Sony has definitely not been the Android manufacturer of choice for most of us, but their promise to get on top of the game this year has everyone hoping. It is undeniable that Sony has been one of the biggest contributors to technology, and with everyone jumping in on the tablet war, they simply cannot be missing in action. The Japanese Nikkei newspaper reported that Sony’s tablet (codenamed the S1) will be released by the end of the summer, and has cited Howard Stringer, Sony’s Chief Executive Officer. Such reliable sources are not always right when it comes to time frames and release dates, but this is definitely much more than just a rumor now.

The report only states that the tablet will be running Android 3.0 Honeycomb, but past rumors also mention that it will have a 9.4-inch screen, with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels.

Something that must be mentioned is the form factor, which is meant to remind the user of a folded back book or magazine. Though a creative idea, such feature seems like something unnecessary, unless they have some kind of functionality planned for it (other than it creating a melancholic feeling). Maybe providing a better viewing angle when placing it on a flat surface?

For now, we can only sit tight and wait for more details on this, stay tuned for more updates, and please do let us know your opinions.