During all the hype from Google I/O today, a few things managed to slip under my radar. Like what the 3.1 Honeycomb update actually does. The most exciting aspect of this update is the incorporation of USB support. This added addition will bring with it the ability to use things like game pads, mice, and keyboards. This could really bring gaming on the tablets to a whole new level. Right now its still a great experience, but sure makes controls a bit tricky.
Another feature that comes with the update is Bluetooth support for a wireless mouse. This is another great ability, especially if you have a habit of hooking the device up to your TV.
This news will easily bring more Android specific accessories out of the woodwork from some of the top company’s around the world like Logitech.
With tablets starting to become more popular then laptops and desktops, this could mean they will start to appeal to even more people around the world. It should also generate a sizeable amount of sales for carriers and manufacturers a like.
What do you guys think though? Are you going to pick up what ever gadget drops for the tablets? Do you think this new supported feature will make you use your tablet more?
Source: Blog.Logitech
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The ability for a tablet to recognize USB devices will be huge. Not just mice and keyboards, but any USB peripheral. The ability for someone to write software and drivers that use USB is a huge leap forward in my mind.
My asus transformer already works flawlessly with usb and bluetooth keyboards and mice, I guess thats just asus though.
[...] Honeycomb 3.1 and What It Will Bring ShareHoneycomb 3.1 and What It Will Bring [...]
3.1 coming to google tv, with support for game controllers (they showed the xbox today) with the market in tow–effectively turns it into a console. With a good emulator possibilities are endless.
Eagerly waiting for the updates!!..
I have a cheap Chinese tablet that has a cool USB adapter. It has two USB ports, and you can plug in a mouse, keyboard, flash drive and other accessories. It’s astonishing to me that the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Xoom don’t have these features, particularly since USB is so cheap and ubiquitous. At least this may be implemented in Android 3.1.