Sony rekindles rumors of PSP phone

It's been a hot minute since we've heard any marginally believable chatter surrounding the so-called PSP phone, but the idea of such a device has been given new life thanks to Sony Computer Entertainment co-chief operating officer Jim Ryan. Apparently, Mr. Ryan told the India Times that the "PlayStation is a proven success and so is Sony Ericsson," and that "convergence with the two arms working together is definitely plausible." Granted, he did note that it could be quite some time before such a device would see the market, and that if indeed it did, it would likely resemble a handheld gaming system with a phone blended in and not vice-versa. So yeah, we're not really any closer to knowing whether this thing truly is somewhere in the pipeline, but here's to hoping that we don't have to wait another year or so to find out more.

[Via Stuff]

[Zut @ Nov 22nd 2007 7:08AM]

Why does it have to be a device? 'Playstation' would be a good brand for an N-Gage style mobile gaming platform.

[MrGam3r @ Nov 22nd 2007 10:32AM]

when you say "N-Gage style", are you hoping that this psp phone will resemble a taco? (i mean seriously.....it did look like a taco)

[Richard @ Nov 22nd 2007 11:20AM]

God; Sony design has really gone downhill.*












* I know its just a mock up made poorly intentionally to prevent people from thinking it is real.

[JeffDM @ Nov 22nd 2007 7:23AM]

Just because it can be done, doesn't mean it's a good idea. I mean, N-Gage had a lot of problems, as well as the often-mocked side-talking on a taco. What about this thing? You open up the taco in order to talk into it? It's just bizarre.

[Esat @ Nov 22nd 2007 7:27AM]

THIS IS REALLY REALLY

unnecessary.

[ZeroSaiYeN @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:05AM]

Agreed.

[Phaedrus @ Nov 22nd 2007 3:39PM]

My phone should be a phone, not a computer, gaming console, word processor, IM device, GPS locater, microwave, flashlight, and smudgy POS, all at the same time. Take your multi-purpose shit away and give me a futzing phone.

[JeffDM @ Nov 22nd 2007 10:41PM]

Phaedrus; what I suggest is that you buy a phone that's just a phone. They really do exist from several providers. But I think the market has shifted to the point that leaving out the camera, SMS and all that reduces its market such that it's no cheaper because of reduced economies of scale.

[Kurian @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:08AM]

I support the idea of a gaming device with every other attachment including a GSM radio.
I DONT support a phone with a gaming device attachment.

[NineT9 @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:19AM]

jeez you guys are negative...having a feature like this is only a good thing, and im sure theres a small market for it, so who cares...

its like when Sony decided to not only have the PSP a portable gaming, but a portable movie device as well (UMD)...sure most people don't take advantage of UMD, but is there a market for UMD? Yes...are those people happy about it? Yes...

Is there a market for people whod use a PSP as a mobile phone? Yes...Would they be happy about it? It all depends on the features.

So just because YOU don't like it, doesn't mean its a bad idea... and just because I like it doesn't mean its a great idea... but either way, its just another function added, which is only a good thing....

of course, now that i defended a product, i will get flamed by the typical anti-everything people so go ahead i am waiting, dont forget to use exclamation marks and omg'z

[ZeroSaiYeN @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:27AM]

OMGZ U DEFENDED A PRODUCTZ! WHY?

There, I did it. ;)

[Esat @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:43AM]

1.) "im sure theres a small market for it,"

Key words in that sentence; 'small' and 'market'. Theres always going to be niche markets out there. Different people want different things, naturally, we are all human and have different bodies, brains and chemical balances, providing us with wonderful variation e.t.c. However, it is also agreed that majorities of people like a certain number of things i.e. nintendo wii, pizza, ipod, zune, muffins or whatever. If only a small amount of people would like a psp/phone, what would be the point? I don't see why Sony should take another gamble (they really cant afford to at the moment) for a product that most people clearly do not want and would most likely go the N-gage way (pixel heaven). It just would not make much sense.

2.) "its like when Sony decided to not only have the PSP a portable gaming, but a portable movie device as well"

Having the ability to play movies on the go is a great feature of the psp, and MANY (if not all) people that wanted/have a psp would definately have watned this feature. The psp would have sold less if it did NOT have this feature. However, they could have implemented this feature without creating a needless new media storage device (UMD), which is not doing very well at all at the moment and hasn't been for some time. Why they decided to over complicate things is beyond me, although flash cards would have been more expensive back then i suppose....

Any way to sum up my ramblings, yes I agree that some people would want this feature, I'm just saying that from Sony's point of view it would be a bad business decision unless they came up with some kind of form factor/UI that was really ground breaking and intuitive.

For the record I am a happy xbox360 owner, and yes a playstation hater. I rubbished the original xbox, bought a ps2 and after it died on me they wished to charge me £65. I proceeded to sell my ps2 games, bought an xbox and never looked back. I debated whether to get a playstation 3 after their amazing E3 announcement of the PS3 years ago, particularly encouraged by the killzone trailer only to discover that promises were broken and lies were told, so I remained with the xbox.

Over and out.

[NineT9 @ Nov 22nd 2007 10:56AM]

Esat, thanks for your opinion, wish there was more people like you that know what their talking about or atleast are smart enough to debate

"If only a small amount of people would like a psp/phone, what would be the point?"
I know where your coming from. Trying to please a small market is always a risk, and with a PSP/Phone I'm sure that could be dangerous... The only reason they would attempt this, is obviously if they can make a good enough profit from it, which is what im hoping for.

I'm a part of that market who thinks a PSP/Phone is a great idea, id say compare it to the iphone, but im sure that would bring in a million replies... anyway, I really like the idea of having this beautiful screen to watch movies, play games, and answer calls... of course I would feel like a complete idiot holding a PSP to my ear, but thats what blutooth headsets are for :P

But you summed it all up very nicely... "yes I agree that some people would want this feature, I'm just saying that from Sony's point of view it would be a bad business decision unless they came up with some kind of form factor/UI that was really ground breaking and intuitive."

And for the record I am a firm believer in 'all-in-1' devices :) Even if I have to sacrifice power in each of the features. EX: Cellphone = Camera/Camcorder/Phone/Voice Recorder/MP3 player... Sure I can get a real mp3 player thats nicer, or a real camera thats nicer, but i just prefer simplicity :) Hence why I like the idea of a PSP/Phone

as far as 360 vs PS3...its like choosing between a Ferrari & a Lamborghini, who cares... they are both really powerful :) I'll take the PS3 though because of UT3 :)

[Esat @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:04PM]

Wow, having a civil discussion on the internet with someone is great!!! This is what it should be like all the time :)

Oh, and I love all in one devices, the more the better I say!

[Semi @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:29AM]

first of all....give me a calendar on my psp which syncs wich google calendar....

mobile phones have integrated good cameras and good mp3 players capabilities, next step is good games.. and only way for Sericsson to makes more money out of gaming phones it to associate itself with the playstation brand... come on SONY!!

[Blackster @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:52AM]

damn, the psp is no lightweight,the accutime is slim too and they want to add phonefeatures?

count me in :D ^_^

[thethirdmoose @ Nov 22nd 2007 11:35AM]

Why not have a phone, AND a PSP. Because you know that either the phone will suck, or the PSP will suck if they are combined.

[Kradlum @ Nov 22nd 2007 1:13PM]

Sony and BT announced VOIP and videophone over IP back in May, but I haven't seen any news since.

"BT and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) have signed a groundbreaking deal to transform the PSP (PlayStation Portable) gaming device by adding wireless broadband communications functions, including high quality handheld video calls, voice calls and messaging."

[EdMercer @ Nov 22nd 2007 2:16PM]

Trow in some PDA features (touchscreen, built-in memory etc.) and I'm sold.

[Kofi Asante @ Nov 22nd 2007 4:52PM]

and did it ever occur to you that he was talking about interconnectivity between the two devices? gosh.

[nighthawk @ Dec 29th 2007 4:55PM]

Convergence is the future. It is enviable. Either get on board with it or have twenty different gadgets on your Bat Utility Belt. Carrying two devices is just a little too post modern even for George McFly. Those of you who want to rumble with a portable device that combines all the coolest aspects of todays life-style had better grab your tights and cape.

"Where does he get all those wonderful toys!"
The Joker... Batman