Sony unveils tablet PC to rival iPad

SONY is planning to launch a tablet computer rival to Apple’s iPad later this year.

The product code-named S1, which was unveiled in Tokyo, comes with a 9.4-inch display for enjoying online content.

Sony also showed S2, a smaller mobile device with two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded like a book.

It did not give prices. But a spokesman said they would be competitive when they go on sale worldwide from about September.

The announcement comes as Sony tries to fix the failure of its PlayStation Network, which offers games and music online.

It is unclear when that can start running again. Sony has acknowledged it would have to rebuild its system to add security measures and strengthen its infrastructure.

The iPad continues to be the market leader when it comes to tablet computers. Motorola Mobility’s Xoom offering is believed to have sold between 25,000 and 120,000 units since going on sale in February. The original iPad, by comparison, sold 300,000 on its first day of availability.