Xperia ion from Sony enables easy connectivity with multiple screens for consumers looking to share and enjoy content on whichever screen they choose, whether it’s TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Xperia ion from Sony has a stunning 4.6-inch HD display (1280 X 720 pixels) that provides a visual brilliance for superior viewing experiences. For photo enthusiasts, Xperia ion features a new Fast Capture innovation to make sure life’s unexpected moments are not missed: the HD camera goes from standby mode to first shot in 1.5 seconds.(1) The impressive images taken with the 12-megapixel rear camera are unmatched by any other Android smartphone. Additionally, both rear- and front-facing cameras deliver HD recording capabilities.

“With Xperia ion, we’re bringing together several firsts that will take users beyond the smartphone,” said Paul Hamnett, President, Sony Ericsson North America. “Designed to deliver a seamless experience across the multiple screens we use to play, watch, listen, and share, Xperia ion is the gateway to entertainment when and – most importantly – where you want it.”

Xperia ion users will be able to access the richest entertainment experiences from Sony Entertainment Network**. Music Unlimited offers a global catalogue of 12 million unique songs while Video Unlimited has the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios

Xperia ion is also PlayStation™ Certified, guaranteeing a high quality smartphone gaming experience.

Xperia ion is launching on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread).

Key Features for Xperia ion:

•     4.6-inch HD Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine with HD resolution screen (1280 x 720), as well as rear (1080p) and front (720p) cameras for HD recording.
•     1.5GHz dual-core processor for fast browsing and content download, which can be stored on the internal 16GB flash storage.
•     12MP rear camera with Sony Exmor R™ for mobile with fast-capture to go from standby to first shot in less than two seconds.
•     HD sharing through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync to quickly and easily stream content on other screens.

For full details on all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog: blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

Using the XQD memory cards, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera users can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode. In addition to outstanding high-speed data transfer capability, the new cards are highly reliable to protect users’ data and images.

“Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images,” said Viviano Cantu, Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. “Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance.”

The new Sony cards are based on the XQD memory card specification, which the CompactFlash Association recently approved and licensed as an open format. With its ultra high write-speed performance, and when using Nikon’s new DSLR “D4,” the XQD memory card can record up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode*.

The Sony XQD memory card achieves stable continuous shooting of RAW images and blazing fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps/125MB/s write and read (based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware) through the PCIe interface, a computer expansion card standard for serial interfaces.

A unique controller and optimized flash memory enables high-speed data processing, resulting in speed and performance that can’t be achieved by conventional compact flash cards.

Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1) will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard™ 34 card slot.

“As users’ needs continue to evolve,” Cantu added, “Sony will also continue to enhance the XQD memory card line-up to meet the future requirements of the high-end digital imaging market.”

The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:

* QD-H16 card, 16 GB, $129.99
* QD-H32 card, 32 GB, $229.99
* Card Reader, MRW-E80, $44.99
* ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1, $44.99

Made for most iPod®, iPhone® and iPad®, the RDP-X500iP speaker dock features a beautifully modern design while delivering innovative sound technologies. Its built-in subwoofer, Clear Phase™ DSP and groundbreaking magnetic fluid speakers work in concert to provide a superior audio experience.  An auxiliary audio input facilitates connection to other sources for easy access to music, wherever it is stored.  For a convenient listening experience, a full function remote control is also included.

The RDP-X500iP boasts Sony’s state-of-the-art DMC technology, a combination of Dual Passive Radiators, Magnetic Fluid Speakers and Clear Phase DSP sound processing.  In conjunction with its built-in subwoofer, dual passive radiators provide powerful bass response in a remarkably compact form factor.  Rather than using conventional drivers, speakers with damperless magnetic fluid technology

are employed, delivering higher sound pressure levels, clearer vocals, and less distortion.  In addition, Sony’s unique Clear Phase linear phase correction circuitry further reduces distortion and increases sound presence, making music sound crisp and clear.

With a luxurious design and stainless steel accents, the dock adds style to any home. Its unique speaker layout not only saves space and features a sophisticated design, but improves sound efficiency as well.

Sony’s most popular speaker dock is now even better with the introduction of the ICF-CS15iP.  Not only does it support charging and playback of the iPod and iPhone, it also delivers great stereo sound via its MEGA BASS and Mega Xpand sound modes. The MEGA BASS mode provides an option to enhance bass response, while the Mega Xpand mode expands the music sound field for a full, rich audio experience.

Dual alarm functionality allows users to set two independent wake-up alarms, while the 2-5-7 day alarm feature supports different settings for weekdays and weekends, all with the option of waking up to an iPod, iPhone, AM/FM radio, or buzzer. The new flexible dock connector is designed to accommodate docking and charging an iPod or iPhone without removing it from its case. A full function remote control gives users access to music on an iPod or iPhone from across the room.

Both speaker docks will be available October 2011 at Sony Stores including online at www.sony.com/docks and other authorized retailers nationwide. Pre-orders are available now.

“Sony continues to push the boundaries of high resolution video from the lens to the living room,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Division. “In similar fashion to our industry leading 4K Digital Cinema projectors, our new VPL-VW1000ES 4K home theater projector has been created to not just meet but exceed the needs of the most discerning and demanding home entertainment enthusiasts. It will allow them to become totally involved in the viewing experience and much closer to the action on the biggest home theater screens, with images that deliver considerably more detail and fewer artifacts.”

With 2,000 ANSI-lumens of brightness, the VPL-VW1000ES delivers nearly twice the output of previous Sony home theater projectors, making it suitable for screen sizes up to 200 inches diagonally. The VW1000ES also employs an entirely new SXRD 4K panel, which produces outstanding deep blacks; when combined with Sony’s Iris3 technology, the projector can achieve an incredible 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast.

In addition to supporting 4K native resolution, the VW1000ES projector also features an exclusive Super Resolution 4K “upscaler” that dramatically enhances 2D and 3D 1080P content, allowing the viewers to get the most from their existing Blu-ray Disc™ libraries at home. For greater versatility, it has a built-in transmitter, it has picture position memory which memorizes the position of the zoom lens, and it supports 2D and 3D anamorphic films.

The VW1000ES offers a variety of installations options, including dual triggers, a 2.1 motorized zoom, expanded throw distances, an RS232 interface, control over IP and compatibility with the leading home automation systems.

The VPL-VW1000ES is just the latest in a complete series of Sony ES projectors that are available exclusively to custom installers. Last year at CEDIA Sony released its first 3D home projector, the VPL-VW90ES, and in June of this year, the VPL-HW30ES projector joined the line as a lower-cost, high-performance 3D model. Most recently, the VPL-VW95ES was announced at IFA as a mid-level 3D home projector option.

Pricing and Availability

Sony’s new VPL-VW1000ES 4K home theater front projector will begin shipping in December through Sony’s network of A/V specialists and customer installers for under $25,000. “With its truly advanced resolution, the new VPL-VW1000ES 4K home theater projector delivers on the promise of the future of home entertainment – today,” concluded Abary. “It proudly showcases Sony’s commitment to innovation, quality and design.”

Equipped with two newly-developed 0.7-inch (diagonal) Ultra-Small High Definition Color OLED Panels, the Personal 3D Viewer leverages Sony’s expertise in both OLED display and semiconductor drive technologies. The HMZ-T1 achieves HD picture (1280 x 720) quality that makes full use of the OLED display’s high contrast, wide color gamut, and fast refresh rate. In addition, the device adopts the dual panel 3D method which displays an independent HD picture to each eye in order to achieve a more natural 3D image. The viewer enjoys a bright 3D picture that is crosstalk-free.

Viewers enjoy an immersive experience which is similar to watching video on a large screen approximating 150-inches from 12-feet away (750-inch virtual screen, virtual viewing distance approximately 65-feet away). Sony has also adapted its original virtual surround signal processing technology to deliver powerful acoustical equivalent of a 5.1 channel surround-sound system.

Sony is the leader in bringing 3D to the home. From the ‘Lens to the Living Room’ – professional production technology to home viewing on 3D BRAVIA® HDTVs- Sony 3D gear sets the standard. This year, 3D got personal with the delivery of VAIO models and PlayStation®3 3D titles. Handycam® and Cybershot® cameras are also capable of capturing and playing back 3D memories. Now, the HMZ-T1 brings a whole new concept to 3D viewing, further expanding Sony’s 3D world.

The Personal 3D Viewer will be arriving in the Unites States in November and is priced around $799.

New Noise Canceling Models Offer Award Winning Digital Technology in New Compact Designs

Sony continues to raise the bar with its digital noise canceling headphones with two new models. The MDR-NC200D headphones offer digital noise canceling technology in a compact, over-the-head design, providing incredible noise cancellation and pristine quality audio at an attractive price. Sony’s digital signal processing technology reduces up to 98.2% of ambient noise; let it be on an airplane, a train or in an office.  And because there are different types of noise in these types of settings, Sony’s Artificial Intelligence Noise Canceling technology automatically selects the appropriate noise cancellation with the press of a button.  In other words, it knows the type of noise it must eliminate and does it all by itself; perfect for full enjoyment of the user’s favorite music or movies in a noise-free environment. Peace and quiet can also be achieved without music and movies as users can remove the detachable cord and still enjoy the noise canceling feature. And since the headphones are both active and passive, users can also listen to music without the noise canceling feature.

The unique two-way folding design makes for a very compact solution, easily fitting into your carry-on luggage or purse, while the long AAA battery life of up to 22 hours makes these headphones a great travel companion, providing hours of worry free listening pleasure.

The MDR-NC200D headphones utilize 40mm driver units for wide frequency response, while the monitor switch allows the user to hear what’s going on around them.  Users can also enjoy the noise canceling feature without music or movies. A digital equalizer with full digital amplification provides authentic sound reproduction for rich, natural audio while on the move.  Included with the headphones are a semi-hard carrying case, an in-flight plug adaptor, AAA battery and a convenient detachable cord. The MDR-NC200D retails for about $200.

The MDR-NC100D headphones offer digital noise canceling technology in a comfortable in-ear design. This ultra-compact model produces incredible noise cancellation of ambient noise up to 98.2%, while pristine audio quality is achieved with 13.5mm drivers.  Much like the MDR-NC200D, the MDR-NC100D analyzes surrounding ambient noise using Artificial Intelligence Noise Canceling and selects the best noise canceling mode based on the environment.  Users can choose from three sizes of Noise Isolation Earbuds for the most comfortable fit and effective attenuation of ambient noise. Also included is a carrying pouch, in-flight plug adaptor, cord adjuster and an AAA battery supplying up 22 hours of active noise canceling.   The MDR-NC100D retails for about $150.

New Headset Lineup for Smartphones Offers Wide Compatibility for Music Lovers on the Move

Smartphone Headsets

Two new Smartphone headsets (DR-EX14VP and DR-XB23VP) allow users to experience powerful sound reproduction and control of their smartphone via an in-line remote control, featuring volume control, play/pause, call answer/end, and a microphone. Out of the box, the headset is compatible with most smartphones, including phones with Android™ OS, iPhone® and Blackberry® devices while a supplied extension cable adds compatibility to most Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and others, ensuring compatibility to almost all Smartphones in the industry.  The EX14VP offers the more traditional in-ear solution style, while the DR-XB23VP features powerful bass reproduction with an angled earbud structure. Both include three sizes of hybrid silicone earbuds for a fine-tuned fit. The DR-EX14VP comes in three colors, black, violet and pink, and retails for about $ $40, while the DR-XB23VP retails for about $ $60.

iPhone Control Headsets

Sony is also introducing three new headsets for iPhone users (DR-XB22iP, DR-EX61iP, DR-ZX701iP) providing an ideal mix of comfort, iPod®/iPhone control and audio performance. All three models feature an in-line remote with microphone, as well as controls for play/pause, volume, and track control – all for the listening to music and taking and making calls on the go. All three models offer iPod, iPhone and iPad® compatibility and VoiceOver mode (on enabled devices), where with a press of a button the iPod states the name of the currently playing song or playlist. The DR-EX61ip offers a fresh design in the industry’s most popular form factor, while the DR-XB22iP in-ear style headset marries deep bass performance with a hybrid silicone earbud and an angled earbud structure. The DR-EX61iP retails for about $40, while theDR-XB22iP is approximately $60.

The DR-ZX701iP over-the-head headset delivers dynamic frequency response for deep bass and clear treble performance, featuring 50 mm drivers. It accepts high-power input, up to 2,000mW, and the noise isolating earpads provide a secure and comfortable fit.  The performance is sound “from the studio to your ears.”  The DR-ZX701iP retails for about $150.

The new digital noise canceling models will be available in September, while the headset models will be available in October.  All will be available at Sony Stores, including online at http://store.sony.com and other authorized retailers nationwide. Pre-orders are available now. For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

At just under 1-inch thin and 4.4 pounds, the 15.5-inch S Series is easy to handle, while the Full HD display paired with Hybrid Graphics allows for increased productivity. The new 15.5-inch model sports an elegant design in jet black or platinum silver and is crafted with magnesium and aluminum materials for lightness. When coupled with the advanced large-capacity optional sheet battery, you can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 12 hours while also offering a thin battery profile. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet battery separately from the PC and attach it to the system at any time without shutting down for maximum flexibility.

“We’re proud to announce a new addition to the VAIO S Series family.  The 15.5” S Series adds a Full HD display and backlit 10-key numeric pad to increase productivity while maintaining a thin and lightweight profile,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics.  “You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to New York and back, or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop when combined with the optional sheet battery.”

Performance and Mobility

Performance is top priority with the available second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the processor increases speed automatically, delivering the performance needed for multitasking.  For quicker boot-ups, faster application launches and overall maximum performance and ample storage, select models are equipped with solid state drives and feature Quad RAID 0 technology up to 1TB.  Security features include Trusted Platform Module (TCG ver. 1.2 certified) and enhanced online security by Symantec VIP Access technology.

AMD Radeon™ HD 6630 Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives a premium visual experience and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the CPU. A conveniently placed performance switch lets you choose between Speed mode for maximum power or Stamina mode for optimized battery life.

The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ support software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.

Developed by the same people you trust to engineer amazing flat-panel HDTVs, the VAIO 15.5-inch S Series laptop features exceptional picture quality. The LED backlit display helps ensure a clear, bright  image while conserving battery power.  Plus, with an anti-glare coating, you’ll enjoy more true-to-life images with less light reflection.

The new 15.5 inch S Series also includes a built-in HD web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor offering superb video conferencing quality with great low-light performance. With a built-in microphone, video chats are crisp and clear with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.

Packed with Multimedia

Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers whether you’re watching a Blu-ray Disc™ movie or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities.  Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.

With Intel® Wireless Display 2.1, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the Internet wirelessly on your HDTV (adapter sold separately).

A range of optional accessories includes a sheet battery (VGP-BPSC29), docking station (VGP-PRS25) and privacy filter (VGP-FL17).

Pricing and Availability

The new VAIO S Series 15.5 inch laptop PC will be available in October at www.sony.com/sseries starting at about $1,000, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.

Additionally, Sony is refreshing the existing 13.3 inch S Series with the latest second

generation Intel® Core™ processors and will be available at www.sony.com/sseries starting October 2, 2011.

Consumers with a 2011 Xperia™ smartphone are now able to enjoy “Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited” subject to market availability:

* “Music Unlimited” has a global catalogue of over 10 million unique songs**** with access to your personal music library and ad free radio channels across multiple devices.
* “Video Unlimited” (currently exclusive to Sony Ericsson Xperia™) is the ultimate source for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all-time classics, and TV shows from all major studios.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson said:  “Xperia™ arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia™ to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia™ family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited.”

In addition to these services, Xperia™ arc S includes best-in-class Sony technology such as 3D sweep panorama. 3D sweep panorama images can be captured and then viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

Xperia™ arc S also has a visually brilliant 4.2” Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, an 8.1mp camera with HD video capability and Sony’s award winning Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor that enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions.

Consumers also have access to a uniquely social entertainment experience of sharing and discovery with Facebook inside Xperia™, plus the extensive world of Android with over 250,000 applications.

Xperia™ arc S at a glance:

* Super fast 1.4 GHz processor
* 3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
* 8.1 MP camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
* 4.2“ Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
* Latest Android™ platform Gingerbread 2.3

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.

Available for pre-sale today and on shelves next month, the Sony Tablet S device is optimized for rich media entertainment on its 9.4-inch touchscreen display. With a powerful NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor, the Sony Tablet S device lets you enjoy the web as well as your favorite content and applications on its large, high-resolution screen. Weighing in at just about 1.33 lbs., its unique asymmetric design allows for hours of comfortable use and built-in Wi-Fi® compatibility means Internet connectivity virtually anywhere there’s a hotspot.

Available later this year, the Sony Tablet P device is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. With its innovative folding design, two 5.5-inch displays and weight at about 0.83 lbs., it can easily fit into a pocket, purse or backpack. It features the same NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor and is both Wi-Fi compatible and 4G capable exclusively on AT&T’s mobile broadband network,1 offering users access to digital content including videos, games, and e-mail, while on the go, nearly anytime.

Both devices run on Android, Android 3.1 on Sony Tablet S devices2 and Sony Tablet P devices will be equipped with Android 3.2 by the time they ship. Both models feature front and rear facing cameras that allow for video recording and capturing still images. The devices also support micro USB interface and SD card.

Sony Tablet devices are also distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: optimally designed hardware and software, a “swift and smooth” experience, network entertainment services and cross-device functionality.

“These devices truly represent the best of everything Sony has to offer,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Networked Technology and Services Division. “From hardware to software and services, Sony Tablet devices embody all our innovations rolled into one.”

Optimally Designed Hardware and Software

Unlike other tablet devices, Sony Tablet S device has an ergonomic, asymmetric design which allows it to be easily held or carried for long periods of time. The unique form factor shifts the device’s weight closer to your palm, making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading an e-book or watching a video. The screen is sloped when placed on a flat surface, enhancing visibility and making typing more comfortable. Placing a Sony Tablet S device onto a specialized charging cradle (sold separately) converts the device into a digital photo frame, a digital clock that displays customizable information or chumby with access to over 1,500 fun and entertaining apps.

Software taking advantage of the unprecedented design of the Sony Tablet P device allows its dual screens to be used for different  functions simultaneously such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller or reading email on one screen while using the other as a virtual keyboard. The displays can also be combined to form a single large screen for Internet browsing and more. By holding the device vertically, you can also read eBooks much in the same manner you would a physical book.

Both Sony Tablet devices are equipped with Sony’s TruBlack™ displays which reduce reflection and glare from sunlight or fluorescent light for high-contrast visibility both indoors and out.

Swift and Smooth Experience

A combination of Sony technologies, Quick view and Quick touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen as well as an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions or auto word complete make email and texting a breeze.

Networked Entertainment

Both Sony Tablet devices come complete with access to a full suite of Sony’s network entertainment services.

·         Sony Entertainment Network services: Video Unlimited is your ticket to the latest releases from every major movie studio to rent or own. A pre-open campaign for the Sony Tablet devices will be offered at device launch with limited content and more content will continue to be released over time. Music Unlimited, available in October, offers instant access to a global catalog of over 10 million songs from every major record label (numbers vary by country). Simply sync to the cloud and enjoy the music you love on Sony Tablet devices or any other Internet-enabled Sony device. A six month trial basic membership from Music Unlimited and a free movie download from Video Unlimited come with the purchase of each device.

·         PlayStation® Certified: Sony Tablet devices are the first PlayStation® Certified tablets that provide out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites “Crash Bandicoot” and “Pinball Heroes.”

·         Reader™ Store: Access bestsellers, new releases, classics, magazines and more from more than 2.5 million titles at Reader™ Store by Sony. The store’s intuitive reading interface is ideal for on-the-go reading, allowing book lovers to set bookmarks, make highlights and adjust font sizes as they read. A free eBook download is included with the purchase of the device.

·         Personal Space™ by Sony: This free service allows you to easily share pictures and videos captured on Sony Tablet devices. You can also access albums that were previously uploaded from other devices.

Video, music, games and other content can be directly accessed by way of the “Favorites” menu without the need to re-launch any of the respective applications.

Cross Device Connectivity

Control your home entertainment system and enjoy content in new ways. With Sony Tablet devices, you can “throw” personal pictures and video to DLNA compatible televisions such as BRAVIA® HDTVs with the touch of a button. You can also throw music to compatible wireless speakers such as Sony’s HomeShare™ speakers. The Sony Tablet S device, which is equipped with infrared technology, can act as a remote control for multiple home entertainment components such as TVs, Blu-ray Disc™ players, cable and satellite boxes, and more. The built-in Universal remote not only controls your Sony products, but other brands as well. Sony Tablet S device is the world’s first Android Tablet running Honeycomb with a built in A/V remote control. Both Sony Tablet devices are compatible with the Media Remote™ app which allows you to control Sony devices, including BRAVIA televisions, through Wi-Fi® technology.

Wide Range of Applications

A variety of applications add to the entertainment options. With access to the Android Market™, you can browse thousands of useful time-saving and fun apps. Sony Tablet devices also provide instant access to Google™ mobile services and applications, including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. To make app discovery even easier, Sony offers its Select App site which highlights new and unique Android applications in a number of categories, recommended for Sony Tablet devices. Recommended applications will be spotlighted at launch with more to come in the following weeks and months.

Accessories, Pricing, Availability

A range of optional accessories includes a cradle, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and USB adaptor cable for Sony Tablet S devices, and a rechargeable battery pack, AC adapter, LCD screen protector, carrying case and detachable panels for Sony Tablet P devices. A Bluetooth keyboard is also available for both models.

The Sony Tablet S device is available in both a 16GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and other authorized retailers nationwide for about $499 and $599, respectively.

As part of Sony’s continued effort to support the Public Library System, Reader Wi-Fi will also be the first eReader to offer wireless connectivity to the public library system in the US and Canada via a dedicated icon on the device to allow easy and convenient borrowing of free e-books with a valid library card. Readers can access and download over 2.5 million titles via a Wi-Fi connection from Reader Store or shop from a wide range of bookstores and other websites that provide books in digital formats compatible with Reader Wi-Fi, such as EPUB, PDF and TXT.

“We believe in giving readers more freedom and flexibility while reading, and the new Reader Wi-Fi gives avid readers more access to content than ever. Bibliophiles can now buy, borrow or download free books wherever there’s a Wi-Fi connection,” said Phil Lubell, vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics.

Sony’s first offer in collaboration with J.K. Rowling’s eagerly anticipated Pottermore website (www.pottermore.com) is a specially-created Reader Wi-Fi with a Pottermore promotion (PRS-T1HBC) which includes  a voucher that enables Harry Potter fans to download free the first Harry Potter eBook title, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, from Pottermore, when it becomes available.  Pottermore, partnered with Sony, is a unique website which builds an exciting and immersive online experience around the Harry Potter books and is the exclusive retailer of the Harry Potter digital eBooks.

Reader Wi-Fi will feature a glare-free Clear Dual Touch screen. E-Ink Pearl electronic paper displays a high contrast image that is easy to read for hours, even in direct sunlight. Book lovers can touch the screen to choose a book, swipe a finger to turn the page, zoom in and out by pinching fingers together or apart, tap and hold a word to find its meaning or translate into one of the 5 supported languages.  On board are 12 dictionaries including 2 English language (British/American) and 10 translation (to and from French, German, Spanish, Dutch and Italian).  Readers can even ‘write’ notes on the page or highlight text with a finger or the supplied stylus – just like a real book. With a battery life of over one month (3 weeks with wireless on) and 2 GB of storage capacity (enough to hold about 1,200 eBooks), Reader Wi-Fi makes reading easier, virtually anytime and anywhere.

In order to provide the most engaging reading experience, Reader Wi-Fi offers users numerous options for customization. Users can view collections of digital photos on-screen, plug-in headphones to listen to stored music while reading, or change the image on the front cover to the current title or to a favorite photo as a screensaver when your Reader Wi-Fi is in standby mode. Users can also personalize the reading experience by choosing from eight font sizes and a choice of six font styles. Screen contrast and brightness are easily adjusted for comfortable viewing in any lighting condition.

Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) and Reader Wi-Fi with Pottermore promotion(PRS-T1HBC) are expected to be available October 2011 for about $149 at Sony Stores, online at http://store.sony.com, and other authorized retailers nationwide.