Sony May Finally Combine PSP, Cell Phone
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."
The full text of the patent can be read by clicking here.