14 DAY TRIAL // Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless is among the US operators which will start selling the Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet PC to its customers as soon as next week, but it seems that some features will be left out of the device when it goes on sale on November 11th, such as Skype calling on the carrier's 3G network.
It appears that the Android-based tablet PC will indeed pack the VoIP software solution on board when made available for purchase, but Verizon customers will be able to use it only over a Wi-Fi connection.
According to a recent article on PCMag.com, Skype themselves confirmed this.
The move is a rather interesting one, considering the fact that Verizon and Skype signed an agreement a while ago, based on which all Android devices at the wireless carrier would have the software solution loaded on them.
The deal was about a special flavor of Skype, available only on Verizon's Android devices, which made calls through a 3G voice gateway.
However, it appears that Galaxy Tab users won't benefit from this feature, though it would come with another flavor of Skype Mobile, one that works only on Wi-Fi networks in the US.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab was already announced as being on its way to major wireless carriers in the United States, and should go on sale next week on a number of at least three operators, including Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
While Skype won't be present on the tablet PC with 3G calling, the Android tablet PC will include other solutions, such as Qik, Nimbuzz, and Fring. The Galaxy Tab comes to the market with a 7-inch touchscreen display, while packing a 1GHz processor inside, two cameras, and a wide range of multimedia capabilities. It runs under the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.
Starting with November 11th, Verizon customers will be able to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab from the wireless carrier for $599.99 with no contract agreement. The slate will also be available via Best Buy.