Samsung Galaxy Note 8 gets US launch date

The company's latest 8-inch tablet, conceived as a direct competitor to the iPad Mini will go on sale in the US on April 11.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks on stage before the new product introduction in Cupertino, California. (AP Photo)

news

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks on stage before the new product introduction in Cupertino, California. (AP Photo)

The food preparation team sit down to eat at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012. Google employees have prepared meals made for them free of charge everyday. Reuters/Mark Blinch

The food preparation team sit down to eat at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012. Google employees have prepared meals made for them free of charge everyday. Reuters/Mark Blinch

The company claims it offers best-in-class multimedia performance in its size segment and that, thanks to its built-in IR blaster, serves as a universal remote control. Upon its US launch it will also be the first Samsung product to feature WatchON, a search and recommendation service aimed at users looking for the second screen experience. It is supposed to make finding content -- whether traditional programming, web clips or on-demand shows -- simple and clear, therefore eliminating the need to constantly channel surf.

On top of the standard $399.99 device, the first US buyers will also receive 50GB of free dropbox storage (valid for two years), a month of free Samsung Music Hub music streaming plus, for a limited time only, a $25 Google Play credit that they can use to buy Android apps. Samsung is offering a similar bundled deal in the UK where it is also scheduled to launch this week. However, British buyers will have to part with £339 ($500) for the same product as their US counterparts.

Google employee Andrea Janus takes a picture with her phone as her co-worker Tracy McNeilly looks on at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012. Reuters/Mark Blinch

Google employee Andrea Janus takes a picture with her phone as her co-worker Tracy McNeilly looks on at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012. Reuters/Mark Blinch