Sony has long used the IFA in Berlin to introduce the world to the company's new products. And this year is no different. Today Sony announced the sequel to its tablet brand, the Xperia S, a 9.4-inch Android 4.0 tablet.
While Sony experimented with its dual-screen Tablet P last year, going above and beyond the typical Android tablet experience by delivering an ergonomic wedge design and an integrated IR universal remote control. It's price turned-off many a potential buyer. But it was certainly unique to the market. This year, with the introduction of the Xperia S, the company seems to be playing things a bit more conservatively.
The new version of the tablet has been improved in a few key ways: It's now thinner than the previous version (0.35 inches at its thinnest point), includes a gyroscope and accelerometer, is faster with a quad-core Tegra 3 processor from Nvidia, and has some new functionality, including an improved remote app.
And it's the latter piece - the remote functionality - on which Sony's really focusing its attention. The tablet has an IR blaster so it can control your TV. But while you can use the tablet as a universal remote, you can also load up the Watch Now app that provides a visual program guide alongside social media feeds.
Additionally, Sony has made some adjustments to Android 4.0, including a new Guest Mode that lets you set up different accounts with parental controls, if you choose.
Sony Entertainment Network services allow you to enjoy the movies, music and personal photos with a single account. Full access to millions of songs and themed radio channels at any time via Music Unlimited service are available. Purchase or rent on-demand hit movies and TV shows any time you want to with Video Unlimited. Browse an impressive range of dedicated content for PlayStation® Mobile at PlayStation® Store, opening this autumn (NB: where service is available).
The Reader application lets you purchase and read favourite digital books. You can also manage your bookshelf across multiple devices, including the Sony Reader eBook device and Xperia smartphone.
Available for download, 'Socialife' is a unique application from Sony that organises your social and information world. View, sort and manage all your SNS and news feeds through one stylish user interface, alongside your friends' feeds and posts. Mark interesting articles for later reading when you're not so busy. Based on what your friends are reading, Socialife also points you to other popular topics and even suggests content that you might like.
Sony Mobile Communications announced last week that it planned to lay off 15 percent of its workforce, about 1,000 employees, by 2014.
