The ASUS Transformer 2 - the first Quad-core Android Tablet [early details and video teaser]

... and the ASUS Transformer - the first Android tablet to get ICS!

Second time round it looks as if ASUS is bringing the sexy to the
Transformer tablet, should make good bed fellows with the
unparalleled functionality the form factor affords

Some great news today for Android tablet lovers, ASUS Chairman Johnny Shih today spilled the beans on the date for the official announcement of the Transformer 2.


We have the transcript of the relevant portion of the interview from AllThingsD below, but for those with short attention spans here are the abridged highlights"

• 10 inch screen
• Quad-core Nvidia Kal-El SoC
• A stunning 8.3mm thick (unclear if that is the tablet and dock, or just the tablet, but I suspect that's the tablet only)
• USB and mini HDMI ports
• Will come with ICS
• To be announced officially on November 9th!

One other note from the interview - Johnny basically confirms the Transformer will get ICS before Christmas, making it the first Android tablet to taste the new desert OS version. Given ASUS excellent track record with OS updates I do not doubt him for a second.

Oh my, yes please!

Interview with Johnny Shih:

9:24 am: Moving to Android, Walt asks what is holding things back on the tablet side.

“We still think there is a great opportunity there,” Shih said. He still hopes to sell two million this year, with the Eee Pad Transformer.

“I still believe Android is improving very fast.”

9:26 am: Shih also teases that he has some “top secret” gear in his briefcase that he is going to show in a bit.

9:27 am: What about Ice Cream Sandwich? Will it be on tablets by the end of the year?

“Maybe earlier than that,” Shih said.

9:27 am: It’s briefcase time.

Shih pulls out what looks like a new tablet.

9:28 am: 8.3-milimeter thin 10-inch screen. It’s the next generation of the Transformer with its plug-in keyboard.

9:29 am: It will have Nvidia’s quad-core processor.

9:31 am: USB, mini-HDMI ports.

When will this come out?

Shih said folks will have to wait until the formal announcement on Nov. 9.

“Today is only for a sneak preview,” he said.

...and below here is the teaser for the Transformer 2, I'm deep in gadget lust already:

Oh heck, and while we're in the mood for sharing some video here is a wee promotional video for the Tegra 3, which will be the beating heart driving the Transformer 2: