Supermarket chain and digital services provider Tesco wants to make tablet computing accessible in every household in the UK and, to do so, it has built its very own family-focused tablet.
The 7-inch Hudl tablet has been designed and built from scratch by Tesco in partnership with a manufacturer based in China. The supermarket brand says Hudl is tailored to its customers’ needs in that its focus is on accessibility and convenience.
The Wi-Fi-only device packs a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and its battery will power up to nine hours of video viewing.
The device specifications make it a worthy competitor for similar small tablets on the market. The scratch-resistant HD display claims higher pixel density than the iPad mini at 243ppi and accommodates 16:9 widescreen picture. There’s 16GB storage inside, which can be expanded up to 48GB via micro-SD, and the whole thing runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2.
Competitive on all fronts
The Hudl forms part of a multi-channel strategy by Tesco to make sure its customers always have easy access to its online shopping service. As well as that, the interface offers quick access to Blinkbox, Clubcard TV and other digital services by Tesco through a dedicated launcher button.
Hudl specifications:
- 7-inch HD screen with a resolution of 1,440 x 900
- Quad-core 1.5GHz processor
- Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2
- 16GB storage (expandable to 48GB via micro-SD)
- Nine hours video battery life
- Micro-HDMI port
- Dual band Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS
Tesco is targeting the three-quarters of UK households that do not currently have a tablet, as surveys indicated that high prices and intimidating technology are deterring these consumers. “Customers are quite rightly very discerning about the technology they buy so we knew we had to be competitive on all fronts,” said Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke.
“Being online is an increasingly essential part of family life and, while tablets are on the rise, usage is still quite limited,” he continued. “We feel the time is right for Tesco to help widen tablet ownership and bring the fun, convenience and excitement of tablets to even more customers across the UK. The digital revolution should be for the many, not for the few.”
With more than 20m customers, Tesco has a wide market base to start from by offering a tablet consumers can pick up with their weekly shop.
Hudl will offer first-time users advice on how to protect children using the device, and a range of compatible accessories includes child-friendly headphones.
The screen users see on first starting up the Hudl tablet
Hudl will be available in four colours (black, blue, red and purple) in 1,000 UK Tesco stores, as well as on Tesco.com and Tesco Direct sites from 30 September. It will cost stg£119 or less than stg£100 with Clubcard Boost.
