TCL Communication, which markets Alcatel-brand smartphones and tablets, plans April 22 availability of a tablet-based kitchen accessory targeted to the home’s cook and children.
The $499 17.3-inch Xess features a multi-position kickstand, slide-out carry handle, and gesture control, which makes it easier to use on a kitchen countertop without getting the screen messy. It will come with preloaded recipe applications, how-to cooking videos, access to Nickelodeon content, and other partner content still to be disclosed. The Wi-Fi-equipped Xess will come in the box with an IP camera that will stream live video to the Xess from a nursery or other room.
Available Nickelodeon content includes the preschool series “Paw Patrol,” the Nick app and the Noggin app.
The Android OS device, which also downloads apps from Google Play, will be restricted initially to online sales in North America, but the company didn’t disclose the online outlet or outlets.
Branded: Xess will carry the TCL brand, which appears on TVs sold in the U.S. by parent TCL Corp. TCL, the major China-based CE and TV manufacturer, offers TCL-brand TVs in the U.S.
“By bringing Xess to North America with the TCL brand, we leveraged their consumer electronics expertise with Alcatel’s proven record of bringing the perfect amount of mobile technology to our customers at affordable prices,” said Steve Cistulli, president/general manager for TCL’s Alcatel business in North America. “This also allows us the opportunity to work with new partners like Viacom, and others to bring valuable content to our customers.”
Other features: Other features include 1080p display, dual 3-watt JBL speakers, 1.5GHz MediaTek octacore processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and 64GB MicroSD card slot.
