablet in March

Device could go head-to-head with the iPad 2

HTC is gearing up to enter the tablet market with an Android device as early as March, according to reports.

The company has enjoyed major success with its Android smartphones, and an expansion into tablets would be no real surprise.

The upcoming device is expected to be called the HTC Scribe or The Flyer, and will ship in the US followed by a UK launch in the second quarter.

No official specifications have been announced, but the tablet is expected to come in a 7in form factor and run on Google's Android 2.3 operating system. The device will be upgradable to the tablet-specific Android 3.0 Honeycomb platform.

The Motorola Xoom, which was showcased at CES 2011, will be the first device to ship with Honeycomb, which could make it a more attractive option.

However, with reports suggesting that the Xoom could cost as much as £700, people may be drawn to HTC's offering if it has a more competitive price.

Consultancy firm Deloitte has predicted that 50 million tablets will be sold this year, and there is expected to be strong adoption among enterprises.

Apple, meanwhile, could announce the iPad 2 early next month, according to various sources which cite 1 and 9 February as possible launch dates. The next version of the tablet is believed to bring multi-touch, FaceTime video calling and AirPlay for third-party and web apps.

V3.co.uk contacted HTC to confirm details of its tablet, but the manufacturer declined to comment on what it said are rumours and speculation. Apple and Motorola were also contacted, but had not responded at the time of writing.

An official announcement by HTC is expected at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which runs from 14 to 17 February. V3.co.uk will be on hand at the event to cover all the latest news and product launches.