Next-gen Sony tablet leaked, carries Xperia branding
updated 07:10 am EDT, Tue July 31, 2012
Sony Tablet S sequel revealed in leaked slides
The sequel to the Sony Tablet S may have been leaked ahead of its launch if seemingly authentic product slides are to be believed. German site Mobiflip has revealed what appears to be a tablet that is a much a more refined version of the original Tablet S. Still apparent is the trademark 'folded-back magazine' look although it less pronounced in a design that is said to be as much 42 percent thinner than the original at just 8.8mm.
While the original Tablet S was one of the more original design responses amongst a sea of iPad immitators, its plastic body was not quite up to traditional Sony build quality expectations. The slides suggest that Sony has attempted to address with the new design which is said to be both made out of aluminum and is also splash proof.
The 'Xperia Sony Tablet' will be fitted with a Tegra 3 quad-core processor, run at least Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and come in storage capacities of 16GB ($450), 32GB ($550) and 64GB ($650). It will be offered in Wi-Fi-only and 3G models and offer improved battery life of up to 10 hours, the result of a larger capacity 6000mAh battery. Sony also appears to have settled on the 9.4-inch display with the new tablet set to follow the Tablet S in this regard, also retaining the 1280x800 resolution.
Also of interest is the new keyboard cover accessory ($80) that looks very similar to the keyboard cover that Microsoft revealed during the launch of the Windows 8-powered Surface tablets. However, instead of needing a kickstand as the Surface does to hold it in an upright position for productivity, the Sony cover includes the keyboard but folds in a way that also supports the tablet. A standard cover will set users back $60, while there is a dock ($100), a stand ($25) and docking speaker with XLoud ($120) also available.
As Sony has not officially announced the Xperia tablet, no launch details are currently available. [via The Verge]
