| Cell phones are available in combinations with .MP3 players, digital cameras, audio and video
recorders, and mobile computers. Now it looks like Sony is once again
considering combining a cell phone with its Playstation PSP portable
gaming console.
Reuters on Monday reported that the Nikkei business daily on
Saturday wrote that Sony is considering a hybrid cell phone-gaming
device to compete with Apple's iPod and iPhone.
Sony could set up a project team as early as next month to develop a
new portable device combining the function of a PSP portable gaming
console and a Sony Ericsson mobile cell phone, Reuters reported.
Mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson is a joint venture between Sony and Sweden's Ericsson.
This would not be the first time Sony is considering offering a combination game/cell phone device.
The Economic Times, part of India-based Indiatimes, reported in
November of 2007 that Jim Ryan, then Sony Computer Entertainment's
co-chief operating officer, said that a "Playstation Phone" is a future
possibility.
"The playstation (sic) is a proven success and so is Sony
Ericsson. Convergence with the two arms working together is definitely
plausible," the Economic Times quoted Ryan as saying.
The Economic Times story can be read by clicking here.
In addition, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan in 2007
received a U.S. patent for a "Mobile Information Terminal Apparatus And
Method Of Controlling The Same" which discloses the development of a
mobile device with a rotating display "for performing entertainment functions represented by gaming function."
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