Telstra readies own Android tablet

Telstra has leaked plans to launch its own Android-branded tablet device in November called the T-Touch Tab, according to an expression-of-interest posted on the carrier's website.

The product was briefly aired at a Christmas product preview given to journalists today, according to a spokesman for the carrier.

Posts to the broadband forum Whirlpool discussed unconfirmed specifications for the device - with user EdmundBlackadder suggesting the device would have a "7" touchscreen, GPS, WiFi and up to 16Mb via microSD", while other forum posters speculated it would run the Android 2.1 operating system.

It would be priced at $299 on Telstra Pre-Paid, the Whirlpool posting said.

Telstra's spokesman was unable to confirm specifications or price, nor which device manufacturer the telco had engaged to make the hardware.

"We will have more to say in a couple of weeks," the spokesman said.

The carrier said on a web page calling for expressions of interest from consumers that the device would be locked to the Next G network.

The launch of the T-Touch Tab would likely coincide with the availability of Samsung's Galaxy Tab.

Samsung's tablet was expected to cost $999 outright, but could be subsidised by carriers.

Gizmodo reported last month that Telstra was one of the carriers on board to sell the device.