If the latest stories are to be believed Google is working in partnership with US operator Verizon Wireless to develop a rival to Apple’s iPad’s portable tablet computer.
The device will run on Android open source software, currently used on many HTC, Samsung, and Motorola smartphones.
Google have yet to comment on the Verizon development, only going as far as to say that their software is available to any manufacturer who wants to create smart phones and other devices.
In the words of Lowell McAdam, Verizon’s Chief Executive, "we are looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience.”
This all comes at a time when Android devices are outselling iPhone handsets in the States; Q1 2010 saw Android devices take a 28% market share compared to Apple’s lowly 21%.
Imitation is the best form of flattery, as they say, and there’s no doubt that Google and Verizon are piggybacking on Apple’s old successes a well as Android's current popularity. But maybe in this case they’ve got their targets wrong.
Even with UK pre-launch sales figures faring better than predicted, is there really that much room for more netbook-smartphone-hybrids?