Sony is the latest manufacturer to throw in its hat in the tablet arena with the 9.4-inch S1 and the dual screened S2. Both devices will run Honeycomb, Google’s Tablet OS. The 9.4-inch S1 is tailored to be more of a multimedia tablet, and as such is designed like a wedge to facilitate better handling. There’s also an IR transmitter built into the S1, which will allow it to control other devices in the house like TVs and the like. The S1 is Playstation Certified, meaning its part of a new program from Sony Computer Entertainment that extends the PlayStation gaming platform to other devices.
The S2 meanwhile, has two 5.5 inch screens (ala a DS) and is small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s also PlayStation Certified, meaning its focus is more of a gaming device, with the top part of the screen handling the graphics and the bottom facilitating the controls. The two screen design also makes it a natural candidate for an e-reader app that you can actually use like a book.
“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.
Potential users will be able to download music and other media through Sony’s Qriocityservice, which connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices. There’s no word on pricing and firm release date however.