Sony Announces Optimally Designed "Sony Tablet" With Android 3.0 That Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience

TOKYO, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Corporation ("Sony"), announces "Sony Tablet" that delivers the perfect combination of hardware, content and network with seamless usability for a high-quality, engaging entertainment experience. Based on decades of engineering heritage, Sony is developing two tablets with unprecedented design, including S1 (codename) which is optimized for rich media entertainment and S2 (codename) which is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. "Sony Tablet" will become available in the global market starting in fall 2011.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110426/LA88996)

"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 they can also smoothly 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 enjoying the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented 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.

"'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.

"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.

Also, in the mobile computing category, the market for PCs which realize high productivity is expected to steadily grow, particularly in emerging markets. Therefore, Sony will also remain committed to strengthening its VAIO brand and introduce increasingly compelling products which offer new value propositions to the market.

    "Sony Tablet" features.

               Designed for portability and intuitive
    --          gripping
               With its off-center of gravity form
               factor, the 9.4-inch S1 offers
               stability and a sense of lightness,
               offering comfortable use for hours.
               The dual screen S2 comes with two
               5.5-inch displays which can be used
               together as one large screen to
               browse websites and more. They can
               also be used for different functions
               as users can watch a video on one
               screen and input commands on the
               other, or check email on one screen
               and use the other as a soft keyboard.

    --         Seamless Usability and Performance
               Through Sony's knowhow for combining
               hardware and software, "Sony Tablet"
               realizes optimal usability and
               performance. Because of Sony's rapid
               response technologies, users can
               perform smooth, quick touch-screen
               operations and enjoy fast and
               efficient website loading. The
               keyboard arrangement is also
               optimized for the large screen,
               making email and SNS communication a
               breeze.

               Rich entertainment experiences through
    --          various network services
               Through Qriocity(1) music and video
               services, users can enjoy rich video
               and music content. Also, through
               PlayStation®Suite, users can immerse
               themselves in high quality first
               generation PlayStation® titles.
               Additionally, users can easily
               download ebook content from
               Reader™Store(2) and use both tablets
               as digital reading devices. The
               integration with various services
               allows users to take their
               entertainment experiences on-the-
               go. Furthermore, "Sony Tablet" is
               equipped with functionality that
               organizes content for easy access.

               Remote access functionality with AV
    --          devices
               Through "Sony Tablet", users can
               control home entertainment devices as
               well as enjoy content in new ways. S1
               uses infrared technology and works as
               universal remote controls for a
               variety of AV devices starting with <
               BRAVIA >. Users can perform functions
               like turning on their TVs, changing
               the channel and adjusting the volume.
               Also, through DLNA functionality on
               "Sony Tablet", users can "throw"
               personal content to large screen
               televisions or music to wireless
               speakers.

In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called "Qriocity" which connects many of Sony's network-enabled devices, and has been expanding its services into global markets. Also, Sony Computer Entertainment has been providing various contents and services for PlayStation users through PlayStation®Network, which now has over 75 million registered accounts (as of March 20, 2011) worldwide.

Simultaneously, Sony will continue to announce various devices which leverage these services. Starting in early 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the next-generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP) while Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications brought "Xperia™PLAY" to the market. Sony is introducing "Sony Tablet" to deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with network services that deliver rich content.

With the establishment of Consumer Products and Services Group in April 2011, Sony will focus on accelerating the development of innovative next generation products and aim to deliver a new lifestyle by strengthening the integration of hardware and network services.

    (1)  In markets where service is available
    (2)  In markets where service is available

    "Sony Tablet", "Qriocity" and "Reader" are trademarks of Sony Corporation
    VAIO and < BRAVIA > are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation
    PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Xperia is a trademark of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB.
    Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

SOURCE Sony Electronics

SOURCE: Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Linda Barger, +1-858-942-2986, linda.barger@am.sony.com, or Valerie Motis, +1-858-942-8016, valerie.motis@am.sony.com, both of Sony Electronics