Before you get started with your new Android tablet, here are a few things you may want to first check off your to-do list. Josh Miller/CNET So you now have an Android tablet. Congrats. Android tablets are arguably — some would say inarguably — the most versatile tablets you can buy. However, after you’ve gone …

With Microsoft soon to be — barring any regulatory rejections — in control of Nokia’s smartphone business, the software giant has an opportunity to apply Nokia’s wealth of experience to its own mobile hardware endeavors. In particular, the next version of its Surface RT tablet, rumored to be called Surface 2. Microsoft has three generations of experience making hardware with …

CNET’s Nexus 7 test unit had no problems finding and connecting to GPS satellites. Eric Franklin/CNET The new Nexus 7 is the best Android tablet yet and surpasses the iPad Mini in performance, screen clarity, and, at $229 undercuts, Apple’s mini slate by a full $100. However, as with many consumer electronics products, Google’s latest has experienced its fair share …

The release of Jelly Bean has improved the functionality of Android tablets toward a more user-friendly, productive, and fast-performing experience. The new features in Android 4.2 range from interesting to useful, but all are meant to enhance the functionality of your device. The OS includes a new interface for smoother navigating, faster access to notifications and settings, a better camera …

On July 7, Samsung will release no less than three new Galaxy Tab 3 tablets in 7-, 8-, and 10.1-inch screen sizes. The 7-incher ships with a $199 price tag and 8GB of internal storage. While both the 8-inch and 10.1-inch versions include 16GB of storage with prices at $299 and $399, respectively. Each tablet includes a (now expected) Samsung …

The Snapdragon 800 seems to represent a new level of speed for mobile processors. Here it is getting disgustingly high framerates in the 3DMark benchmark. Eric Franklin/CNET The Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 will destroy your mobile processor. Not literally, of course. I’m strictly referring to its ability to render real-time graphics so fast as to make your current mobile processor — …

Nvidia’s Android-based portable gaming device known as Shield will be released in June with a $349 price tag, the company said Tuesday. Preorders for Shield — no longer dubbed “Project Shield” — began Tuesday for those who had signed up to receive Shield updates from Nvidia. The general public can preorder Shield starting Monday, May 20. Related stories: Best Gaming …

The Nexus 7 is the most popular pure Android tablet available. How do I know? Well, data compiled by Handset Detective and a bit of clever maths by analyst Ben Evans are certainly strong indicators. But also, everyone and their mother seems to have one. Especially in the U.S., but other markets have also been strong supporters. I’d even say …

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are on a collision course of high graphical performance. We’re not at “console quality” just yet, but every few months or so performance seems to take a giant leap forward. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is the latest mobile graphics prodigy, and while our full review will answer whether it’s ultimately worth your money, I’m …

Your Android tablet sucks. At least compared with what’s coming. Later this year we’ll see the release of three new Systems on Chip (SoC). SoC is simply the name used for the collection of silicon that makes up the brains of the tablet and includes the CPU, GPU (graphics processing unit), onboard memory, and other processors. The new chips will …