Electronics giant Sony today announced a pair of new tablet devices that will come running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), Google's tablet-optimized version of its open operating system.
The new media tablets are code named S1 and S2. Sony says both tablets are Wi-Fi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible. The S1 has a 9.4-inch display with a form factor that is thicker at the top and more narrow at the bottom. Sony claims the S1's "off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip."
The S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded in a clamshell design. Complete specs on the tablets were limited and pricing was unavailable. Sony said the tablets will be available "late in 2011."
"Sony Tablet delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time," said Kunimasa Suzuki, corporate executive, senior vice president and deputy president of consumer products & services group, in a statement. "We're aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including 'Sony Tablet' with content and network," he said.
Sony appears to be touting these new tablets as the next step in wireless integration of all its electronics. The company envisions users controlling home entertainment devices through the tablets. The S1 uses infrared technology and works as a universal remote control for a variety of AV devices. Also, through DLNA functionality on the tablet, users can "throw" personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.
In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called "Qriocity," which connects many of Sony's network-enabled devices, and it has been expanding its services into global markets.
Check out a teaser video for the S1 and S2 below: