Sony Joins the Tablet Race with S1 and S2 Android 3.0 Based Tablets

Submitted by lalit on April 26, 2011 - 12:50pm.

Sony announced their new “Sony Tablet” brand that will initially bring two new tablets, including tablets codenamed S1, which is optimized for rich media consumption and S2, which is designed for mobile communications and entertainment. The new tablets are based on Android 3.0 and will come with WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) for wireless connectivity.

S1 has a 9.4-inch display for enjoying the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented dual screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other.

According to Sony the main features of the new Tablets will be:

  • Designed for portability and intuitive gripping: With its off-center of gravity form factor, the 9.4-inch S1 offers stability and a sense of lightness, offering comfortable use for hours. The dual screen S2 comes with two 5.5-inch displays, which can be used together as one large screen to browse websites and more. They can also be used for different functions as users can watch a video on one screen and input commands on the other, or check email on one screen and use the other as a soft keyboard.
  • Seamless Usability and Performance: Through Sony’s knowhow for combining hardware and software, “Sony Tablet” realizes optimal usability and performance. Because of Sony’s rapid response technologies, users can perform smooth, quick touch-screen operations and enjoy fast and efficient website loading. The keyboard arrangement is also optimized for the large screen, making email and SNS communication a breeze.
  • Rich entertainment experiences through various network services: Through Qriocity music and video services, users can enjoy rich video and music content. Also, through PlayStation Suite, users can immerse themselves in high quality first generation PlayStation titles. Additionally, users can easily download ebook content from Reader Store and use both tablets as digital reading devices. The integration with various services allows users to take their entertainment experiences on-the-go. Furthermore, “Sony Tablet” is equipped with functionality that organizes content for easy access.
  • Remote access functionality with AV devices: Through “Sony Tablet”, users can control home entertainment devices as well as enjoy content in new ways. S1 uses infrared technology and works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices starting with BRAVIA. Users can perform functions like turning on their TVs, changing the channel and adjusting the volume. Also, through DLNA functionality on “Sony Tablet”, users can “throw” personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.

Both the Sony Tablets S1 and S2 will ship in Fall 2011. No word on price yet. You can check out the introductory video of the new tablets below.