Sony today unveiled the Sony Tablet S, its first Android tablet. It introduces a number of rather unique features that should help it distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded Android tablet market.
One such feature is the asymmetric design meant to allow it to be held or carried in portrait or landscape mode for long periods of time. The screen also slopes when placed on a flat surface to enhance visibility and make typing more comfortable. Another is the support for Sony’s network entertainment services which include Video Unlimited (as a partial service initially with the full service following in October), PlayStation certification with support for classic PSone and PSP games, the Reader Store by Sony, Personal Space, a free service that lets users share pictures and videos captured on the Sony Tablet S (as well as access albums created on other devices), and cross-device functionality that lets users “throw” pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions and music to compatible speakers and act as a remote control for other home entertainment devices.
Sony Tablet S specifications:
- Processor: Dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2
- Operating system: Google Android 3.1
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Display: 9.4-inch LCD (1280 x 800)
- Input: Capacitive touchscreen
- Storage: 16GB or 32 GB onboard / SD cards
- Rear-facing camera: 5MP
- Front-facing camera: VGA
- Connectors: micro-USB
- Weight: 590 grams
The Sony Tablet S is now available for pre-order and will go on sale in September. The 16GB version will sell for $500 and the 32GB one for $600 in both Canada and the US.
Update: The Sony Tablet S will launch in Canada on September 16th.