Sony Unveils Two Tablet Contenders

Both devices, codenamed S1 and S2, have many elements in common, but their design is very different. The S1 is a slate-style tablet, with a 9.4-inch touch screen display and a distinctive edge that tapers, while the S2 is a shell-shaped device that opens and closes and features two 5.5-inch touch screen displays.

Tokyo-based Sony reports both devices will run Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system created specifically for tablets, offer Wi-Fi or 3G/4G wireless connectivity, and boasts faster Web browsing. The devices will run Nvidia's Tegra 2 processors, making them capable of playing PlayStation-quality videogames.

"We've tried to expand the possibilities of a tablet," said Kunimasa Suzuki, deputy president of Sony's Consumer Products and Services Group.

With its new tablet efforts, the company also stated that it wants to establish itself as the number-two tablet maker, behind Apple, by 2012.

But hitting that target will be challenging for Sony, especially since Apple's original iPad debut, and domated, the market a year ago. Beyond the iPad 2, other tablets -- like the Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, RIM PlayBook, and a smattering of lower-end options from Asus and Acer -- are already crowding the sandbox.

With estimates that the tablet market may be worth $49 billion by 2015, there is a powerful incentive to try for even a slice of that pie.

The S1 also features two cameras, as well as infrared technology to allow control of AV devices, including Sony's Bravia TV line. The tablet will enable users to "throw" audio and visual tablet content over to HDTV or wireless speakers, similar to Apple's AirPlay technology.

The S2's dual foldable screens provide flexibility and simultaneous use. For example, the email app uses the bottom screen as a keyboard while the top displays the message, a functionality that may translate well to the PlayStation device controls.

The features of both offerings indicate a leaning towards entertainment use, but also connect to Sony's cloud-based networks of content, including its e-books Reader Store, music and video service Qriosity, and, of course, the popular PlayStation Suite of products.

Sony didn't divulge any details on wireless carriers or price ranges for the devices.