Well, that certainly took no time at all. We had just solved the mystery of the LG-V510 that it has gone on sale on Google Play as the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition. And it did not do so alone, being joined by Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition (which lost its Xperia moniker along the way). LG was quick to announce the launch and label its device as “Google’s first Android Open Source Project (AOSP) tablet.”
“LG’s working relationship with Google has always been strong and our collaboration on the first-ever Google Play Edition tablet is proof of that commitment,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition is a device with hardware and software that has been optimized for a truly consumer-friendly experience. There’s nothing else like it out there in the marketplace.”
Sony also wasted little time making its announcement.
“Bringing our first Google Play edition device to the US market represents a milestone in Sony’s on-going developer outreach and work with Google’s Android Open Source Project” says Fredrik. “It’s something our users have been asking for, and now we’re responding – we’re excited to gauge reaction to the latest Android version running natively on our unique product’s hardware”
LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition specifications:
- Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600
- Operating system: Google Android 4.4 KitKat
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- Display: 8.3-inch WUXGA (1920×1200/273PPI) LCD IPS
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR2
- Internal storage: 16GB eMMC
- External storage: None
- Rear-facing camera: 5.0MP
- Front-facing camera: 1.3MP
- Battery: 4,600mAh
- Dimensions: 216.8 × 126.5 × 8.3 millimeters
- Weight: 338 grams
- Colours: Indigo Black
Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition specifications:
- Processor: 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
- Operating system: Google Android 4.4 KitKat
- Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA+/EDGE/GPRS
- Other connectivity: A-GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, DLNA
- Display: 6.4-inch Full HD (1080×1920/342PPI) TRILUMINOS
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal storage: 16GB
- External storage: MicroSD cards up to 64GB
- Rear-facing camera: 8MP with Exmor RS sensor
- Front-facing camera: 2MP
- Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB
- Battery: Non-removable 3,000mAh
- Dimensions: 179 × 92 × 6.5 millimeters
- Weight: 212 grams
- Other: Waterproof and dust-resistant (IP55/IP58)
As expected, the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition will sell for US$349 while the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition will go for US$649.
Both new Google Play Edition devices are only available in the U.S. at this point and show as as shipping within 1 or 2 business days. Good news for those suddenly thinking that they would like one under the Christmas tree.
Sources : Google Play (LG G Pad 8.3 GPE) // Google Play (Sony Z Ultra GPE)