Sony has unveiled its new Xperia Z which is thinner than an iPad Mini yet features a bigger screen.
The new Sony device is just 0.27in (6.9mm)-thick – 0.01in thinner than Apple’s rival tablet – but comes with a 10.1in screen.
The Xperia Z is also very light, at just 1.1lb (495g), and is water and dust resistant – featuring similar plastic covers to protect its ports as are found on the new Xperia Z smartphone.
Both devices are designed to work together, allowing photos and other data to be transferred between the phone and tablet using the firm’s “one-touch sharing” facility.
David McQueen, principal analyst at the Informa Telecoms and Media consultancy, told the BBC: “It’s a good product and on the face of it it should do well, but it is hampered by a potential squeeze on the larger tablet segment.
“A lot of consumers and other manufacturers are moving to the smaller 7in-to-8in form factor – in part because of their cheaper price.
“So the success of the Sony tablet might ultimately be determined by how much it costs as well as whether the firm bundles some of the content it owns from its music, movie and gaming divisions.”
Meanwhile LG is also releasing a 5in handset – the Optimus G Pro – and while both devices have only been confirmed for release in Japan, but more details are expected next month – possibly at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from 25 to 28 February.
Via: BBC