Sony Xperia S tablet and Xperia T, J and V smartphones
Sony has started IFA 2012 off with a bang with the launch of three new smartphones, an Xperia tablet, a convertible ultrabook, a touchscreen desktop computer, a 4K-resolution TV, an action camcorder and a new camera. Whew!
The slew of new products was announced today at the consumer electronics trade show in Berlin. First we have the new Xperia T, V and J smartphones.
The Xperia T is Sony’s new flagship smartphone, and they’re so cocksure of its slick appeal that they’ve even attached the name of Bond, James Bond to the device, dubbing it the 007 smartphone – no doubt preparing us for some cross-marketing in the run-up to the autumn release of Skyfall, the next Bond movie. With a 4.6-inch HD screen, a 13MP camera and NFC technology, the Xperia T will launch globally in the next few weeks, along with an Xperia TX in select markets.
The Xperia V and J smartphones are scheduled to hit the market in Q4 2012. The former comes with LTE connectivity, NFC technology and the highest level of water resistance available on a smartphone. The Xperia J is more about eye-catching design and comes with a larger screen size.
As you can see in the video above, the Xperia range now also includes a tablet computer. The Xperia Tablet S will hit stores on 7 September (RRP €419), running on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich and an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor.
Built to be used whenever, wherever, the tablet’s aluminium body is splash-proof, and there are also a range of accessories like covers, docks and stands to customise its look. The device is also capable of multi-tasking on a small scale through its ‘Small Apps’ feature. This allows users to change channels or adjust volume while browsing, or they add their favourite widgets to the tool for personalised access.
Users can set up their own personal profiles and establish a guest mode with limited access. The Xperia S can also be used as a universal remote control with macro programming that can store sequence of commands for instant recall.
Big-screen television
The XBR-84X900 4K-resolution TV is just one of the devices that the tablet can be used to control. With 84-inch screen and a resolution format used in cinema, the XBR-84X900 is the largest and highest-resolution television Sony has ever produced. The display is four times the resolution of full-HD and passive 3D viewing (using polarised galsses like those you get in the cinema) is also enabled.
But what will all this resolution in a smart TV with a separate 10-unit live speaker system set you back? Oh, just €25,000.
Computing at home and on the go
Sony also has computing covered with two new Vaio devices. First, the Vaio Tap 20: a 20-inch touch-enabled desktop operating on (of course) Windows 8. The Tap 20 is also NFC-enabled, so it looks like Sony is keen to have all of its devices able to connect at the slightest touch. This computer also comes with a dual-position stand that can be tilted upright or adjusted to lie flat.
And then there’s the hybrid ultrabook in the form of the Vaio Duo 11. The Surf Slider design transforms the 11.6-inch full-HD touchscreen ultrabook into a tablet when needed. This device also comes with Windows 8 and Sony have even provided some apps enabled for touchscreen control, like an image editor and note-taking app.
Powered by the latest-generation Intel Core processors, the Vaio Duo 11 is, again, NFC-enabled. It also comes with a digitiser stylus pen with changeable tips for different styles of writing or drawing.
Both these computers are expected to be available following the launch of Windows 8 on 26 October.
And finally…
Which brings us to Sony’s newest camera and camcorder. The NEX-5R is the latest addition to the Alpha NEX line of cameras and comes with built-in Wi-Fi, touchscreen controls and improved focus.
The Action Cam is a super small wearable camcorder for those who like their home movies to have a good dose of action. The HD video camera comes with a ruggedised waterproof case with a universal tripod mount, built-in Wi-Fi and unique shooting modes like slow motion and various resolutions.
