For a big electronics brand, Sony’s been a bit late to the tablet party. So late, in fact, that we (almost) didn’t think they were interested in mixing it up with Apple, Moto, Samsung and the rest of the bunch. That was until early sketches of a curvy “S1” tablet design was leaked out back in February. And now here we are, looking at a Sony tablet with a curved back called the S1. Sony didn’t stop there though; they also pulled out a more compact clamshell tablet that packs two 5.5-inch screens called the S2.
The S1’s spec isn’t that much different from what’s available now, since the Tegra 2 processor and Android 3.0 is pretty standard for today’s premium Android slates. The design sets it apart though. Just like the old concept sketch we saw back in February, the S1 features an “off-center of gravity” design, which puts the weight along the “bump” at the top to make it easy to grip. It’s supposedly built that way to mimic the feel of a magazine that’s been folded over. The 9.4-inch screen is also a little unconventional, so if the Xoom’s 10-inch screen is just a little too big for you, and a 7-inch screen is just way too small, then here’s your tablet.
The S1 comes with the usual connectivity options, and adds DLNA support for streaming media across the home network and an infrared port that’ll let you control a Sony Bravia TV.
The S2 is a little more unconventional, thanks to a clamshell design that includes a pair of 5.5-inch high-res (1024 x 480) screens. The spec hasn’t been revealed yet, but both touchscreens can be used together “as one large screen” or as a split screen with a virtual keyboard on the bottom half.
Both devices also feature support for Sony’s Qriocity music and video service, and support PlayStation Suite for downloading and playing old PS One games on the mobile devices.
No prices yet, but Sony says the new tablets should be available globally this fall.
Tags: Sony, Sony S1, Sony S2, Tablets
