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Samsung Reveals Convertible ATIV Q Tablet Supporting Windows 8 and Android

By Dr. Jimmy Tang - on 21 Jun 2013, 3:00am

Samsung Reveals Convertible ATIV Tablet Supporting Windows 8 and Android

The Samsung ATIV Q.

Samsung today unveiled the company’s flagship Windows-based tablet device that offers users multiple modes of flexibility while giving them the power to run both Windows 8 and Android operating systems simultaneously.

Known as the ATIV Q, the new convertible tablet which is designed to fit any situation, posture and environment will allow users to use the tablet in up to four different modes (somewhat similar to what Lenovo Yoga 13 accomplished but in a different form and build). Apart from the well-known tablet and laptop (typing) modes, the new ATIV Q is capable of converting into two other form factors which the company calls Floating and Stand.

In Floating mode, the tablet screen is suspended above the keyboard, giving users the ability to either touch the screen or access the keyboard below. According to Samsung, the Floating mode is most suitably used during a presentation since the screen can be angled to face upwards directly at the presenter.

The ATIV Q in Floating mode.

On the other hand, the Stand mode allows the user to flip the screen over to the back. This is extremely useful when you need to show your laptop screen to someone seated directly opposite you. With this mode, the days of turning your laptop and accidentally sweeping things off your table due to tangled wires are over. Also, it's easier to watch movies in this mode, especially when you're flying in economy class.
 

The four different modes of operation on the new Samsung ATIV Q.

Besides being mechanically flexible, the new ATIV Q will also offer users flexibility in the choice of software they can use with the tablet.  Equipped with Windows 8 as the base operating system, the product is also able to run the stock version of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system as well. Although Samsung did not reveal how this was achieved, they demonstrated that it was possible for the ATIV Q to seamlessly switch between one operating system to the other, without a reboot. Because of this seamless switch between operating systems, you can also easily access files created on either OS. Samsung showed us how images captured using the built-in camera in Windows would be instantly accessible in the Android camera roll.

To further demonstrate the flexibility in switching between operating systems, Samsung also showed how easy it was to let users pin apps from Android into Windows 8 start screen. This was achieved by dragging the Android app icons into a kind of widget on the app screen that automatically pins the app in Windows. Once that is done, users would then have the ability to launch an Android app directly from within Windows 8.

 Pinned Android apps in Windows 8 start screen.

The new Samsung ATIV Q weighs only 1.29kg and is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor. Although no specific processor was revealed, we do know that it'll come with an Intel HD Graphics 4400 which is characteristic in some of Intel's ULV parts. And since this is a tablet, it's no surprise that this device will be based on a low power processor that should deliver pretty decent battery life, about 9 hours according to Samsung's specifications. 

Although processor spec was pretty standard, the screen on the ATIV Q deserves special mention. At 13.3-inches, the screen comes with a whopping resolution of 3200 x 1800 pixels (QHD+) - the largest ever on a tablet. At 275ppi density, you can expect images and text to appear sharp and crisp on the screen. 

In terms of software, the ATIV Q will support Samsung's SideSync which lets you switch from working on the PC to an Android-based Samsung smartphone. Using SideSync, the PC's keyboard can be used to respond to a text on a mobile phone; view maps from the mobile phone on the larger laptop screen, display photos and videos on both devices to make editing files even easier; or use an ATIV PC to back up and charge mobile devices.

On the left flank of the tablet, you'll find (from top to bottom, left to right): a USB 3.0 port, a micro-HDMI port, power port, Ethernet port (through a dongle), audio volume and screen rotation lock button.

On the right flank of the tablet (from left to right), you'll find the power button, headphone/mic jack, a USB 2.0 port (with cover) and a microSD slot (also with cover).

The stylus on the ATIV Q is hidden on the lower right hand corner of the keyboard.

Samsung ATIV Q Specifications
Display Size 13.3-inch
Display Resolution 3200x1800 pixels (QHD+), 275ppi
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8, Google Android 4.2.2 (stock)
Processor Intel Core i5
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4400
Memory 4GB DDR3L
Hard Disk Drive 128GB SSD
Camera 720p HD
Battery Life 9 hours
Dimensions 327.0 x 217.8 x 13.9mm
Weight 1.29kg
Color Ash Black
Ports 1 x USB3.0, 1 x USB2.0, HDMI, RJ45 (dongle), Headphone/Mic combo, microSD
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