Nvidia has officially announced an updated version of its Tegra Note 7 reference tablet with LTE/HSPA+ support that will be released later in the second quarter. The tablet will feature compatibility with multiple LTE networks in the US, Canada and Europe as well as HSPA+ support through the inclusion of its own Tegra i500 cellular baseband chipset after a year of development.
The newly equipped tablet will run $299 from selected OEMs and also feature the latest version of Android KitKat, which is being pushed out to owners of the Wi-Fi version later today with additional enhancements for gaming. The specifications and specific network support for the new tablet are listed below, with Nvidia emphasizing support for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile LTE access in the US:
| Processor | Tegra 4 processor with quad-core Cortex-A15 CPU and 72-core GeForce GPU |
| Display | 7-inch HD IPS LCD display (1280 x 800) |
| Camera | Rear 5 MP and front VGA webcam |
| Storage | 16 GB storage with micro SD expandable up to an additional 32 GB |
| Audio | Front facing “HD Audio” stereo speakers with a unique bass-reflex port |
| Stylus | Chisel and Brush tips for natural writing and broad strokes |
| Peripherals | Micro HDMI connector to drive big screen videos and gaming |
| OS | 100% Android — Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Software Updates | Over The Air software updates directly from NVIDIA |
| Battery Life | 10 hours HD video playback |
| Network | LTE-US: LTE: 700/850/1700/1900/2600 (Bands 2,4,5,17,7)HSPA+: 850/1900/2100 (Bands 1,2,5) EDGELTE-EU:
LTE: 800/1800/2600 (Bands 3,7,20) HSPA+: 850/900/1900/2100 (Bands 1,2,5,8) EDGE 3G: HSPA+: 850, 900, 1900, 2100 (Bands 1,2,5,8) EDGE +Voice |
No Band 13 – therefore no Verizon. Nexus 7’s still the best choice for Verizon users out there.
Also, to clarify, the US version will not support voice calling, according to NVIDIA. That is going to be on the HSPA+ version meant for places like India.
So if you were hoping to use the Tegra 7 on T-Mobile’s infamous $30/5GB prepaid plan – sorry. You’re still stuck using phablets for that plan until some major tablet embraces voice calling.
According to T-Mobile when we last asked, any 7-inch tablet that does support voice calling will be able to use the plan. But, obviously, most 7-inch tablets avoid this (largely at the request of carriers).