Sony confident S1 and S2 tablets will outclass Android rivals

Firm not ruling out dedicated business tablet but nothing in the pipeline

Sony is confident that it can become a major force in the tablet market despite having yet to launch its S1 and S2 tablets, some 18 months after Apple brought the original iPad to market.

Chris Trewhitt, product manager at Sony, told V3.co.uk that the firm needs time to "get it right" and differentiate its tablets from Android devices produced by manufacturers such as Acer and Motorola to offer a superior product.

"We will ship the Sony tablets with the latest [stock] version of Android Honeycomb, but we are working to make it a bit faster and slicker," he said at a Sony product showcase in central London.

"Come Christmas there will be a lot of entry-level devices on the market. People will see Apple's iPad as the benchmark so they will be disappointed in terms of performance if they choose a C-brand device as opposed to an A-brand Sony device."

Trewhitt stated that the Sony S1 and S2 will be aimed primarily at consumers, but that the Japanese manufacturer has not ruled out launching business-specific devices if there is sufficient demand.

Trewhitt also revealed that Sony has incorporated a number of unique features into the devices. Both will have a 'throw' function to allow users to flick video content onto any internet connected TV and continue watching on that device.

Sony confident S1 and S2 tablets will outclass Android rivals

Firm not ruling out dedicated business tablet but nothing in the pipeline

There will also be a video-on-demand and music service as well as the ability to play PlayStation 2 titles. The S1 will also be able to double up as an infra-red remote control.

Full specifications are being kept under wraps, but the S1 will come with a 9.4in display, making it slightly smaller than the iPad 2 and Motorola Xoom, but larger than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9.

Meanwhile, the S2 will ship with two 5.5in screens to allow owners to view different content simultaneously and fold the device to increase portability.

V3.co.uk saw a prototype of the S2 and, although Sony claims that the wedge shape makes it easier to hold, the tablet looked too long to fit into a regular pocket.

Sony confirmed that the devices will be launched in the autumn, but it is unclear whether S1 and S2 will be launched at the same time. Prices will also be revealed closer to the time, but buyers can expect to pay a premium.

It remains to be seen whether Sony can back up its claim of making an impact in the tablet market as there are a number of high-profile devices already on the shelves.

The S1 and S2 will face stiff competition from the likes of the BlackBerry PlayBook, HTC Flyer, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom and the iPad 2.