Skip to main content

Sony teases its Android tablets with a really slow Rube Goldberg machine

sony-tablets-rube-goldberg-machine
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rube Goldberg machines are the coolest. There’s just no disputing it. While they’re usually relegated to music videos by bands like OK Go and The Bravery, Sony has decided to use an overly complex chain of a contraption to promote its two new tablets, the S1 and S2. Running Android 3.1 Honeycomb, the two tablets will star in a five episode Rube Goldberg saga called “Sony Tablet – Two Will” that should get us excited and teach us something about these mysterious tablets.

However, if the first episode is any indication, we’re in for a slow and uninformative ride. While fascinating, the video does little more than show the 9.4-inch S1 and smaller clam-shelled S2. Between viewings, we must sit and watch a devastatingly slow train make its way across a room filled with bottles and cogs. We’re also not so sure that Sony’s contraption really counts as a Rube Goldberg machine either, as it would be difficult for marbles to type on a capacitive touch screen and the whole contraption appears to have secondary methods of power.

Recommended Videos

In any case, check out the first episode below and let us know what you think.

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
The Oura Ring 4 is out, so the Oura Ring 3 is on sale
A person wearing the Oura Ring 3rd generation Horizon model.

Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes, but did you know that they can also come in the form of rings? If you're interested, you can get the Oura Ring 3, a smart ring that can monitor different kinds of health metrics, with a $50 discount from Best Buy. Instead of its original price of $299, you'll only have to pay $249, but you need to act fast because we're not sure when the offer will end. Add the wearable device to your cart and proceed with the checkout process immediately if you don't want to miss the savings.

Why you should buy the Oura Ring 3
Despite the arrival of the Oura Ring 4, the Oura Ring 3 remains a worthwhile purchase as one of the best fitness trackers that you can buy. According to our Oura Ring 4 versus Oura Ring 3 comparison, the Oura Ring 4 is thinner and lighter, and offers a slightly improved battery, but it shares the same fitness tracking features with the Oura Ring 3, and both are compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. They also both require an Oura membership that costs $6 per month to unlock deeper insights and exclusive features, so the lower price of the Oura Ring 3 compared to the Oura Ring 4 is even more appealing.

Read more
We loved the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and it’s on sale today
Pixel Studio app running on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

We’re just a week away from Christmas 2024, which means there’s going to be a lot of folks doing last-minute shopping, both in stores and online. And if you’ve been perusing the web for great phone deals and you’re looking to stay away from iPhones and Samsung Galaxy hardware, we found the perfect offer for you:

Right now, you can order the 256GB unlocked version of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and you’ll only end up paying $950. At full price, this phone sells for $1,200. We tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL back in October, and reviewer Joe Maring said, “The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers stunning hardware, lovely cameras, and much-improved specs — making it one of 2024's best flagship smartphones.”

Read more
Apple iPad mini (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024): Which one to buy?
ipad mini 2024 and ipad air 2024 product shots on a light maroon background

Apple launched a bunch of iPads in 2024, including the much-awaited iPad mini refresh and a new iPad Air, which was the first to be available in two screen sizes. The company's tablet portfolio is now bigger than ever, which can be confusing if you are in the market for a new great tablet. Even if your priorities are clear with size and price, there are a number of overlapping models, which can make decision-making difficult.

Do you need a more pocketable iPad or a more powerful tablet? Are you fixated on a specific screen size? Are you confused about how much power is required to run your creative tasks? Which is the best iPad overall? Don't worry if you don't have answers to any of these questions right now. This comparison between two of our favorite iPads from 2024 will help answer them so you can make an informed decision.
iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): specs

Read more