Argos to launch MyTablet device tomorrow

Argos’ MyTablet device is aimed at teenagers and has been designed for education and play.

The seven-inch device costs £99.99 and comes with free pre-loaded games and apps, including the Argos app and Angry Birds, and it is enabled for internet browsing, TV, music, video streaming and social networking.

The device works on Google’s Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 operating system, allowing users to access apps through Google Play.

The launch of the device comes after Tesco last month unveiled its seven-inch Hudl tablet for £119 in a bid to cater for the family market.

Argos managing director John Walden said: “Millions of people have bought tablets during the last year but there is still about 75% of the UK population without one. We know that tablets will feature heavily on Christmas lists this year.

“Customers have never had such a good-quality tablet at such an affordable price. At just £99.99 the Argos MyTablet is highly competitive with a great specification, and fits neatly in the range of tablets we have on offer.”

MyTablet, which is available in pink or silver, is powered by a 1.6GHz dual core processor and has a LCD glass screen and 8GB of memory, which can expand to 32GB with a memory card. It also has a two-megapixel, rear-facing camera, as well as a front-facing camera, which Argos hopes people will use to Skype.

According to the retailer, research showed  the most popular uses for tablets include playing games, social networking, listening to music, homework and sending emails.

Technology expert and TV presenter David McClelland said: “I’m in no doubt that Argos’ MyTablet will be snapped up this Christmas. It has great functionality, speed and memory with a good range of apps for the price.

“I expect teenagers will love the social tools, while the pre-loaded parental controls fill a gap in the market for parents who want to know that their younger children are secure online.”