Sony has joined those in the tablet game with the announcement of a pair of units so far only revealed as S1 and S2.

 “Sony Tablet” is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 which is designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. Both tablets are WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible and users can not only browse the internet or check e-mail but can also access digital content including videos, games and books through Sony’s premium network services and more, on-the-go at any time.

S1 has a 9.4-inch display for viewing the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-centre of gravity design is said to ‘realize stability and ease of grip’ and to give a better sense of stability and lightness. To me at least, this will be a bonus as I personally find the iPad too heavy.

 S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its dual screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other. Now this is a very neat idea and it will be interesting to see if the general public goes for this novel and frankly clever idea.

S1 and S2 (sorry I keep getting mental images of bananas), also leverage Sony’s investment in Qriocity which connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices, and has been expanding its services into global markets. This places Sony mores squarely head-to-head against Apple with its iTunes. Since Apple is apparently having a squabble with developers over a 30% fee for subscriptions to certain apps, it will be interesting to see if Sony opens up Qriocity in the same way for Android developed apps.

There are no prices available as yet, but as soon as we know, we’ll pass it on. I have also asked Sony to try and get a review unit or two.

By David Hague

David is the owner and publisher of AusCam Online. He has a background in media dating back to 1979 when he first got involved with photojournalism in motorsport, and went from there into technology via a 5 year stint with Tandy Computers. Following that, he ran a software distribution company on the Gold Coast and was one of the first to recognise the potential of Microsoft Windows.

Moving back to WA, David wrote scripts for Computer Television for video training for the just released Windows and Office 95 among others, and was then lured to Sydney to create web sites for the newly commercial Internet in 1995, building hundreds of sites under contract to OzEmail including Coates Hire, Hertz Queensland, John Williamson, the NSW Board of Studies and many, many more.

He went back into full time journalism as the Managing Editor for Channel 7's 'Gadget Guy', Peter Blasina's publications VideoCamera and Pixelmag, before starting Australasian Camcorder magazine when these publications were shelved. He lives at Sydney's Avalon Beaches nearly on the ocean front with dog Budweiser and in his spare time is a nut for motor sport, road safety, fishing, science fiction - especially Dr Who - and technology.

David can be contacted via david@auscamonline.com