Sony Corporation to Release its First Tablet Computer in Japan

Sony Corporation will release its first tablet computer on 17 September 2011 in Japan with the aim of becoming the leader in Android-based tablets and chasing Apple Inc, maker of the popular iPad, in the broader tablet market. The decision was announced on 1 September 2011.

Users of the tablet computer can access content distributed by Sony such as movies, music, games and books, while the foldable S series -- with 5.5-inch displays – can work as a remote controller for appliances such as televisions, Sony said. The Sony Tablet S series will hit the European market at the end of September with a price tag of 479 euros (USD 684) for the 16-gigabyte model. The P series will be launched in November, the company said.

In the United States, the Sony Tablet S series will hit store shelves in September with the price set at about USD 499 for the 16-gigabyte model.