World’s first $ 99 ICS tablet Nova 7 launched

Users who wanted to get their hands on an ICS powered tablet but didn’t want to empty their pockets in the bargain can rejoice. MIPS Technologies now offers an Android 4.0 tablet for only $ 99. What’s more, the device is loaded with some pretty decent specs.

Nova 7 runs on a 1 GHz single-core MIPS-based XBurst CPU with Vivante GC860 GPU. As is usual, the tablet’s memory is expandable through a MicroSD card. It has a 7’’ capacitive touch screen, 3D graphics capabilities and two cameras, one behind and one in front. The rear facing camera is a 2MP one. Connectivity wise, the tablet offers support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and sports an HDMI port. Google Mobile Apps and Android Market are both supported on the ICS powered Nova 7.

Said Andy Rubin, Senior VP of mobile at Google about MIPS’s latest innovation, “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.”

Nova 7 can be bough online from Ainol Electronics and is sure to foray into the global market place quite quickly.  Though the tablet is currently available only in China and will start shipping to the US and other western markets soon, no official statement has been made about the India launch. MIPS should ideally bring the Nova 7 to India in the near future too; it would be a shame on MIPS part to let such a lucrative market go.