Sony Announces Market Launch of Sony Tablet S

Optimally Designed Android Device Delivers Portability, Easy Handling and An Immersive Entertainment Experience

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TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Sony today announced the market launch of its first Sony® Tablet device. The Android-powered Sony Tablet S combines unique hardware, content and network services with seamless usability to create a world of engaging networked entertainment experiences.

Available for pre-sale today and on shelves in September, Sony Tablet S is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 9.4-inch touchscreen display. With a powerful NVIDIA®Tegra™ 2 CPU processor, Sony Tablet S allows consumers to enjoy the web and their favourite content and applications on its large high-resolution screen. Weighing in at just about 590 grams, its unique asymmetric design allows for hours of comfortable use. Built-in Wi-Fi® compatibility allows for Internet connectivity virtually anywhere there is a hotspot.

The Sony Tablet S runs on the latest version of Android™ - version 3.1. This model features front and rear facing cameras that allow for video recording and capturing still images. The device also supports USB (micro A/B) interface and SD card for transferring files and data.

The device is distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: optimally designed hardware and software, a "swift and smooth" experience, embedded network entertainment services and cross-device functionality.

"The Sony Tablet S delivers digital content, rapid performance, and remote access functionality in a unique and convenient product," said Doug Wilson, President & COO of Sony Canada. "This device demonstrates a seamless Sony entertainment experience offering consumers smooth access to videos, games, books, and more by combining Sony's premium network services.

Optimal Design

Unlike other tablet devices, Sony Tablet S has an ergonomic, asymmetric design which allows it to be easily held or carried - in portrait or landscape mode - for long periods of time. The unique form factor shifts the device's weight closer to one's palm, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading a book or watching a video. The screen is sloped when placed on a flat surface, enhancing visibility and allowing typing to be more comfortable. Placing Sony Tablet S onto a specialized cradle (sold separately) converts the device into a digital photo frame or a digital clock that displays customizable information.

The Sony Tablet S is equipped with Sony's TruBlack™ technology. By controlling the refraction of light between the LCD and the screen, the TruBlack panel provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks and a crisp picture. It also reduces reflection and glare from sunlight or fluorescent light for high-contrast visibility both indoors and outdoors.

Swift and Smooth

A combination of Sony technologies, Quick View and Quick Touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen, and an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions while auto word complete makes email and texting simple.

Networked Entertainment

The Sony Tablet S comes complete with a full suite of Sony's network entertainment services.

• Sony Entertainment Network Services: Video Unlimited is your ticket to the latest releases from every major movie studio to rent or own. A partial service will be available at launch with full service available in October.
• PlayStation® Certified: Sony Tablet S is the first PlayStation® Certified tablet providing out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes. Consumers can also download more classic PSone™ and PSP™ game titles online.
• Reader™ Store: Access bestsellers, new releases, classics, magazines, comics and more from more than 2 million titles at Reader Store by Sony. The Sony Tablet S's intuitive reading interface is ideal for on-the-go reading, allowing book lovers to set bookmarks, make highlights and adjust font sizes as they read. A free eBook download is included with the purchase of the device.
• Personal Space™: This free service allows consumers to easily share pictures and videos captured on the Sony Tablet S. Consumers can access albums that were previously uploaded from other devices.

Cross Device Functionality

Control your home entertainment system and enjoy content in new ways. The Sony Tablet S allows consumer to "throw" personal pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions such as BRAVIA with the touch of a button. Consumers can also throw music to wireless speakers such as Sony's Homeshare. The Sony Tablet S which is equipped with infrared technology and can act as a remote control for multiple home entertainment components such as TVs, Blu-ray Disc™ players, receivers and more at once. The Sony Tablet S is also compatible with "Media Remote" allowing consumers to control Sony devices, including BRAVIA televisions, through Wi-Fi®.

Wide Range of Applications

A variety of applications add to the entertainment options. With access to the android Market™, consumers can browse thousands of useful time-saving and fun apps. The Sony Tablet S provides instant access to Google™ mobile services and applications, including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. To make app discovery even easier, Sony offers its Select App site which highlights new and unique Android applications in a number of categories, many of which have been customized or optimized for the Sony Tablet S. More than 20 applications will be spotlighted at launch with more to come in the following weeks and months.

The Sony Tablet S will also feature a number of pre-installed applications, including few exclusive offers. At launch, the Sony Tablet S will be the only Android tablet with full-length movies and TV shows from Crackle and the only with the Foursquare Android tablet app.

Accessories, Pricing, Availability

A range of optional accessories includes a cradle, AC Adaptor, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable for the Sony Tablet S. A Bluetooth keyboard is also available.

The Sony Tablet S is available in both a 16GB and 32 GB and will be available at Sony direct and online stores and authorized dealers across Canada for about $500 and $600, respectively. For more information, please visit www.sony.ca/tablet. 

*Editor's Note:
Press releases are available for news media on the Sony of Canada news and information website at www.sony.ca/presscentre. 

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in High Definition. Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that include the market-leading Blu-ray Disc™ players, BRAVIA® televisions, Cyber-shot® digital cameras, Handycam® Camcorders, VAIO® computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 1,000 employees support a network of more than 500 authorized dealers and 52 Sony retail locations across Canada.

Sony Canada is devoted to the betterment of children, the environment, and the community. Through the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation (SCCF), Sony Canada aims to maximize its support of charitable and philanthropic organizations, including Make-A-Wish® Canada, the United Way of Canada and Earth Day Canada. 

SOURCE Sony of Canada Ltd.