14 DAY TRIAL // Later than initially expected, Cisco's first Android tablet has been confirmed by Australian carrier Telstra.
Even though the operator has yet to announce a precise launch date, it appears that the Cius will likely go on sale towards the end of the year.
The enterprise targeted tablet was officially announced during the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, and was slated for a Verizon release this spring.
Described by the manufacturer as “ultra-portable, mobile collaboration business tablet that offers access to essential business applications and technologies,” Cisco Cius comes with Android 2.2 Froyo on board and 32GB inbuilt memory.
It appears that Cisco has high hopes for the tablet and has even created an “app store” where enterprise users and software vendors will be able to buy and sell apps.
Another interesting trait of the Cius is the fact that it will be fully compatible with Cisco's business hardware and software solutions.
Telstra also mentioned that the tablet will likely be sold as a component of enterprise IP telephony systems.
In terms of hardware specifications, Cisco Cius features an SD card slot, HDMI and mini-USB ports, HD video (720p) capabilities and support for Bluetooth.
It comes with a 7-inch high-resolution color screen with contact-based touch targets, HD media station, 10/100/1000 wired connectivity and a handset option.
Thanks to the highly secure Virtual desktop client, users will be able to access cloud-based business applications.
The tablet's battery is detachable and rated for about 8 hours of autonomy per full day of work.
It is unclear if Cisco will introduce more than one version of the tablet, but rumors point to a WiFi and 3G version, plus another improved 4G LTE model.
Cisco expects to sell more than 10 million tablets, especially since the Cius has a completely different target than Apple, its main rival in Australia.