Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 revealed in Android & Windows flavours

Lenovo has announced a slew of new tablets tonight, kicking off with the Yoga Tablet 2 – the company’s latest generation multimedia tablet which will be launching with a choice of screen sizes and, for the first time, operating systems. 

Taking the integrated kickstand concept first seen in the original Yoga Tablet 10 and Yoga Tablet 8, the Yoga Tablet 2 expands on it with a new Hang mode. This lets you hang your tablet safely and securely to display content virtually anywhere, but still have the option for hold, tilt and stand modes. The stand mode has been reinforced following customer feedback, keeping the tablet steady when pressing the 10-point multi-touch display.

As before, the Tablet 2 will be available in 8in and 10in screen sizes, in a choice of Ebony and Platinum colours. Whichever model you opt for, an Intel Atom processor should provide plenty of power, while dual front speakers provide clear audio when playing multimedia files. There’s also an 8-megapixel camera on the back of the device, dual-band Wi-Fi, Micro USB with OTG support for connecting third-party accessories, and Android 4.4 Kitkat running in the background. As well as Wi-Fi only models, Lenovo will also be launching versions of each device with built-in 4G connectivity, for anyone that wants to stay connected while on the move.

If you’re serious about work, the Yoga Tablet 2 with Windows includes a copy of Windows and a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 pre-loaded, with optional 4G on the 10in model.

“Our second generation YOGA Tablets give users the freedom to do more – go hands free and hang the tablet from the wall with the new Hang mode; get unparalleled sound on a tablet with loaded audio features; and choose the operating system that’s right for them – Android or Windows,” Jeff Meredith, VP of marketing for Lenovo’s mobile division, said of the launch. “All in all, the tablets give you more modes, more performance and more choice.”

The Yoga Tablet 2 8in and 10in should be on sale by tomorrow morning directly from www.lenovo.com, with European prices set at €229 and €299. That works out to roughly £180 and £235 before tax and VAT, so we’re expecting £199 and £250 here in the UK, although until we hear anything officlal those prices are unconfirmed. The Windows-powered 10in Yoga Tablet 2, meanwhile, will be launching in late October, with the 8in model following in November. Again, Euro prices are set at €249 and €399, which should mean £210 and £330 when you factor in VAT.

We’ll be taking a look at all the new models later on tonight as Lenovo’s launch event wraps up, so be sure to check back for some first impressions and more detailed specifications.