Windows 8 And Android Sony Tablets Unveiled At IFA

Sony has unveiled three new tablets at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) in Berlin – the Sony VAIO Duo 11, the VAIO Tap 20 and the Xperia Tablet S.

The VAIO Duo 11 and VAIO Tap 20 are the Japanese manufacturer’s first to run Windows 8, which Microsoft claims works equally well on both tablets and traditional desktop PCs, while the Xperia Tablet S is the company’s first to hold the Xperia brand.

Sony released two tablets at the back end of last year, the clamshell Sony Tablet P and the more conventional Sony Tablet S.

Windows 8 tablets ahoy!

The VAIO Duo 11 is a tablet-ultrabook hybrid powered by an Intel Core processor. Sony says that users can transform the device from a tablet to a fully functional desktop with keyboard using a Surf Slider. The computer can be booted in seconds and can be restored from a deep-energy saving mode instantly, according to the vendor.

Much like the Samsung Galaxy Note, a stylus can be used to sketch and write notes on the full HD touchscreen. Sony said handwriting is at the core of its Windows 8 experience and has included a number of optimised apps, while the stylus will also work with other programmes such as PowerPoint.

The computer has custom music and album apps, while the Sony OneTouch feature uses Near Field Communciation technology to share media with compatible devices. It boasts a full complement of ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI and VGA as well as Bluetooth connectivity. It will ship with either 128GB or 256GB of solid state memory.

The VAIO Tap 20 also runs Windows 8 and is designed to be used by several people at the same time. Featuring a 20-inch panel, the tablet includes apps for photo editing, sketching and viewing other media, which can be shared using One Touch

It comes with a stand that can be manipulated into a number of positions so it can be used as a traditional PC. Powered by an Intel Core processor, the VAIO Tap 20 comes in either 750GB or 1TB varieties. It also weighs in at a substantial 5.2kg.

Xperia Tablet S

Sony also revealed a new Android-based tablet, the Xperia Tablet S. Sony said that as the first to be released under the Xperia brand since it acquired Ericsson’s half of the Sony Ericsson joint-venture, it is capable of offering cross-device connectivity.

The Xperia Tablet S uses a Tegra 3 quad-core processer and runs the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android. It has a 9.4-inch screen and will come in capacities of 16,32 and 64GB with 3G versions also available.

Storage can be expanded through an SD card slot and it also offers multitasking options, improved audio as well as the ability to use it as a universal remote to control TVs, cable boxes and home entertainment systems. It claims to be “splashproof” in that it is resistant to casual water spillages, while guest profiles can be created for other users.

All three tablets have access to the Sony Entertainment Network for music and video as well as the Sociallife application which recommends articles based on what users’ friends are reading. The VAIO Duo 11 is due to be released in September, while the VAIO Tap 20 and Xperia Tablet S make their debuts in October.

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