Google's opinions on Android 2.2 for tablets are well known, and there have been whispers that manufacturers are delaying devices until the arrival of Android 3.0 ('Gingerbread'). Now an anonymous LG employee has told Reuters that the company will follow suit and push back its forthcoming tablet while development on the operating system continues.
The unnamed individual noted that "we plan to introduce a tablet that runs on the most reliable Android version ... We are in talks with Google to decide on the most suitable version for our tablet and that is not Froyo 2.2".
While the employee doesn't name Android 3.0 specifically, it's widely believed that the next major version of Google's mobile OS will include a number of tablet-specific features. Though it is believed to be launching later this year, the developers haven't given any firm indication on exactly when the operating system will be finished.
He went on to suggest that the hardware was already complete and that the as-yet unnamed device was likely to be officially unveiled at CES in early January.
By pushing the release of its tablet into 2011, LG has further reduced the number of devices that will be available this holiday season. Now Apple, Samsung, Dell and Toshiba are among the few companies that will have high-profile slates on the market this year. Meanwhile, RIM has indicated that the PlayBook won't be available until the first quarter of next year and Motorola has made clear that it doesn't plan to enter the fray before Christmas.
While waiting for a more suitable OS is likely to result in a superior - and possibly more successful - device, the dearth of Android-based slates could further cement Apple's dominance in the tablet-market.
