New Sony Tablet S – Android Sony S1 Tablet | Release Date , Price (USA), Review

Sony is finally joining in on the market’s tablet craze. Though it came in a bit late on the competition, it still boasts of some features that can strike consumers’ interests.
• Unique Design

One reason for Sony’s fame is their products’ efficient designs and strict attention to details. This definitely shows in Sony Tablet S’ unique wedge-shaped design which grows from 0.3 inch at its thinnest edge to 0.79 inch at its thickest. This shape shifts the weight of the tablet to the side, making it seem really light and more comfortable to grip. The sloped form also enables easier typing in landscape mode and glare reduction.

• Applications and Software

To set itself apart from other tablets which were first to use the Android Honeycomb, Sony tweaked the standard interface and made modifications of its own. It added useful widgets and shortcuts and changed the stock Android keyboard into its own design. A new tile-structured Favorites page is also included for easier access to the recently visited content.
Sony developed its own software algorithm and added it to the touch screen’s firmware, resulting in improved responsiveness, enhanced speed and smooth animation.
The Sony Tablet S offers custom applications such as Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited cloud which provides instant access to music and video downloads. Users can also enjoy their favorite games from the PlayStation-certified devices installed.

• Connectivity and Enhancements

Equipped with Infrared capability, the tablet can function as a universal remote control for the Blu-ray player, stereo and cable box and can even work with non-Sony brands. With cross-connectivity between the Sony Tablet S and a DLNA-compatible TV, PC or speakers, one can enjoy content from the tablet on an HDTV.
It also comes with two key accessories – a Bluetooth keyboard and a Desk Cradle.

Specs Overview

OS	Android 3.1 (Honeycomb)
Processor	1GHz Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor
Storage	16GB/32GB
Display	9.4-inch TFT capacitive Touchscreen800 x 1280 pixels
Dimensions	(241.2) x (174.3) x (10.1-20.6) mm
Weight	598 grams
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 b/g/nBluetoothInfrared MicroUSB port
Cameras	5Megapixel primary0.3Megapixel secondary
Battery	Li-Ion 5000mAh430 hrs standby31 hrs player

» Sony Tablet S versus Competitors

When it comes to tablets, Apple still leads the race. Reviews and feedbacks, however, show that the Sony Tablet S might just be the first real competitor of the iPad. The originality of its design – a feature lacking in other mainstream brands – prevents Apple from throwing patent infringement cases to Sony; a case it launched against the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Sony’s tablet also has an edge when it comes to media content because it has access to Sony’s wide ecosystem of music and videos. Then there’s its universal remote control functionality, a unique aspect lacking from the other brands.

» Release Date and Availability
The official release date of the Tablet S is confirmed to be on September 16, 2011. It comes in two models – the 16GB Tablet S, for $499.99 and $599.99 for the 32G model. A Wi-Fi and 3G version of Tablet S will be released in November 2011 as well.