NEC will show a dual-screen tablet computer based on Google’s Android operating system at January’s International Consumer Electronics Show.
The new tablet will be based on the LifeTouch model that NEC unveiled in Tokyo in November. That device had a single 7-inch touch screen and is intended to be used as an access device for cloud-based services. (See video of the single-screen model on YouTube.)
The new tablet, which will also carry the LifeTouch name, has dual 7-inch screens and users will be able to view different information on each screen, NEC said in an email.
The computer will also pack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G cellular networking.
When NEC unveiled the single-screen LifeTouch tablet it said plans to launch the machine outside of Japan were under consideration. It’s appearance at CES is likely to firm up plans for its release.
NEC isn’t offering the LifeTouch directly to consumers in Japan. Instead, it’s hoping service providers will offer it to consumers bundled with an online service. A publisher might, for example, offer it bundled with an e-book service to users. NEC said it also sees potential uses in the healthcare and logistics industries.
NEC will also use CES to launch an Android netbook with physical keyboard and will show the single-screen LifeTouch tablet.
The International Consumer Electronics Show runs from Jan. 6 to 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Martyn Williams covers Japan and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn’s e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com