NEWS

Let battle begin: The S1 version of the new Sony tablet device

Sony joins the Tablet Wars

 By Eric Jackson

eric.jackson@gtglobaltrader.com

The Tablet Wars have entered a new phase with Sony releasing two new products.

In a bid to rival Apple’s successful iPad and similar Google Android-based models from Acer, Samsung and several other smaller manufacturers, the Japanese company has unveiled a regular sized tablet in a funky wedge-shaped design and one that fold ups and fits into a jacket pocket.

It’s a late and bold gamble by the electronics giant which has much ground to make up on Apple. However it is pinning its hopes on its trump card – the online access already enjoyed by the 70m PlayStation users that will be available to the new tablet owners.

The tablets will also include Sony’s Qriocity video and music download service, as well the Reader Store for e-book content.

Provisionally named the S1 and the S2, the tablets aim to project Sony back to the forefront of the mobile device market, which they pioneered with the Walkman.

However eager consumers will have to wait until the Autumn to get their hands on the tablets, which still haven’t been priced, although if past form is anything to go by Sony are likely to pitch them at the premium end.

That could be a difficult act to pull off in light of the cutthroat competition and the sluggish global economy with consumers hunting around for bargains. Experts believe that pricing them above Apple’s successful iPad could be commercial suicide.

But the launch comes at an embarrassing time for Sony as its PlayStation online network has been off-line for a week following a hacker breach.

The launch of the new tablets comes hot on the heels of Apple filing a lawsuit against Samsung, accusing the company of copying the look and feel of its products.

Apple claim the South Korean manufacturer violated iPhone and iPad-related patents in Samsung’s smartphones and Galaxy Tab.

“Instead of pursuing independent product development, Samsung has chosen to slavishly copy Apple’s innovative technology, distinctive user interfaces, and elegant and distinctive product and packaging design,” the suit stated.

But Samsung retaliated by saying: “Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property,” an indication that it could counterclaim that Apple violated Samsung patents.