Google may sell tablet computers to boost Android use

Google, looking to boost use of its Android operating system, plans to sell its own tablet computers later this year, a news report says. The search giant, which has normally stuck to producing software when it comes to the smartphone and tablet markets, will make a stronger push by selling tablets itself, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The move comes as tablets powered by Android have failed to put a dent on the market dominated by Apple's iPad. Google will sell the tablets through an online store that the tech company has yet to announce. The store is expected to be similar to the ones used by Apple and Amazon, according to the Journal's report. Although Google will take over the distribution part of the process, it is expected to will leave the manufacturing of the tablets to its partners. The Journal said Google probably would likely rely on Samsung Electronics Co. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. to produce the machines. It isn't the first time Google would try such a strategy. It unsuccessfully tried to do something similar in the smartphone market with the Nexus One Android phone in 2010.