The Sony Tablet P is a different kind of beast. The same Tegra 2 processor is under the hood, but instead there’s a clamshell form-factor, and dual 5.5 inch displays with 1024×800 resolution. There’s only 4GB of internal storage, but it’s expandable via a microSD card slot. There will also be 4G support on the AT&T network, no word if it’s the HSPA+ or LTE variety, probably the former.

Both models have front and rear facing cameras and are currently running Android 3.1, but Sony has promised Android 3.2 by launch time. There’s also heavy cross integration with other Sony devices, such as DLNA support with compatible Bravia HDTVs, both are compatible with Sony Mediea Remote via WiFi and infrared remote control support is baked into in the Tablet S.

Full Press Release:

Two Optimally Designed Android™ Devices Deliver Portability, Easy Handling and an Immersive Entertainment Experience

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony today announced the market launch of its first two Sony Tablet™ devices. The Android-powered Sony Tablet S and Sony Tablet P devices combine unique hardware, content and network services with seamless usability to create a world of engaging networked entertainment experiences.

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 devices(2) 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 16 GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and other authorized retailers nationwide for about $499 and $599, respectively. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/tablet or check out www.sony.com/tabletvideo for a video unboxing.

The new Flash Player 10.2 will not only be for the Motorola XOOM, it also includes improvements and acceleration for other devices. Adobe specifically mentions the Motorola Atrix 4G and the LG Optimus 2X, both Tegra 2 devices.

Today we are happy to announce that Flash Player 10.2 will be available for download via Android Market on March 18^th.  Flash Player 10.2 is a production GA (General Availability) release for Android 2.2 (Froyo) and 2.3 (Gingerbread) devices which meet the Flash Player hardware system requirements.  It is initially a beta release for Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablets which requires Google’s 3.0.1 system update.

We have been working very closely with Google to ensure tight integration between Flash Player 10.2 and new OS and browser capabilities in Android 3.0.  The March 18th beta release of Flash Player 10.2 in conjunction with Google’s first system update to Android 3.0  (version 3.0.1) currently underway for the MOTOROLA XOOM™ will deliver the first phase of our work together.  This will be followed by subsequent updates, which will complete the optimizations and result in a production GA release of Flash Player 10.2 for Android 3.0.

• Hardware accelerated video presentation for H.264 (Android 3.0.1+ only)
• Deeper integration with the Android browser rendering engine (Android 3.0.1+ only)
• Enhanced performance for the latest smartphones and tablets
• Automatic soft keyboard support

[Adobe] [Motorola]

Gorilla Glass, say hello to Dragontrail, a new product introduced from Asahi Glass. Super tough, and ready for the harshest of conditions on smartphones, tablets and TVs. I personally would love to see this used on the screen of every electronic device. Just check out the video for how impressive it is:

Press Release:

Tokyo, January 20, 2011 – AGC announced today it will launch worldwide sales of Dragontrail™, a glass material that is highly receptive to chemical strengthening, to respond to surging global demands for high-quality cover glass used for screens on electronic devices. By 2012, AGC expects to achieve sales of over 30 billion yen (about 360 million USD) in the global market for chemically strengthened cover glass used in smartphones, tablet PCs, TVs and similar devices.

Chemically strengthened Dragontrail is six times stronger than conventional soda-lime glass, highly resistant to scratches and features a beautiful, pristine finish compared with resin. Dragontrail, developed from market-proven raw glass for chemical strengthening, is free of environmentally harmful materials

AGC uses a highly efficient float process to manufacture Dragontrail by utilizing the company’s extensive technical expertise in producing specialized glass for electronics acquired through manufacturing TFT glass substrates. The superior production efficiency of this manufacturing process ensures stable supply of cover glass for the growing global mobile device market. AGC will also proactively respond to growing demand for cover glass used in televisions.

“Dragontrail is a a strategic product that will build new foundations for growth under Grow Beyond, our management policy,” said Yoshiaki Tamura, Deputy President of AGC’s Electronics Company unit. “We will continue to explore new applications for this versatile product as we expand its global market.”

The demand for cover material is growing in parallel with the rapid proliferation of smartphones, tablet PCs and other devices, many of which feature designs where touchscreen panels cover the majority of their surfaces. These mobile devices require protection against shocks and grazing resulting from touch operation, accidental drops and scraping inside a pocket or bag. AGC’s Dragontrail offers a superior substitute to conventional cover material, such as soda-lime glass, which lacks strength, and resin, which is prone to scratches and limited by poor texture quality.

Looks like we may finally have answers to the two biggest questions surrounding the Motorola XOOM. How much and when. According to these documents Engadget obtained from a Best Buy insider, the launch date seems to be Feb 17th, at least for the big yellow box. It may actually launch earlier at Verizon stores or online. And the launch price seems to be $699 according to additional info. Is that a subsidized price? Can’t be sure from the tiny slice of info, but if they want to compete with the iPad and other top shelf tablets on the market, that price is going to have to come down at least another Benjamin.

What’s the first thing you wanna do when you get a new Android tablet? Tear it apart of course. Well, at least that’s how the guys at one Vietnamese blog felt. Good thing they show us on video and pictures so you don’t have to tear yours apart once you get one.

Doesn’t that battery just seem tiny next to the Galaxy Tab battery?

Here’s the full teardown video. You might wanna turn down the sound unless you’re a huge fan of Asian pop music.

[via Engadget]

Inevitably when a new piece of hardware comes out, there’s always a few things people don’t like about it. And sometimes a brave few do something about it. In this case the problem was the slick plastic battery cover on the Nexus S and how it collects fingerprints. And the solution for xda-developers member mhaedo was give it a couple thin coats of spray-on PlastiDip. He used black, but if you’re feeling frisky, you could try their red or yellow colors. And of course this isn’t limited to the Nexus S, this could be done on almost any other phone. It should also be noted that you can peel off the PlastiDip if you get bored of it or wish to sell the phone.

Hit the link for more pictures and full instructions on how he did it.

[xda-developers via AndroidCommunity]

Could the B stand for Bright? Or perhaps Brilliant? Not that it really matters, I’m sure it will launch with some other name. But that’s all we know it by right now is the LG B. Shown above between and iPhone 4 and a Galaxy S, two phones known for their great displays. The LG B clearly stands out with its super bright 4 inch display. Of course, there could be brightness adjustment or camera trickery going on here, a display is something that must be experienced in real life. But the other wow factor of this mysterious device is just how thin it is. Shown here next to the iPhone 4 again, which Apple is saying is the thinnest smartphone on the market at 9.3mm, the LG B is significantly thinner.

Hit up Phandroid for more pictures and the rest of the very scarce details.

Best Buy is ready for Verizon’s launch of the new LTE network tomorrow, with the service coming to 38 metropolitan areas and initially launching with 2 USB modems, with phones rumored to be out early next year. Set to compete with Sprint’s WiMax service, T-Mobile’s HSPA+, and MetroPCS’s LTE, Verizon is boasting speeds of up to 32Mbps downloading in some areas, and they have the money to build a bigger infrastructure. With prices starting at $50/month for 5GB of data usage. Best Buy has the modems in stock, but also SIM cards for phones and tablets. We’re still not sure what the first LTE phone will be, but we’ve seen information on LTE handsets from LG, Samsung, and HTC. Best Buy internal systems already have to have the dropdown box to indicate whether or not a cellular device sold is an LTE device or not.

We’ve seen blurry video, we’ve seen a handful of pictures. But here for the first time we get a better look at the upcoming “Playstation Phone”, which may also be called the Z1 at launch. Running Gingerbread with a 4 inch screen and those oh-so-familiar Playstation controls on a slide-out “keyboard”.

[via thedroidguy]

Accessories are starting to arrive in some Verizon stores as confirmed by a source for Android Central. This not only confirms the phone’s name, but more importantly that it’s coming soon. All the original rumored dates haven’t panned out. Delays have been rumored to be attributed to the phone possibly getting LTE, or adding GSM global support. Whatever the reason, we hope it gets resolved soon and Big Red finally gets their HTC qwerty-slider.