Digitimes is reporting that Google is preparing to give tablet engineering samples based on Android 3.0 to its partners in December. Google partners like Acer, Asus and Micro-Star plan to introduce their tablet devices based on the engineering samples at CES 2011 in January. Handset makers Samsung, HTC and Motorola will also showcase tablets at CES based on Android 3.0, but will use their own designs.

The three main features of Android 3.0 will be improved UI, video chat/call support and VoIP calling. The new UI will have reworked notification bar, new icons, new scroll effects and minor changes to the graphics. The video chat features will be integrated in the OS like Apple has done with iOS and will offer simple video calling between devices. VoIP will also be integrated in the OS offering fully integrated voice calling functionality via Google Voice service.

Google should introduce Android 3.0 in December. Tablets and handsets based on the new OS should be introduced in January at CES 2011 and ship by end of first quarter of 2011.