Hewlett Packard is set to release an Android based device called the Zeen which is described as an e-reader with the unique ability to connect directly to an HP printer and function as its interface without the need for a computer.
According to Engadnet the Zeen is a capacitive tablet running a HP skin on top of Android 2.1 . Insiders say the device won’t get shifted to webOS, but it does have capacitive touch buttons, a SD card slot, video support, and at least some prototypes have cameras with a special webcam app installed.
E-reading is a major focus for HP, and the Zeen has “significant” integration with the Barnes & Noble Nook bookstore and ecosystem said Engadnet.
The Zeen will come in two configurations: a $399 bundle with a new printer called Zeus and as a standalone unit for an unknown price.
The Zeus has its own “basic” control setup, but when the Zeen is docked it provides a rich interface to the printing functions — presumably a web-connected interface like the one HP’s been moving towards with other printers.
There are doubts as to whether HP will launch the product in Australia.
