14 DAY TRIAL // The first Android tablet aimed at enterprise customers, the Cisco Cius will be launched by Verizon Wireless later this summer.
The carrier has just announced that the tablet will be delivered with 4G LTE support for its network later this summer.
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, as well as a SDK for devs who wish to create apps for the Cius and publish them via Cisco's storefront.
It appears that Cisco Cius is the first tablet to feature an 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor inside, and the only one, obviously, that is fully compatible with Cisco's business hardware and software solutions.
“Mobile applications over intelligent high-speed networks will continue to eliminate barriers in the workplace,” said Mike Smith, vice president for Verizon enterprise communications, network and mobility sales.
Hardware-wise, 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.
Cisco Cius is powered by Google's Android 2.2 (Froyo) mobile platform and packs 32GB of internal memory.
The tablet's battery is detachable and rated for about 8 hours of autonomy per full day of work.
“We’re forecasting a perfect storm where advanced enterprise tools such as the Cisco Cius mesh with the speeds made possible by 4G LTE to make the virtual office a more robust reality than ever,” concluded Smith.
No details about Verizon Cisco Cius tablet's price tag has been disclosed yet, but rumors point to a possible $700 amount for the 4G LTE version.
On related news, AT&T has also confirmed that it will carry an HSPA+ version of the Cius, while Telstra will be the only carrier to retail the tablet in Australia.