We all know that Sony hasn’t had the best of years if you compare what the company has done with its products against some of the things Apple, Google, and other gadget makers have achieved recently. The company is not dominating the netbook market and is not exactly shaking the gaming market with its PS3 products. It’s not tough to see why the company is struggling to keep up with Apple and other gadget makers. Sony used to be a market leader, but it has now become a market follower. How else can you explain the company’s decision to introduce a new set of handheld devices to compete with Apple products and other top smartphones?

According to multiple sources, Sony is going after Apple iPhone and iPad with new smartphones and a tablet of its own. As CNET reported, Sony was quick the deny the reports by issuing the following statement:

As already announced, Sony and Sony Ericsson have been strengthening their collaboration in the networked mobile space. However, it is not our strategy to discuss future products or business plans before we make a formal announcement. Any media report that suggests details of the product or business is based on speculation.

That’s almost as good as confirming those reports. We know Sony has to do something to stay competitive considering all the new gadgets that will be making their way to consumer markets. Besides, tablets are hot these days, and many companies are building tablets even though they are going head to head with Apple iPad. You can expect Sony to bring its own touch-sensitive tablet or handhelds to the market soon. It’d be interesting to see if the company can execute its product to perfection. Sony has struggled in this area for a while now. Regardless, it’s handheld devices better deliver or they’ll be devoured by iPad and other tablets. And let’s hope the company doesn’t brand its netbook/tablet a Playstation device.