Sony announces two Android tablets

In January, Sony made official its PSP successor, the Next Generation Portable. However, that's not the only handheld device the technology giant is preparing for release in 2011.

Sony has today announced two new tablet devices, currently codenamed S1 and S2. Both devices will run Google's Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" operating system, sport the Tegra 2 processor, can connect to both Wi-Fi and 3G/4G, and are pegged for release in the global market during fall 2011. Sony has not announced a price for either device.

The S1 boasts a 9.4-inch screen, as well as both front- and rear-facing cameras. Sony has dubbed the S1 its "rich media" tablet, as it is focused on its Qriocitymedia service, and it will sport an infrared sensor that will enable it to act as a remote control for other Sony gear like televisions.

The second tablet Sony announced today is the dual-screen S2, which had been rumored since January. The device sports two 5.5-inch, 1,024 x 480 pixel displays, which will allow users a range of possibilities, including video viewing on one screen and manipulating buttons on the other. Additionally, for gaming, the top screen will display the title and the bottom will offer touch-sensitive controls.

In regard to gaming, Sony noted that both devices are PlayStation Certified and will allow users to connect to the PlayStation Suite, where a range of content--like PSOne games--can be downloaded on the go.