Every year, we get new hype of electronics that are suppose to rock their niche. This year, we saw tablets galore. At CES 2011, I personally saw around 8 tablets that disappeared quicker than a fake Apple store in China.

But those tablets that stayed to try and take the market had to deal with the 500 lb gorilla in iPad2. Some did ok, while others failed miserably. That is what were going to look at today.

Cisco Cius

Cisco Cius

Knowing that Cisco didn’t want to deal with the consumer market, they decided to go for the business professional. Why not? It worked for Blackberry all these years. Only problem, it still couldn’t cut it.

Cisco Cius is an Android-based tablet that ran 720p, with Wifi, 4G and Bluetooth. It contains Cisco AppHQ, which is Cisco’s business app store. The seven-inch screen had an optional HD media station that could connect USB peripherals, Ethernet access and a handset, turning the Cius into a landline phone.

There is still hope for the Cius, especially in the office that wants to buy $1000 phones. Maybe in 2-3 years, this device will become more utilized.

HP TouchPad

HP TouchPad

There is no way to sugar coat this, so I am going to say it. HP shot themselves in the collective foot. The HP TouchPad started out just fine. Using HP’s acquired Palm software, the WebOS system had a companion phone in the Pre3. The big feature was the ability to transfer items from the Pre3 to the TouchPad by setting the phone on the tablet.

This tablet was prematurely killed when CEO Leo Apotheker stopped production of WebOS devices in October. It also brought us the first viable $99 tablet, as stores were liquidating.

WebOS has been since deemed Open Source. Maybe the TouchPad will make a resurgence as a collectors item. ITM – HP will most likely come out with a Windows 7 tablet in the future.

RIM BlackBerry Playbook

Blackberry Playbook

RIM has been hurting as of late. Once a staple in business, they seemed to lose a lot of momentum to Apple lately. To really get into the tablet market, they decided to put out the PlayBook, which in all reality, was a pretty impressive tablet.

1 GB of RAM, dual-core 1 GHz processor, Dual HD cameras, and it also worked well with a Blackberry smartphone. The tablet does have a lot of strengths, but the market did not bode well. If it can stand the water, the Playbook might emerge in a year and really show

Motorola Xoom

Motorola XOOM

The Xoomtablet was hit hard on specs vs. iPad2. The Xoom’s 10.1 inch display was deemed “Low end”. Resolution is not the only thing about a display. color depth, brightness and contrast are also big factors.

Still, this tablet, which now can be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) could make a comeback with Xoom2 and a better display. It also has Bluetooth, micro USB and GPS.

Overall, all four of these tablets are still in production. They have some great features and – if a little work goes into them – they could shake up the tablet market in 2012. HP TouchPad would be the only exception.

With the Kindle Fire and Color Nook out in the tablet market, as well as some low-cost tablets ( like the  $99 MIPS Novo7 tablet that came out), 2012 might have some viable alternatives in the tablet market.

If you wanted a $99 tablet, you would wait for the HP fire sales of the TouchPad, or buy a no-name brand tablet that had a low end processor and no memory. But MIPS Technologies has announced their entry into the market – a $99 tablet that can run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

You might have MIPS technology in your home already. The MIPS processor is what powers TVs, DTV boxes, and other appliances from Sony, Pioneer, Motorola, and Cisco (Linksys).

MIPS Technologies

Now, it’s ready to enter in the mobile market with the new tablet. The first one, a 7″ tablet created by Ainovo; the NOVO7 runs using a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) at 444MHz. The processor is a 1GHz single core, but using a technology called XBurst. Called JZ4770, it’s MIPS32,  65 nanometer architecture. The processor notes it can show 2D or 3D video in 1080p, with a low power consumption (less than 250mW).

Unfortunately, the unit is also sold out at this time.

“The openness of Android is enabling a new level of connectedness and interaction between devices and between people across the globe,” said Sandeep Vij, president and CEO, MIPS Technologies. ”We are excited to be a part of the Android ecosystem delivering on that vision. We applaud Ingenic’s accomplishment in developing this new high-performance, feature-rich Android 4.0 tablet, and offering it at a price point that makes it widely accessible. We look forward to teaming with Ingenic as it continues to develop MIPS-Based mobile innovations.”

Aionvo NOVO7

Andy Rubin, senior vice president of mobile at Google joined in on the praise:

“I’m thrilled to see the entrance of MIPS-Based Android 4.0 tablets into the market. Low cost, high performance tablets are a big win for mobile consumers and a strong illustration of how Android’s openness drives innovation and competition for the benefit of consumers around the world.”

8″ and 9″ form factors will be available soon. All versions include support for WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, USB 2.0, HDMI 1.3 and microSD, as well as 3D graphics (1080p video decoding) and dual front/rear cameras (the NOVO7 has a 2MP rear, VGA face camera system).

The age of the “throw-away” tablet could be coming sooner than you think.

flip camera

Today, Cisco decided to nix the Flip line altogether. They fired 550 employees and stopped production of the popular video camera, just months after they introduced the highly anticipated Flip UltraHD with a dock for attachments.

Although I was completely floored when I heard this news, I wasn’t too surprised. Cisco is not really in the video capture area. It doesn’t fit their business model.

So why did they buy it for $590 million?

Why the Flip was Flopped

We are making key, targeted moves as we align operations in support of our network-centric platform strategy. As we move forward, our consumer efforts will focus on how we help our enterprise and service provider customers optimise and expand their offerings for consumers, and help ensure the network’s ability to deliver on those offerings.

-John Chambers, CEO Cisco

Cisco was loosing big (18 percent in Q2 alone), so a re-org was necessary. Cisco will be making some major changes, like this one.

Why not Sell Flip?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to sell Flip to Kodak or Sony? Maybe even Apple, HTC, RIM or Motorola? I am not sure if they held any patents. In fact, there was an issue where the flip was under an infringement issue against Advanced Video Technologies.

Flip is Old, Smartphone Replaces

One thing to think about, with the introduction of the iPad2, you can record and edit video right on your tablet. An iPhone also has that ability. The newest iPhone should improve the front and rear cameras – not to mention the accelerometer can help with stabilization of HD video.

Blue Mic Mikey for Flip on Hold

Talked with Blue Mic today about their attachment for Flip – the Mikey (which you can get for iPod nano). They mentioned the Mikey is officially on hold until they can figure out what is happening.

It’s still sad to see a consumer device that is pretty popular get sidelined. Maybe it’s only inevitable since smartphones (as well as Digital SLR cameras) are getting better in video recording and come with programs to edit and publish.

There are still times where I would want a camera over a smartphone. There are also times I would want a $130 camera over a $700 DSLR. I wouldn’t take my smartphone or DSLR underwater.

If you are looking for a movie camera, you can still get a Kodak Playtouch, Sony Bloggie or Sanyo Xacti .

Had a live viewer ask why I do not watch the chat room during the show their really is two words, “Task Saturation” as much as I would love to hang and chat it is real hard to cover all of the content, and monitor the chat at the same time. Key is if you have comments on the content, email and the hotline are the best feedback mechanisms. Let your voice be heard. Wow this show had one zinger after the other and Bryan entertains us at the end of the show.

The following Sponsors support GNC your support of them is appreciated!
GoDaddy services saves you money, check out my Promo Codes Today.
Visit gotomeeting.com, click the try it free button & use promo code: Podcast.
Infusionsoft, leader in marketing automation software for businesses see how they can help your Business..

Subscribe Today: Audio | Video | iTunes | Zune
Download the Show File

Check me out @geeknews on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
Geek News Central Facebook Page
My YouTube Channel
Purchase GNC gear from the Ohana Store!
Live Streams Justin.tv / Ustream.TV
Show Hotline 24/7 1-619-342-7365 or e-mail geeknews@gmail.com

Listener / Viewer Links:
They are out there!
Facebook open to Discovery.
$10,000 Student Blogger Scholarship!
Homemade Spacecraft!
Segway Videos
Government Monitoring?

Show Links:
Boxee Press Photos
OTT Tsunami.
TechCrunch by AOL
CNET Slams Apple TV!
New Earth?
Net Neutrality Bill RIP?
Apple TV Hack Possible!
NASA Gets new Marching Orders!
Google Maps Antarctica Style.
Battles over Magnets?
Aliens on our own Planet!
How Ink is Made.
Gmail Conversation View Options.
Windows Life Essentials.
Closed Captioning for all Net Video coming?
Cisco Consumer Video.
Pirate Bay Emails Revealed.
Pirate Bay Appeal in Progress.
Firefox 4 Sneak Peak.
Lessons of Xmarks.
Time Warner lives in Fantasy Land.
Android Apps calling home to Mommy!
Electrons and advances in flow science!
Facebook High Resolution Images allowed.
East Coast getting wet!
Distribution killing App developers!
Great Story by Dave read whole thing!
Google TV in 5 more Days!
Windows Live Spaces RIP.
Google URL Shortner Why?

Send in your stories to geeknews@gmail.com and be sure to provide a link to your websites!

Never let your Audio recorder start doing a Virus Scan in the middle of the show. 15 minutes had to be re-recorded tonight which sucks.. You know me no editing but when the audio was blank I had to do it twice. Probably better the second time around anyway.

Ongoing support by these fine sponsors keep the lights on your support is appreciated!
[Save 15% on orders $20.00 or more at >GoDaddy.com!] use Code Geek5
[GotoMeeting Hold your meetings online for just $49/mo. Try GoToMeeting FREE for 30 days]
Check out our Free Magazine Offers!
Complete List of GoDaddy Promo Codes for huge Savings!

Follow @geeknews on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Personal Facebook Profile
Join the Geek News Central Podcast Facebook Page
Video of Show at geeknews.blip.tv
Video of Show at www.youtube.com/user/geeknews
Show Comments please call 1-619-342-7365 or e-mail geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
2012 Review Plus Spoiler
Samsung DualView is pretty crazy.
Congrats to Richard!
Travel alot? Try www.worldmate.com
Jay needs a job in Albuquerque Area (505) 750-3121 Listen to mini Resume on Show

Show Notes:
Cisco and Logitech Get serious about Video Conference!
Google Hires Don Dodge!
Some Online companies to get congressional spanking this week.
Who do your Believe NYT or Computer World?
Windows 7 Tricks and Tips on Explorer.
Paul Allen Lymphoma announcement!
Windows 7 Zero Day Threat!
Unfriend Word of the Year!
Twitter to tweak Suggested User List.
10 Black Friday Tips.
Apple Post printer driver updates.
SSL not so Secure?
100 Million Core Computers by 2018?
FreeCreditReport gets over 1000 domains in ruling.
MPAA/Sony reverse course on small Muni Wifi.
American Airlines fires considerate employee!
Shuttle to ISS.
Progress docks at ISS.
Water on the Moon!
Where goes the programmers goes the Money!
The Future of Super Computing!
Does AT&T have egg on their face?
Apple and Evil Patents!
Apple rumored deals on Black Friday.
iPhone Apps now reviewed by Computer.
Find dining that fits your diet.
What are the odds?
What is Twitter really for?
Startup Dont’s
Has your world changed?
Google Translation Services significantly approved.
Chrome Extensions Site Launch?
15 Chrome Extensions!
Apple Tablet yet a reality?
Windows Mobile dying off fast!
Psystar Guilty Guilty Guilty!
Psystar Crushed!
Viacomm Lawyer relates P2P Lawsuits to Terrorism.
Multi-Track recorder for iPhone.

Send in your stories to geeknews@gmail.com and be sure to provide a link to your websites!

Your host is back and healthy and feeling good. If you watch the video sporting a Bono look and ready to head to the East Coast next week should be a great trip with a series of Podcaster Meetups all across the country.

Show Sponsors keep the lights on Please Support the Show Sponsors!
[Save 10% off any order at >GoDaddy.com!] use Code Todd
Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Facebook Profile
FriendFeed GNC Room!!
Podcast Comments call 619-342-7365 or e-mail geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
Dell Netbook
My Cost 20k There Cost Out of this World
158 More Stations Go Digital
Stowaway on Shuttle
This Man Needs A Job GNC Ohana!!!!

Show Notes:
FourSquare
Gmail and Google Labs
Google Voice View
Mac Hacking Tools Gets Updated
News Graveyard
Verizon Math
Calacanis Has it Figured Out!
DIY Craigslist Auction
Don’t dial while Drunk
6 More iPhone Models?
HD Movie Rentals on iTunes
Nielsen Twitter 1382% growth
Scoble SXSW Tech Take Away
Hawaii Rank 45 California 48 for Business
RawVoice to get Green
Spy Camera Tissue Box
Elgato 1080p Turbo.264
Service Failure Meltdown at SXSW
101 PHP Newbie Tutorials
Blubrry OpenID
iPhone Buzz Machine Incredible
Australia Blacklist Shameful
ISS gets more Power
Twitter Premium Hoax
New Gmail Undo Feature
New Mobile Firefox Browser
AT&T No Contract iPhone
Quantum Computer Advances
IE8 is Available
SixApart Motion Debut
Cisco Buys Flip

Ok early morning departure for Honolulu time to get out of Florida and head home to be with the family. Quick 55 minute show tonight back to full format next show.

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
www.fogview.com
Shutdown Day
www.primetimepodcast.com
Vista Video 1:05

Show Notes:
Bandwagon
OpenDesigns
Google Apps
WordPress Digg
Tall Bridge
SEDO Primer
Planet Chemical Makeup
CNN 25 Startups
Skype – FCC – Wireless Battle
CG Picture
YouTube – CBS
ODEO For Sale
RIAA Appeals
Space Shuttle Car!
Apple and Cisco
FeedDemon Tease
Google and Office Game
RSS Data by FeedBurner
XM – Sirius Analysis
Vista not for Everyone
Cheap CD’s
Spacewalk ISS
Two Routers
Digital Surveillance
RIAA Top 25 Bad Boy Schools
Flickr Surprise

It is no surprise that Cisco has sued Apple for Trademark Infringement on the iPhone. I talked about this in detail on a past post and also in my podcast. Apple should not be surprised as Apple themselves has been pretty reactive to other companies in sending out cease and desist letters to companies that they think are infringing.

This is going to be a very ugly battle but my prediction on how this will fall out is that Apple is going to have to pony up to the bar.

Wow wait till you see what the CEO has written simply amazing. [Cisco CEO]