The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) organization is currently prepping its next-gen XO-3 tablet, which could feature solar charging, satellite Internet and external keyboard capabilities.
All three of the above-mentioned features – if included – may be implemented via a specially designed rubber cover used to protect the device.
The XO-3 will also include a camera on top of the screen (placed inside the display bezel), a microphone (in the bezel, under the screen), along with USB 2.0 ports and a headphone jack on the sides of the device.
In addition, OLPC is eyeing a hybrid e-ink/LCD display capable of rendering full-motion video.
The ARM-powered device is slated to run Android, Linux or Chrome, as OLPC founder Nicholas Negroponte told IDG News the organization had lost interest in Windows 8.
Interestingly enough, Negroponte also seemed to claim (some) credit for Microsoft’s decision to develop an ARM-friendly version of Windows 8 – as he supposedly suggested such a move back in March 2009.
“Microsoft had to make that move,” said Negroponte. “I told Craig Mundie he would have to do it in two years. He said ‘absolutely no, never.’ [Well], it was two years to the week.”
Despite the rather the ambitious specs, Negroponte insisted the XO-3 – due in 2012 – will still be priced under $100.
[Via PC World]
