Sony Tablet S

The main distinguishing feature of the Tablet S is its "unique asymmetric design" in which the thickness of the device tapers from {{convert|20.6|to|10.1|mm|in|abbr=on}}. This "wrap" effect is intended to evoke an "open paperback stuffed into the back pocket, or a magazine folded backward upon itself such that only a single page is visible to read," and reduces the amount of torque while being held.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/exclusive-sony-s1-brings-qriocity-to-9-4-inch-honeycomb-table/ |title=Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet |access-date=1 Dec 2011}} Sony claims that this "off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours."{{cite web |url=http://www.sony.com.au/pressrelease/asset/449736/section/consumerproductspressreleases |title=Sony Announces Optimally Designed "Sony Tablet" with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience |access-date=1 Dec 2011}}

The Tablet S features a {{convert|9.4|in|mm|abbr=off}}, 1280×800 pixel resolution, TFT LCD using Sony's proprietary TruBlack Display—the same technology as that used in the company's Bravia range of televisions.{{cite web |url=http://www.sonyrumors.net/2011/08/31/sony-tablet-s-and-the-tablet-p-get-officially-unveiled-we-have-specs-details-and-a-preview-for-you/ |title=Sony Tablet S and the Tablet P Get Officially Unveiled. We Have Specs, Details, and a Preview for You |date=31 August 2011 |publisher=sonyrumors.net |access-date=1 Dec 2011}}

It uses the Nvidia Tegra T20 system on a chip (SoC), which consists of a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 dual core processor and a ULP GeForce graphics processing unit (GPU), with 1 GB RAM and either 16 or 32 GB internal storage and support for SD memory cards up to 32 GB.{{cite web |url=http://www.knowyourmobile.com/comparisons/1065843/samsung_galaxy_tab_101_vs_sony_tablet_s.html |title=Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs Sony Tablet S |publisher=knowyourmobile.com |access-date=1 Dec 2011}}

Other onboard features include an accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass), GPS receiver, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, infrared, Micro USB, microphone, 3.5 mm headphone jack and 0.3 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras.{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Sony-Tablet-S_id5450 |title=Sony Tablet S specifications |publisher=phonearena.com |access-date=1 Dec 2011}}

Like other Android devices, the Tablet S has no hardware navigation buttons, which are all implemented via persistent on-screen buttons. The only physical buttons present on the device are the power button and volume rocker located in the recessed area on one side.

The tablet uses a proprietary power connector.{{cite web |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/photos/cracking-open-the-sony-tablet-s/6301055?seq=6 |title=Cracking Open the Sony Tablet S |publisher=techrepublic.com |access-date=1 Dec 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130045543/http://www.techrepublic.com/photos/cracking-open-the-sony-tablet-s/6301055?seq=6 |url-status=dead }}

The Tablet S1 was initially launched with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, but a 3.2 update was made available soon after its release.{{cite web |url=http://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-S-tablet-receiving-Android-3-2-update.62021.0.html |title=Sony S tablet receiving Android 3.2 update |date=24 September 2011 |publisher=notebookcheck.net |access-date=2 Dec 2011}} Also, it received an upgrade to Android 4.0.3 at the end of April (in Japan and the US).{{cite web |url=http://blog.sony.com/icsforsonytablets |title=Android 4.0.3 now available for Sony Tablet S

|first=Maya |last=Wasserman |publisher=Sony.com Blog |date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=2012-05-07 }} It uses a customized version of the operating system. Features and applications unique to the Sony device include:{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903927204576570684217745772 |title=Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe |publisher=wsj.com |access-date=1 Dec 2011 |first=Walter S. |last=Mossberg |date=15 Sep 2011}}

• A customizable row of most frequently used icons on the top-left of the screen
• A "Favourites" bar at the top-right
• A customized version of the Android web browser
• A universal remote control app for the built-in IR transmitter
• Apps for accessing Sony Entertainment Network (Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited)
• An app for Sony Reader eBooks
• Social Feed Reader—an application that aggregates Facebook and Twitter social media status updates
• Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes PlayStation Store games

Although Sony Tablet S is a PlayStation Certified device, an update to the PlayStation Store disabled all such devices from being able to purchase PS one classics.{{cite web |url=http://www.xperiablog.net/2012/08/16/ps-one-classics-dropped-from-playstation-mobile-third-party-support-revealed/ |title=PS one classics dropped from Playstation Mobile; third-party support revealed |date=16 August 2012 |publisher=Xperiablog.net |access-date=1 Apr 2013}} Instead, only original content will be available for purchase by Tablet S owners.

In September 2012, Sony Tablet S received a major update to Android 4.0.3 Release 5a,{{cite web |url=http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?news_id=446&mdl=SGPT111USS |title=Android OS Update Now Available |publisher=Sony.com |access-date=1 Apr 2013}} which brought the following notable changes:

• Added Guest mode (before Google announced multiple-user accounts would be supported on Android 4.2 tablets)
• Added Small Apps and supports widgets, and support for Support Development Kit
• Added macro functionality to Remote Control App and skin change
• Added input languages for Japanese (Hand-writing), Korean, Arabic, Thai, and Greek
• Replaced Social Feed Reader Cloud app with Socialife
• Replaced DLNA, Video Player and Music Player apps with Walkman, Album and Movies.
• Renamed PersonalSpace to PlayMemories Online
• Renamed Select to Sony select
• Removed Favorite app
• Added xLOUD and Clear Phase audio enhancers.{{Cite web |url=http://www.insidethetechnology.com/what-is-xloud-and-clear-phase-in-sony/ |title=What is xLOUD and Clear Phase in Sony ? | Inside the Technology |access-date=2013-05-01 |archive-date=2013-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801054600/http://www.insidethetechnology.com/what-is-xloud-and-clear-phase-in-sony/ |url-status=dead }}

The Sony Tablet S was confirmed for an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which would have arrived in February 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.maxdio.com/sony-tablet-s-will-receive-jelly-bean-updates-in-february-2013/ |title=Sony S tablet receiving Android 4.1 update |publisher=maxdio.com |access-date=28 Feb 2013 |archive-date=10 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110073039/http://www.maxdio.com/sony-tablet-s-will-receive-jelly-bean-updates-in-february-2013/ |url-status=dead }} However, the Jelly Bean 4.1 update was unofficially cancelled when Sony posted (and later removed) in their community message board stating "we do not have a roadmap to release the Jelly Bean update for the 1st Generation Tablet (Sony Tablet S)."{{cite web |url=http://www.mobilesyrup.com/2013/03/26/sony-to-release-jelly-bean-update-for-xperia-tablet-s-in-late-april-or-early-may/ |title=Sony to release Jelly Bean update for Xperia Tablet S in late April or early May |date=26 March 2013 |publisher=mobilesyrup.com |access-date=1 Apr 2013}}

Reviewers have largely been positive towards the Sony Tablet S, praising its unique ("thoroughly renovated"[http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-xperia-tablet-s_Tablet_review Sony Xperia Tablet S review] at TrustedReviews.com) design. The Wall Street Journal said that "the Tablet S will appeal to buyers who would like a distinctive tablet from a trusted company that doesn't look like an iPad wannabe"{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111903927204576570684217745772 |title=Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe |publisher=wsj.com |access-date=3 Dec 2011 |first=Walter S. |last=Mossberg |date=15 Sep 2011}} while PC World said "[Sony] has not lost its design mojo over the years, as this model brings Sony's originality and flair to a tablet market that desperately needs both."{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/239253/sony_tablet_s_review_a_tablet_that_goes_beyond_basics.html |title=Sony Tablet S Review: A Tablet That Goes Beyond Basics |publisher=pcworld.com |access-date=3 Dec 2011 |archive-date=30 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130235756/http://www.pcworld.com/article/239253/sony_tablet_s_review_a_tablet_that_goes_beyond_basics.html |url-status=dead }} Asher Moses from the Sydney Morning Herald called it "best Android tablet yet."{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/gadgets/review-sony-tablet-s-20111117-1nk86.html |title=Review: Sony Tablet S |publisher=smh.com.au |access-date=3 Dec 2011 |date=1 December 2011}}

Negative comments are directed at the device's high price and poor build quality. Tech blog Gizmodo called it "plasticky" and pointed out that Sony's use of inferior materials to save on weight led to their unit getting "seriously scratched during a totally routine photo shoot" and commented that it would "smash into a million pieces" if dropped.{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/5836051/sony-tablet-s-review |title=Sony Tablet S Review: It's Good To See You Again, Sony |date=31 August 2011 |publisher=gizmodo.com |access-date=3 Dec 2011}} Time observed that the Tablet S falls short of Sony's aspirations to compete with the iPad, with reviewer Jared Newman quoting Sony CEO Howard Stringer's comments, and saying "if the Tablet S is what Stringer has in mind, I weep for Sony’s future."{{cite news |url=https://techland.time.com/2011/11/30/with-tablet-s-i-worry-about-sony/ |title=Review: With Tablet S, I Worry About Sony |publisher=Time |access-date=3 Dec 2011 |date=30 November 2011}} The ExpertReviews wrote that the absence of video output was an annoying drawback.[http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/laptops/1296445/sony-xperia-tablet-s Sony Xperia Tablet S review - expertreviews.co.uk] Some reviewers criticize the tablet for Low-res screen and ageing software.

The Tablet S was an honoree in the Consumer Electronics Association's CES Innovation Design and Engineering Awards 2012, in the "Tablets, E-Readers and Netbooks" category.{{cite web|url=http://www.cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2012-innovations-honorees.htm|title=2012 CES: 2012 Innovation Honorees - Tablets, E-Readers & Netbooks|access-date=30 Nov 2011|archive-date=30 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130022859/http://www.cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2012-innovations-honorees.htm|url-status=dead}}

• Sony Tablet
• Tablet computer
• Comparison of tablet computers
• Sony Reader, e-reader
• Sony Vaio UX Micro PC, an older line that were sometimes called "tablets"

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Category:Android (operating system) devices

Category:Tablet computers introduced in 2011