Sony has confirmed that its new Xperia Z ultra-thin tablet will be released in international markets in the second quarter of 2013.
Just like the Xperia Z phone, the tablet of the same name is claimed to be waterproof – making it “immune to accidental spills and splashes” – and also dust proof.
The tablet has a 10.1-inch HD display (1920×1200) with high brightness and high definition video WUXGA technology, along with Sony’s Mobile Bravia Engine 2 for boosting the image content and contrasts.
Running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Xperia Z tablet is powered by a 1.5Ghz quad-core processor and has an 8.1 million pixel camera on the rear, equipped with a CMOS sensor Exmor R for the first time in a Sony tablet.
Sony says that the camera performs better in low-light conditions, and automatically adjusts to the optimal settings.
This all comes in a tablet that weighs 495g, but is just 6.9 millimetres thick – beating the iPad Mini’s 7.2mm, believed to be the previous thinnest tablet on the commercial market.
The Xperia Z tablet supports Near Field Communications (NFC), enabling one-touch wireless streaming of photos and music, and also Long Term Evolution, or 4G internet, as well as WiFi.
“Xperia Tablet Z sets new standards in entertainment by matching premium specifications and Sony technology with cross-device connectivity and a consistent user-experience,” said Sony Mobile’s Kaz Tajima.
“Xperia Tablet Z reinforces our intention to be a leading player in the premium Android device market, by building on the principles established by Xperia Z and perfectly optimising them for the tablet form factor.”
Sony says that it has fitted the slate with “S-Force Front Surround 3D”, a new technology that gives the user ‘virtual surround sound’ from the speakers.
Available in either black, white or red, the Xperia Z will launch in the first Sony stores on March 1, and then roll out globally in the second quarter of 2013.
Official pricing has not yet been announced, but AllThingsD says that the 16 gigabyte WiFi version will cost $499 (£329) in the US, and the 32GB model will cost $599.
The Xperia Z tablet will launch on Android 4.1, but upgrade to 4.2 afterwards.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OwzkDk5IXg?feature=player_detailpage%5D
First Look via Gadgetsboy on Twitter and on Youtube
