Sony has announced that it is developing two new Android Honeycomb-based ‘Sony Tablet' touchscreen devices, which will be available in the market later this year.
"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 two devices, the S1, which is designed for rich media content and entertainment, and the S2, designed for mobile communication and entertainment are equipped with both Wi-Fi and are 3G and 4G compatible.
The S1 has a 9.4-inch display and an off-centre of gravity design to help make the tablet easy to grip and comfortable to use.
The dual-screen S2 has two 5.5-inch displays and can be folded in half for transportation. The two screens can be used simultaneously as one large screen, or they can be split to do two separate functions, such as showing video in one screen and the control buttons in the other.
The dual-screen S2 has two 5.5-inch displays and can be folded in half for transportation. The two screens can be used simultaneously as one large screen, or they can be split to do two separate functions, such as showing video in one screen and the control buttons in the other.
Both run off Android 3.0 or Honeycomb, designed for tablet devices.
"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 vice president, Mobile, Google Inc.
The Sony Tablet devices are designed for use with existing Sony networks, including Qriocity1 for music and video services, PlayStation Suite for gaming and Reader Store2 for eBook content.
Through the tablets, users can control home entertainment devices; the S1 uses infrared technology and works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices, including the Bravia series.
Both devices also feature DLNA functionality, so users can throw personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.