Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sony plans to launch two Tablets this year, and targeting No.2 position as Tablet Maker.


Sony Inc. has announced that it will release two Tablets this year. They are code named as S1 and S2. So, the number of iPad competitors is increasing steadily.

The S1 is a slate-style tablet computer with a 9.4-inch touchscreen display that is thick on one end and tapers.

The S2 is a shell-shaped device that opens and closes, with two 5.5-inch touch-screen displays.

These devices will be launched at different times in different markets.

And, these two devices will also come with wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G services. Sony did not specify which mobile carriers it plans to work with, and offered no details on pricing.


Tokyo-based Sony said it will run the Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" operating system, which was created specifically for tablet computers. The company showed how the tablet would enable fast web browsing and would be capable of playing PlayStation-quality videogames.

Both devices will run Nvidia Inc.'s Tegra 2 processors.

"'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 of Sony.

Sony faces an uphill climb in the tablet computer market, already dominated by Apple's iPad. Sony has said it aims to establish itself as the No. 2 tablet maker after Apple by 2012.

'Sony Tablet' features

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(Network platform of Sony) 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™Store2 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.

Check out the video on the two new Sony tablets here below.












Sony is last among the world’s top 10 laptop makers to unveil tablet plans, aiming to capitalize on surging demand for a product category that expects growth of $49 billion by 2015. The late entry of Sony may undermine the company’s ability to challenge Samsung’s Galaxy Tab or the iPad.

Apple had launched its first version of the industry-leading iPad in April 2010 itself. i-e One year back itself.

BBC says,
The strength of the Sony name will likely help the electronics giant to gain some traction in the fragmented tablet market.
Faced with scores of similar devices running the same Android software, recognised brands have become an important way of differentiating quality.
And, BBC is highlighted that Sony Tablet is announced as pure Sony instead of Sony Ericson.

Anyway, as Sony is going to use Google Android, we can expect fast growth for Sony Tablets.

What do you think about it? You can share your thoughts thro' the comments and you can take this poll.
















And, how you are seeing this competition?
As a competition between Apple and Sony?
Or, as a competition between Japan company and US company?
Or, as a competition between Apple iOS and Google Android?
Or, as a competition between Apple and Google ?
Or, as a Competition between beginner and late entry?
Or, as a Competition between Open Source and Proprietary mobile OS?

You can share your thoughts thro' the comments.

Find below the research firm Gartner's forecast.

Global sales of tablet devices are expected to quadruple to about 294 million units between 2011 and 2015, with almost half of that Android-based.

Yahoo Finance has reported about Sony as,

Sony, once a symbol of Japan's high-tech might, has seen its share price slide in the past decade as it struggled to keep up with rivals. Helped by its success in TVs and other products, Samsung's market capitalisation of some $134 billion dwarfs Sony's $30 billion market value.

Even when Sony which is inventor of Walkman has good Brad name, many people are saying that Sony Tablet will fail as Apple may sue Sony for using its idea.

And, recent shut down of Sony Play Station due to hacking attach also gives some negative impression for the Sony.

Anyway, Sony has emphasised the need to differentiate its tablet from rivals, even if that takes time for getting released.

S1 or S2?

You can take this poll.















According to TechCruch S2 will be forced behind the S1. I has reported as,
Even less is known about the S2; it didn’t even get its own picture. It has to hide there behind big brother S1. The two 1,024 x 480 screens “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.” Sounds all right on paper, but we’ll have to wait until a hands-on before we can say whether it’s a spiritual successor to the (potentially) beloved Courier, or just a gimmick. Unfortunately, two small screens probably aren’t cheaper than one big one
SONY S1 SPECSSONY S2 SPECS
Android 3.0 HoneycombAndroid 3.0 Honeycomb
9.4-inch screenTwo 5.5-inch screens
1280 x 800 resolutionTwo 1024 x 480 pixel displays
512MB RAMRAM unknown
32GB memoryMemory unknown
NVIDIA Tegra 2 processorNVIDIA Tegra 2 processor
Front and rear camerasBook-style layout
WiFi and 3G/4G compatibleWiFi and 3G/4G compatible
Work as remote control on Sony products-
Price and release date unknownPrice and release date unknown


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