Sony finally squares up to Apple

But instead of releasing one tablet, Sony will release two different versions aimed at two different audiences. Falling under the name of 'Sony Tablet' the S1 (codename) is optimised for rich media entertainment like web-browsing and watching countless hours of YouTube videos while the S2 (also a codename) focuses on mobile communication and entertainment. Both versions will ship with Android 3.0 and feature wi-fi and WAN (3G/4G) compatibility.

Coming with a 9.4-inch display the S1 seems to be more like an iPad than its little brother, which packs two 5.5-inch displays and can be folded for easy portability (like an iPhone?). The S1 will also use infrared technology (like you'd find in a universal remote) to control a variety of AV devices. And using DLNA functionality you'll also be able to send personal video content to your TV or music to your wireless speakers.

Talking up the new devices, Kunimasa Suzuki, Sony's Corporate Executive of Consumer Products, said, "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."Google, which is responsible for the Android operating system that the S1 and S2 will run on, is equally keen to see another non-iOS tablet come to the market which Apple is currently running away with.

Google's head man Andy Rubin added, "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." Both versions are due to launch globally before the end of 2011.