Sony Utilizing Android OS

Sony has announced that they intend to release two tablet computers that use the Android operating system. Many tech experts would consider this no surprise seeing as how the Android operating system has become a fan favorite among many consumers.

The computers are expected to hit shelves toward the end of the year. As of right now Sony has not designated an official name for the tablet devices but they are being called S1 and S2 by those familiar with the announcement. Android has certainly hit the ground running; it is the fastest growing mobile operating system. The OS is expected to own as much as 38 percent of the total market share within the next four years.

Many people foresaw Sony entering the tablet computer industry; they just didn’t know when it would happen. Sony’s delayed entry into this market may be a disadvantage, as they are one of the last manufacturers to do so. Just to provide some perspective on the competition: Apple launched its widely famous iPad back in April of 2010. Apple’s iOS system is still widely competitive and expected to top the market for the next few years, though not without some stiff competition from Android and other industry leaders.

Sony has already announced some of the specifications of their new tablets: one will have a 9.4 inch touchscreen and the other will boast double 5.5 inch displays that fold closed. Not only will the new Sony devices be featuring the Android OS, but Sony has also released plans to add their own unique features.

One of these coming attractions is the ability to stream music and video to televisions and stereos via the DLNA wireless streaming standard. The company has also hinted at the possibility of gaming opportunities and the incorporation of the Playstation network.

How The Sony Name Fits In

Brand name definitely carries weight in the business world. Sony’s name is perhaps one of the leading advantages that the tech giant can boast. Entering an already heavily diluted market will be a hurdle but the Sony brand name may be all they need for an extra boost.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Gartner, was surprised at the company’s branding decision, "It is interesting that they come in with the Sony brand rather than Sony Ericsson," she says. She goes on to say "That raises questions about what they are going to do to link their tablets to their smartphone operating system because tablet users are going to want that same experience."

Milanesi thinks that an accurate predictor of Sony’s tablet success will be whether or not the tablet computers can actually live up to their technological hype. Sony is after all promising big things with the new tablets. She cites a particularly interesting example of over-hyped specifications as HP, the tech giant who once claimed to have the best technology, however consumers soon realized that behind the glitz and glamour, there lied very basic products.Hopefully Sony will be able to walk what they talk.

BBC