Tablets

Sony’s S1 and S2 Android Honeycomb Tablet Picture Gallery

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 8, 2011 | 141 comments

If after this week’s teaser video, featuring the upcoming Sony Android Honeycomb (3.0) tablets, left you wanting more, then our picture gallery will only deepen your desire for these two devices. Each tablet, unique to its own design form factor, especially the S2 with dual 5.5-inch touch LCD screens, has been caught in a pose, showing you just enough to hold your interest while still not revealing any more than Sony wants. It’s clear that Sony has taken the time to make sure each device is geared towards a specific market segment, with the S1 featuring smooth curves and large 9.4-inch screen with a curved back, aimed at spreading out the weight in order to reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Media junkies will surely appreciate Sony’s efforts as both units with be deeply integrated with Sony’s Qriocity system, offering music and video streaming. The S2, on the other hand, comes off as the perfect device for those on the go who would like a large screen when computing, but something with a small footprint when traveling. Featuring a unique dual 5.5-inch touch screen, this device might turn into a multitasker’s heaven, allowing you to write an email on one screen while keeping your browser open on the other.

Hit the jump for a gallery of photos from the Sony S1 and S2 Tablets.

Sony Releases New S1 and S2 Tablet Video Teaser (part 2)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 5, 2011 | 6 comments

We all know that Sony is looking to release two Android Honeycomb tablets this fall. Outside of the previous teaser video, we’ve even managed to catch the S2 on video for a few seconds. Now the electronic giant wants you to see even more of the S1 and S2. However, if you are looking for a slew of new revealing tidbits, you will be disappointed by the new teaser video. On the other hand, if your eyes and brains are ready to be visually stimulated, then the new video, with the small reveals of different programs, including Twitter and Google Maps will leave you clicking the reply button again.

Hit the jump for the newest teaser from Sony.

First Video of the Sony Tablet S2 UI

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 30, 2011 | 23 comments

Although we know that the Sony Tablets are headed to retail store in the Fall for Europe, we have still yet to see much of them. Outside of a teaser video which is more about the concept than the device, we still don’t know much about this Android Honeycomb tablet, out side of some specs which place the S1 tablet at 9.4-inches with a more traditional design. Sony has also spent a considerable time on the weight distribution, designing the S1 for long term use and ensuring that your hands wont get tired from holding.

With the S2 which is in the video below, Sony took a different approach to the tablet design. They instead incorporated a dual 5.5-inch, clamp shell designed screen. Allowing you to have two different work spaces, great for when the need to multitask arises and even better for portability. Both tablets will also be PlayStation Suit certified, allowing them access to PSN and PlayStation One games. Bellow is a quick video of the Sony Tablet S2 UI. All be it a very short video.

Discuss:

What do you think about Sony’s ambitions with the tablet market? Do you like the dual tablet strategy with the S1 appealing to more traditional users while the S2 tries to do something different then the iPad or Samsung Galaxy.

[Via Androidpit]

Sony Releases New S1 and S2 Tablet Video Teasers

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 17, 2011 | 2 comments

A new video from Sony, mixes a little inspiration from LittleBigPlanet and your bordem from when you were 6 years old to show off their Honeycomb (Android 3.0) S1 and S2 tablets. As entertaining of a watch that the video is and it truly is beautiful in terms, there is really absolutely nothing new revealed here. Still, a recommended watch while we can hope that future videos from Sony will help set the tablet apart from other Android tablets. Because at the end of the day, what makes an iPad is the software that Apple has created, not fancy videos and what makes the Blackberry Playbook stand out is again the difference in the OS.

What do you think. Do you enjoy creative and artful teaser videos or would you prefer for Sony to get down to business and reveal the OS?

(Thanks to our tipster Chrisdian)

Sony to Release S1 and S2 Android Tablets in September for Europe?

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2011 | 7 comments

If recent rumors are to believed, then Sony is looking to release the S1 and S2 Android 3.0 Tablets in September for Europe with a an August pre-order date. During the initial announcement of these PlayStation Suite certified devices, which means they can run PlayStation and potentially PS2 games, Sony had indicated that they were aiming for a Summer release date, and with the recent tragedies in Japan, we are damn impressed that they are so close to their initial timeline. With the S1 Honycomb Tablet recently hitting the FCC, we know that, as far as Sony is concerned, these devices are ready for public release, hence them being turned in for Federal regularity checks. After that, it’s a matter of turning on the factories and building an inventory, which is what the next few months will more than likely be dedicated to. The FCC finding revealed that the S1 (and more than likely S2) comes with a WCDMA bands II, indicating a compatibility with AT&T and T-Mobile for the US, which is the same standard that Europe and many other countries use (sorry Verizon and Sprint fans).

Although we have yet to see what the UI on these tablets will be like, from what you’ve seen so far, what do you think? Do you like the different design approach that Sony is taking? Especially with the S2?

[Via Engadget]

Some Details Leaked on Sony’s S1 Honeycomb Tablet

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 8, 2011 | 27 comments

We know that this fall, Sony will be shipping two different tablets out: the S1 and S2. However, specifics of both devices have eluded us until now. Though it’s not much to go by, we know that the S1 Honeycomb tablet from Sony will be PlayStation Certified, allowing it to run PlayStation and potentially PlayStation 2 games. What’s more, due to an FCC filing for the device, is that we can now also reveal that tablet will come with a 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi and WCDMA bands II and V radios, making it ready for AT&T and potentially T-Mobile (though that might not matter as much, seeing how AT&T is trying to buy T-Mobile). Designed with a custom-made “Quick and Smooth” UI and “Swift” web browser, this 3G variant tablet (SGPT113JP/S and SGPT114JP/S) will also have have a Wi-Fi counterpart as well with model numbers SGPT112US/S, SGPT112CA/S, SGPT111US/S, and SGPT111CA/S.

[Via FCC]

Sony S1 and S2 Tablet Size Comparison

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 29, 2011 | 6 comments

With two new Sony Tablets headed towards us for a Summer release, we all natural want to know about them, like specs and offerings. Though we have some information in regards to the S1 and S2 tablet, there still hasn’t been a whole lot of details released. However, one detail that we can indeed show you is the size of these devices. Many times, just saying that the S1 comes with a 9.4-inch screen or that the S2 will come with a hybrid, dual 5.5 inch display might be meaningless unless you actually saw it in use and not in just a press release shot. The above photo is of the S1 while after the break, you will find a picture of the more interestingly designed S2, which should give you a good idea about their size and form factor. What do you guys think about the new designs? Is the hybrid dual 5.5-inch screen interesting to you?

Meet the Sony Freestyle Hybrid Touchscreen PC/Tablet and the Ultimate Mobile PC

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 26, 2011 | 19 comments

If you thought last nights Sony Tablet surprises were the only thing out of the Japanese electronic giant, then you haven’t heard the whole story. After the tablet presentation was done, Sony also showed off two new concept VAIO computers that are going to be coming to the market sooner then later. Though spec are still unknown, what we do know is this. The first which is called the The Freestyle Hybrid PC is more a PC Tablet like device. With a full touchscreen display and Windows OS (though we are not sure which), this seems to be the answer for those who want to work on the go with a Tablet. The other is called the Ultimate Mobile PC that comes with a 13.3-inch screen and follows in a more traditional laptop design. Both units are believed to be utilizing Intels Atom Processors. If those details seem scarce, that’s because they are. There isn’t really a whole lot of information to go off of, beyond what we have just reported. More to come as Sony releases more information.

[Via ITMedia]

Sony Announces Two New Android 3.0 Honeycomb Tablets, The S1 and S2. We Have Pictures, a Video and Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 25, 2011 | 5 comments

After much speculation, Sony during a press event in Tokyo announced two new Android 3.0 (Honeycomb, the build that Google actually deems ready for tablets) for a Summer release. Previously under the codename of S1 and S2 which they still hold until an official name is given, both tablets will be rocking the expected Wifi but will also come with a 3G and 4G variant. A front and rear facing camera is also standard on both models. These new media based tablets are going to be primarily powered by Sony’s services such as Qriocity for unlimited music and video streaming, as well as the PlayStation Suit which will bring PSone classics to the tablet and finally, Sony’s Reader platform which currently powers the companies eBook readers.

“‘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.

As mentioned, Sony will be releasing two units. The S1 which is the more typical tablet design will come with a 9.4-inch screen while the S2, which is the more clamshell design will be sporting two 5.5-inch displays which can be used together as one large screen to “browse websites and more”. This dual screen will also allow users to multitask like never before be using one screen to watch a video, while typing on another or while reading an email while the bottom screen turns into a keyboard. Another interesting feature will be that both tablets will have infered ports, allowing you to control home A/V equipment, like a Sony Bravia television. Through DLNA, Sony’s tablets will allow users to stream music to wireless speakers and video to their television set. There’s currently no mentions of other specs and prices though we can expect that to change very quickly.

“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.

Hit the jump for one more picture and a teaser video of the device.

Sony Ericsson to Release LTE Device “Pretty Soon”, Could Be the Sony S1 Tablet?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2011 | 9 comments

Little is still known about the Sony’s Tablet ambitions outside of the few facts that we’ve reported. Still, it’s interesting to see Sony Ericsson CTO Jan Uddenfeldt talk about the future of the company and mention LTE devices and Tablets in the same conversation. As Uddenfeldt mentioned, Sony Ericsson is looking at bringing LTE devices to the market “pretty soon”, with a focus on the US market. The first of their goals was reached with the Android assault of phones, ranging from the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, Play, Neo and Pro that are set to be released in the US in the next few months. Secondly, Sony Ericsson wanted a partner in the US this time around and their partnership with Google helped them secure deals with Verizon who is getting the Xperia Play exclusive. This is actually quite a big step for Sony as prior to this, their phones would get released in the US with no carrier support. This meant that consumers who actually wanted their devices had to hunt down the few select locations that sold them. Once found, because of the lack of carrier support, the phones would be at full price, instead of the usual carrier subsidized price with a two year contract.

Now with multiple handsets on their way to the US market with carrier partners, Sony is discussing their LTE ambitions as well. With Sony already having TD-LTE prototypes in house, they expect to release LTE devices “pretty soon” though no exact time frame was given. However, what might be even a bigger news is the fact that Uddenfeldt mentioned a collaboration between between Sony and Android on future tablets. Could this mean that the Sony S1 tablet is actually a collaboration between Sony and Ericsson? If their new handsets are any indication, this would make perfect sense. Especially if you consider that tablets are designed around the idea of connectivity, outside of WiFi offering. With Sony Ericsson, Sony can offer 3G, 4G and LTE variations with carrier support to ensure their product has a healthy network connectivity behind it. Outside of that, not much more was given from the Sony Ericsson CTO.

[Via Fierce Wireless]

Breaking: First Sony Android Tablet News Emerge, Codename S1

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2011 | 14 comments

With only Apple’s iPad on the market, (Sorry Samsung but you Galaxy S is not real competition) the tablet sector is already feeling crowded, with every major electronic company in the last two months announcing some form of up coming tablet. The problem and reason for these delays include that Android is still not yet designed for Tablets. Of course, all of this will change, once Android 3.0 comes out but till then, you either have to create subpar experiences ling Samsung has and use a version of Android that Google itself admits was not meant for tablets. Or you can wait like the other companies till Google actually gives you the tools you need to create something compelling.

With every other major electronic company announcing some kind of tablet ambition and or future release, Sony has been curiously quite on the front. The company has on several occasions hinted at a Sony tablet but we have yet to get a sense of the companies plans till now. Sony is said to be using a wide range of its engineering teams, bringing in people from the VAIO, Reader, Sony Ericsson and PlayStation divisions to help built what’s been described as “cutting edge” tablet. With Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) running under the hood, this 9.4-inch tablet is believed to be released under a new title from Sony, instead of relying on current brand names like VAIO. On top of what Honeycomb will provider to companies, Sony is said to be building a custom tailored UI, centered around media, with Sony’s own Qriocity service playing a dominant roll, much like Apple’s iPad and iTunes. This of course makes perfect sense with Qriocity providing Movies, Shows and Music, Sony also has its own ebook store and game offerings with PSN. With the recent announcement of the PlayStation Suit coming to Android devices, including tablets, we can’t but think with the inclusion of PlayStation engineers onboard the S1 (Sony’s current internal name) that Sony wants to create a compelling entertainment experience.

Sony Making a Vaio Tablet After All?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 21, 2010 | 6 comments

Just last week, we ran a story about how Sony didn’t want to create a tablet, stating that they didn’t want to be the “24th tablet maker out there”. Considering that tablet is the new thing in the tech industry and with the sales of the iPad, it’s no surprise that everybody wants a piece of the action but we were glad that Sony was going to stay out of it for the time being. Well, could that have just been a smoke screen? Because according to the FCC filing just made today by a VAIO Business Group representative, Sony is looking to bring a few tablets into the market with, the PCG-31211L, PCG-31311L, PCG-312xxL. The only information we know is that these units will be WiFi-only with 802.11b/g plus single band n. There is no further picture of the device, though January 20th is when the rest of the information will be published on the FCC website, indicating a CES 2011 reveal.

[Via FCC]