Sony Joins Tablet Wars, Unveils S1 and S2 Android Tablets

Sony just joined the tablet wars by unveiling two Android 3.0 tablets: the S1 and the S2 tablets.

Set to compete with the iPad, the S1 is a 9.4-inch that sports a folded magazine design.  It features a Tegra 2 processor, customized touch panel UI and web browser, and front and rear-facing cameras.   The S1 uses infrared technology and works as a universal remote control for a variety of AV devices.

The S2, on the other hand, is a dual-screen clamshell with two 5.5-inch 1,024 x 480 pixel displays, a Tegra 2 processor, and a camera.  The S2 bears a dual-screen design never before seen in tablets. The device’s two 5.5-inch screens fold onto one another creating a very portable device.  To complement the S2’s unique design, Sony uses a custom book-style UI layout for apps like e-reader and email.

Both tablets support PlayStation Suite, Sony’s new platform that allows users to download and play PlayStation games.  They also have DLNA functionality which means they can project content to larger screens.  They are also WiFi and 3G/4G compatible according to Sony.

The tablets will come to retail before the end of 2011. Pricing details are still unavailable.

Here’s a short video of the unveiling event.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axGVPfGmPEU