I think you're on to something! As data plans become more and more common more and more services are going to be pushed over the internet instead of relying on separate networks. For example:

Phone: Google Voice & VoIP providers,T-mobile WiFi calling, etc
TV/Movies: Google TV, HULU, Netflix, etc, etc
Radio: Pandora, etc

While I don't see carriers adopting GV for this, I *do* see them offering their own VoIP solutions with similar feature sets, all in an effort to continue to ensnare users. In any case, a high-bandwidth wireless society with a single grid for communication has the potential to change our image of the internet substantially -- especially as more and more types devices become connected (ie. non-human controlled: stoves, cars, toasters, watches, etc).

It looks like Angry Birds will be available for the Tab when it arrives!


http://www.androidcentral.com/angry-...android-market

Just goes to show how quickly things can turn around in the tech industry! Mere months ago, Microsoft had a clear market capitalization lead over Google, and while it's still substantial, with Google's quarterly report, the search giant currently is 'only' $30B away from reaching Microsoft and gaining fast. Oh, and remember that 'tiny' lead that Apple had over Microsoft? It's increased to a $60B gap!
http://www.google.com/finance?q=Goog

I see the Galaxy Tab being a key technology for Google's continued positive earnings. Even though this tablet may be expensive and subsequently may not sell in record numbers, it still is top-of-class and solidifies the notion that Android *does* indeed work well on tablet devices. This is useful for developers to continue growing the market and sets precedent for competing devices in this category (a la, the Nexus One).

Dell, Motorola, Asus, and Acer, are all stepping up to the plate with their offerings soon, which will likely be quality devices as well!

I foresee that tablets will continue to eat away at laptop sales and with only a few serious players in the market (ie. players with marketing muscle, competence, and cash), there's quite a bit of money to be made. MS has screwed the pooch by insisting that Win7 is 'tablet ready' and will likely be late with a competitive offering (but this *could* change), and Apple/RIM are single sku manufacturers (for tablets -- though extremely successful). The market looks primed for Android mass-adoption on the majority of tablets.

The only other company that seems to stand as competition is MeeGo, and while I doubt MeeGo would dominate Android in marketshare, it may not have to be #1 to seriously improve Nokia's bottom line. It remains to be seen how many devices have MeeGo pre-installed. Will Nokia keep it close to their chest, or actively license it to manufacturers? Will a MeeGo tablet entice sitting next to an iPad/PlayBook/Galaxy Tab/Streak?

Disclaimer: This is speculation, and ignorant speculation at that; but it's oh so fun to speculate, isn't it?!

Anyone want to add predictions?

Here's a thorough video review of the Galaxy Tab:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnF2QiSImdE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYdT3xBm-js

Warning these two videos are 1 hour long!

Would love to see a competitive meego tablet. However, I would always prefer an android tablet I think simply because I am likely to stick to meego for my mobile phone. That way I get access to both android and meego apps. If someone releases a super amazing meego app that kills every android tablet (unlikely) then I may do meego tablet and android phone. Thought the Galaxy Tab would be my first tablet but with Samsung's pricing looks much less certain.

We should be getting a view of the 7 inch Dell very soon.

I notice you don't give Palm/HP operating system tablet much of a chance. Have not seen Web OS in action from what I hear it is pretty amazing and with HP backing I would have thought it had as much chance as meego.

I'm hoping that there's some cross Android/MeeGo development in the future. With Ubuntu being loaded on the tab, there's no reason why MeeGo apps couldn't run on the Tab and vice-versa. In fact, there was a video posted here of a native QT app running in Android!

I'm also very interested in the 7" streak. Although I suspect the price will be right around the Tab because of the 3G, it still may offer something that the Tab doesn't have (Tegra 2!). I'm looking forward to seeing what Dell offers as well.

I have nothing against Palm OS or the rumored HP tab, though I haven't mentioned anything about them because there's zero news at the moment -- and HP has announced at least one Android tablet, so I'm not sure how far along it is. I'm still interested to see it in action, of course, if/when it's released.

Having played with Palm OS, it's neat, but I think people are going a little too crazy comparing OS UIs as OSs. The differences are subtle and many welcome, but it's not life-changing or anything. So long as I can do the things that I want to do, without much annoyance, then the small tweaks, while nice, add less value. It's the law of diminishing returns. I suppose I'm a bit more utilitarian in my priorities.

I might feel different if I had played with the device a little longer, but that's my early synopsis. One thing I, do, like about the UI is the card-esque multi-tasking. But again, it's a nice touch, but not essential.

Here is the official Gameloft Tab promo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN5W7oHlV0I

Here's a quasi-related video showing 10 of the 'top' 3D android games:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=camhlR5pTUo

Some (if not all) of these would be really fun on the Tab!

Angry Birds is out for android and free (with ads). On the Galaxy Tab's screen, it's awesome, believe me

That's adorable! The Tab looks gigantic next to the little one.

Oh, and I believe you! I'm just counting down the time until I have a Tab in hand to experience the wonder which is Angry Birds.