BT Retail unveils iPad rival

BT has unveiled its own version of Apple's iPad, which it plans to launch next year in an attempt to gain market share in the emerging tablet computer space.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT Retail, confirmed the company's touchscreen mini-computer plans during a strategy presentation held yesterday.

In front of an audience of analysts from the City, Patterson demonstrated the as-yet-unnamed device, which can also be used as a phone, reports The Guardian.

The product is smaller than the iPad and is predominantly intended for use in the home as a multi-purpose mini-PC.

"Clearly people want to use their phone in a different way. We have seen that with smartphones outside the home," said Patterson.

"So we have been developing a concept around how you get that sort of capability into an in-home environment. Obviously you can make phone calls through it, but it also has a touchscreen."

Just like the iPad, BT's tablet computer will support email, text messaging and a range of 'apps' for accessing information and other services.

"What we have seen is people really like to use it in the kitchen because it is always on and they can just snack on their communications and snack on their video clips," said Patterson.

Also speaking at the meeting, BT chief executive Ian Livingston said: "It is like a mini-PC with the telephone of the future.

"Someone also made a reference to it being a bit like the iPad but it is not. It is a different size and shape apart from anything else, but it is meant to stay in the home."

BT intends to sell the device directly to consumers, but it will also most likely bundle the product with its broadband and communication packages.

The telecoms giant, which yesterday posted a pre-tax profit of £1 billion in the year ending March 31, wants to drive up revenues at its BT Retail division after a series of tough years.

Alongside the tablet computer, BT has also agreed a commercial partnership with OnLive to exclusively bundle the video games streaming service with its broadband packages in the UK.

The company has further pledged to make a significant investment in its digital television service BT Vision, including offering cut price Sky Sports 1 and 2 to customers.