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Apple<\/a> is doing a fine job keeping shush about the tablet computer<\/a> it has been working on for several years and which is due to be announced later this month in California. <\/p>\nBut just in case anyone was still in doubt about its imminent launch, France T\u00e9l\u00e9com \/ Orange<\/a> executive St\u00e9phane Richard<\/a> this morning confirmed on air<\/a> that the device is to debut in the ‘next couple of days’.<\/p>\n Richard, number two at the telecommunication services giant, told French journalist Jean-Pierre Elkabbach that the tablet would soon make its entry into the market, and that it will be equipped with a webcam (gasp!).<\/p>\n Here’s how the relevant part of the conversation went:<\/p>\n Jean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> Selon Le Point … l\u2019hebdomadaire Le Point, dans quelques jours votre partenaire Apple va lancer une tablette … Which translates to:<\/p>\n Jean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> According to weekly Le Point, in a couple of days Apple will be launching its tablet computer … Richard was clearly caught off guard, and it’s always fun when such a thing happens on video. The segment, available on NowhereElse.fr<\/a>, is evidently in French, but if you want to listen in on the relevant part of the chat you can skip to the 6:10 mark.<\/p>\n For your reference: France T\u00e9l\u00e9com is one of the world’s largest telecommunication services companies. The company owns Orange Group<\/a>, the fifth largest telecom operator on the planet and primarily active in Europe and Africa. <\/p>\n France T\u00e9l\u00e9com, through its Orange subsidiary, currently offers the iPhone in some 28 countries and territories. In September 2009, Orange UK announced<\/a> that it had reached an agreement with Apple to bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers, bringing an end to the two-year exclusive agreement between Apple and O2.<\/p>\n In short, it’s an Apple partner whose management would be aware of plans to bring its new tablet computer to market. Anyone still in doubt over its existence?<\/p>\n Crunch Network<\/em><\/strong>: CrunchGear<\/a> <\/em>drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.<\/p>\n\n
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Oui.
\nJean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> … dot\u00e9e d\u2019une webcam.
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Oui.
\nJean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> Est-ce que les usagers d\u2019Orange en b\u00e9n\u00e9ficieront aussi?
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Bien s\u00fbr!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Yes.
\nJean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> … equipped with a webcam.
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Yes.
\nJean-Pierre Elkabbach:<\/strong> Are Orange customers going to be able to enjoy it?
\nSt\u00e9phane Richard:<\/strong> Of course! <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n