Sony (NYSE: SNE) to Launch Tablet Inspired by Microsoft’s Surface

Reports reveal that Sony (NYSE: SNE) is working on a brand new device that would compete with Microsoft’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) much awaited tablet. The device is currently called the Xperia Sony tablet. It would be sleeker, lighter and way more powerful than its forerunner.

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While it may seem that such updates are common for tablet updates, according to The Verge, the newer version of the device would also include NVIDIA’s (NASDAQ: NVDA) Tegra 3 processor. It will support Android 4.0 or more and will offer a range of storage options, starting from 16 GB. The device is also supposed to support 3G connectivity and offer 10 hours of Wi-fi battery life.

Although the exact price of the tablet has not yet been confirmed, Sony has plans of undercutting Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad by $50. The 16GB model will be sold at $449.99, the 32GB at $549.99 and 64GB at $649.99. This strategy seems interesting on the consideration that Microsoft has not yet revealed the cost of its tablet, Surface.

Sony plans on competing with Apple as well. The Verge reports that Sony has been working on manufacturing a special cover that will double as a keyboard for its tablet. The value of the cover may be $100, but Sony will apparently release two cheaper covers.

Surface has been unveiled in June and Microsoft will launch two different keyboard covers, one that has actual buttons and the other that has sensory touch. The device has received a lot of attention since its first showcasing. Sony will have a hard time in avoiding comparisons, it seems.

Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft has recently declared that Surface will go on sales the next year. Google has not yet revealed such details for its Nexus 7. Amazon had released its 7 inch Kindle Fire in November, 2011.