Sony talks-up connected devices at CES 2012

Sony put the emphasis on connectivity at its CES 2012 press conference as it unveiled new smart TVs, tables and smartphones.

Sony announced three new TVs in its Bravia range, the BX, EX and HX, with improved picture quality and increased brightness and contrast. Sony said that some new Bravia models can access applications via the Sony Entertainment Network and have built in Wi-Fi and support for video calls via Skype.

The company also announced it was expanding on its line of products that use Google TV, with a new network media play and a Blu-ray player.

There was also news of new Sony smartphones, with the Sony Xperia S announced for a global launch during the first quarter of 2012.

The phone has a 4.3 inch display, two HD video cameras, a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor and a 12MP camera for taking pictures. It also has support for NFC and HD video streaming via DLNA, HDMI or through Sony's Bravia Sync software. The Xperia S will launch with Android 2.3, with an update to Android 4.0 coming in the second quarter of 2012.

The Sony Tablet P, first shown last year, got another outing. The clamshell tablet, which uses the Android 3.2 operating system, has two 5.5inch screens and access to Playstation games. Sony is yet to announce a launch date or price for the Tablet P.