MWC19 | Alcatel's newest tablet has a stand that is also a full-sized speaker

Alcatel has launched its 3T 10 tablet at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC19). This device has a 10-inch HD screen and will run Android 9.0 (Pie) on its first boot. Google Assisant is also pre-installed on this tablet, for voice-controlled searches and functions.

Alcatel claims that the 3T 10 has DSP voice recognition, which enables the tablet to 'hear' a user's commands from up to 3 meters away. This tablet is also designed for use with the new Audio Station. This is a form of tablet stand, although it bears more resemblance to a bar-form speaker. It has playback control buttons, as well as 2 5-watt speakers.

The Station connects to the 3T 10 tablet via dedicated POGO pins, which are found on the bottom long edge from the tablet's point of view. When connected, it leans backward in its slot on the top of the Audio Station at a fairly steep angle; however, from what we have seen, the complete 2-in-1 appears to be able to stand and balance independently.

The 3T 10 can go into a 'docked' mode when installed on the Audio Station. This involves a discrete interface in which recent apps, weather information and controls for the media (e.g. music or images) on the tablet can be called up with ease.

Despite the nature of this stand, the 3T 10 also has dual front speakers. It also has a 4080mAh battery, which can be extended to the tune of up to 7 hours of audio playback when connected to the Audio Station.

The Alcatel 3T 10 will cost €179 (US$203) at launch. A tablet plus Audio Station will cost an additional €50 (about $57) as a bundle. Currently, the company has put its availability at some point “later this year”.