Earlier in October this year, Taiwan-based Asus announced the PadFone 2, a follow-up to its original PadFone, and disclosed that the smartphone-tablet hybrid would be available before year end in select European and Asian markets. Now, per reports, the PadFone 2 is making its way to the German market on Dec. 1.

The PadFone 2, like most follow-up devices is an improvement on its predecessor. At the time of the launch, Asus announced that the PadFone 2 would be available in several European countries, which include Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. The Asian countries which are slated to get the device are: Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and UAE. Asus also let on that the device would be available before December end.

If the circulating reports are authentic, then Germany would be the first to get the device with other countries following suit. According to German Web site Inside-Handy, the PadFone 2 will be released in Germany on Dec. 1.

"The Asus PadFone 2 is implemented from 1 December exclusively at base available as E-Plus confirmed. Like its predecessor, can be the new 2-in-1 device either rented at a monthly price of 34 euros, or purchased at a fixed price of 799 euros. Requirement in both cases is the conclusion of a 24-month contract at a base shop," reported Inside-Handy (translated).

With the German launch on the cards, a strong possibility exists that other countries will also get the PadFone 2 within December. However, reports have suggested that consumers in the UK may have to wait a little longer than their European counterparts as the device is expected to hit the shelves "early next year."

Asus' UK technical PR Adam King had told TechRadr that "We will definitely be getting it early next year. As to [exactly] when I can't say, but we'll hopefully have some more details before the end of this year." Asus did not divulge any details for the PadFone 2's U.S. launch, so it may be a while before the device reaches the country.

The 4.7-inch PadFone 2 will be available in two variants i.e. 32GB and 64GB for €799 and €899, respectively. In Germany, per the Inside-Handy report, the device will be available on-contract from carrier E-Plus for free on plans that start from €34 per month. Additionally, an unlocked version will also be available for consumers.