New Sony tablets take on iPad in Japan

TOKYO (AP) — Sony Corp. says its goal is to become the biggest player in Japan’s growing Android tablet market.

The Japanese electronics and entertainment giant, which unveiled its first tablets to the world Wednesday, is also taking aim at the iPad’s commanding lead on its home turf.

Sony will launch Japan sales of the Tablet S on Sept. 17. The smaller, dual-screened Tablet P will hit stores by November.

Sony tablets

Sony's new tablet offerings. Pic: AP.

Sony marketing executive Akihiro Matsubara told reporters in Tokyo on Thursday that Japan’s tablet market is expected to hit 2 million units this fiscal year through March and expand to 3.2 million the following year.

The iPad holds about 85 percent of Japan’s tablet market, though Android-based tablets are expected to gradually gain ground.