Sony Tablet Coming with Android to Offer More Fun

Sony Corporation has announced “Sony Tablet” that delivers a combination of hardware, content and network with seamless usability for an engaging entertainment experience.

The company is developing two tablets: S1 (codename) which is optimized for rich media entertainment and S2 (codename) which is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment.

“Sony Tablet” will become available in the global market starting in fall 2011. It was announced today, April 26.

Earlier, Sony Ericsson and Major League Gaming (MLG), the world’s leading professional video game league and provider of cross platform online video game competition, announced a partnership making Xperia PLAY the official mobile handset of Major League Gaming. (Read: Sony Ericsson Offers Xperia PLAY to Gamers)

In a similar mobile gaimg initiative, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) has announced its next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP), which aims to deliver the portable entertainment experience. NGP will make its debut at the end of this year, 2011. (Read: Sony to Target Portable Gaming Market with NGP)

“‘Sony Tablet’ delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. We’re aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including ‘Sony Tablet’ with content and network,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, corporate executive, SVP, and deputy president of Consumer Products & Services Group.

The device is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 which is designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. Both tablets are Wi-Fi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible and users can not only browse the internet or check e-mail but they can also smoothly access digital content including videos, games and books through Sony’s network services and more, on-the-go at any time.

“Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I’m excited about “Sony Tablet” as it will further spur the development of applications and network offerings which users are looking for,” said Andy Rubin, senior VP, Mobile, Google Inc.

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, says the company.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its 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.