As we reported back in August, Sony is actively developing a gaming phone. Now, Engadget brings us actual photos of the device. It will likely run Android 3.0 (aka Gingerbread) and has a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655, 512MB of RAM, 1GB of ROM, and a 3.7 to 4.1 inch screen. It features a long touchpad in the center which is likely multitouch. It still bears the familiar PlayStation shoulder buttons.
According to Engadget, the device doesn’t seem ready for prime time yet. It’s said to be “buggy” and possibly not ready for a 2010 release, so 2011 would be more likely. Still, the possibility exists that we could see this new device for the holidays. Not good news for Sony as every second counts and the competition already has product on the shelves or on the way to the shelves.
A PlayStation phone would definitely cause a stir in the gaming landscape. Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch family of devices have proven to be stiff competition in the gaming world. Apple is putting millions of these in the hands of customers every quarter. The launch of the iPhone 4 and iOS 4 took gaming on iDevices to the next level.
Microsoft has the XBox 360 with multi-player gaming via XBox Live. With the launch of Windows Phone 7, they’ve gone in the same direction as Apple, giving the consumer a competitive mobile device with integration into their existing multi-player gaming network.
Nintendo and Sony both appear to be in a tight spot. Their current crop of handheld gaming devices are just not doing that well and this may be Sony’s chance to turn things around and get back in the game. Users have been waiting for PlayStation to release this type of device. This would also be a good look for Android in general as it may bring a new crop of advanced and professional games to the Android platform.
At this point, this is all speculation. Sony refuses to comment on this device and has denied that the photos of the device are authentic. One thing is for sure: If a device of this type is not currently in development, they need to get on the ball and make it happen ASAP.
Are you looking forward to a PlayStation Phone?
via Engadget, VentureBeat