Polaroid announces Mexican Android tablets with TV antennas

I am young enough to never have watched TV on a set with rabbit ear antennas. All of my TV watching has happened by cable or satellite. Believe it or not, many people still watch TV using over-the-air antennas. This is done for a number of reasons, but most recently, cord cutters have made it popular. Proponents of over-the-air TV will be quick to tell you that the HDTV can actually be better because it is uncompressed, unlike cable.

Apparently, OTA TV broadcasts are still very popular in Mexico. Today, Polaroid announces new tablets with integrated telescoping TV antennas for that country. Is this a cool new feature or a relic of the past, being retrofitted on new technology?

"Polaroid is providing consumers in Mexico with a new way to watch TV on-the-go with their new tablet line. The line marks the first tablets to feature ATSC receivers able to receive digital or HD TV in Mexico, allowing consumers to enjoy access 'out-of-the-box' to their favorite TV shows, newscasts and sporting events, such as this summer's FIFA World Cup, anywhere so they’ll never miss a minute of the action", says Polaroid.

Polaroid President and CEO, Scott W. Hardy says "we are excited to introduce consumers to a new way to view and share content anywhere using our Polaroid tablets. Today's world is all about instant gratification and sharing those experiences whether in person or online. Polaroid is a part of that on every level. Consumers can use our affordable tablet line to take pictures, browse the web and watch TV anywhere and share those experiences with family and friends. We are providing consumers with quality tablet options that ensure they will never miss a moment from the big game or their favorite shows, no matter where they are".

The company lists the following specs:

• The Polaroid PMID1000DC tablet features a 10.1 inch LED HD screen for the ultimate TV viewing experience while on-the-go. The tablet runs on the Android 4.2.2 operating system and features a Dual Core 1.6GHz processor. Additionally, the device comes equipped with 8GB of internal storage and an interior antenna, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a dual front 0.3MP and a rear 2MP camera.
• The Polaroid PMID700BF tablet features a 7 inch HD screen for crisp, clear pictures and is equipped with an additional antenna for the best digital TV reception. The tablet runs on the Android 4.1 operating system and features a Dual Core 1.5GHz processor. Additionally, the device comes equipped with 8GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a dual front 0.3MP and a rear 2MP camera for taking great pictures wherever you are. The PMID700BF is also available in dark gray and gold models.
• The Polaroid PMID704G tablet features a 7inch HD screen and additional external antenna to stream digital TV and ensures users do not miss a minute of the action. The Android 4.2.2 enabled tablet offers a Dual Core 1.5GHz processor, Wi-Fi connectivity, 8GB of internal storage, and a 2MP rear and 0.3MP front camera.
• The Polaroid PMID703C is a 7 inch capacitive, multi-touch device that includes an additional external antenna to stream digital TV and ensures users do not miss a minute of the action. The Android 4.1 enabled tablet offers a Dual Core 1.5GHz processor, Wi-Fi connectivity, 8GB of internal storage, and a front camera.

Hopefully the antennas are sturdy. These collapsible-styled antennas have historically proven easy to break. The last thing we want to see is people walking around with aluminum foil and wire clothes hangers sticking out of their tablets!

Would you be interested in something like this being sold in your country? Tell me in the comments.