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Verizon to preload PlayPhone-backed Games Portal on Android devices
Carriers often want to provide unique device software as a lure for their services -- like it or not -- and gaming is undeniably one of the more attractive hooks. It makes sense, then, that Verizon now says it will use PlayPhone's SDK as the framework for a new hub, Games Portal, on its Android devices. The effort will give any optimized titles direct carrier billing and a social component, as well as theoretically better exposure than what they'd get on a very crowded Google Play. Verizon will preload the portal on new devices from this spring onwards, in addition to updating some existing hardware. The code should be comparatively simple to implement, but we'd add that there's no guarantee of success: Verizon's last experiment with reviving the carrier-controlled app gateway didn't quite pan out.
Bandai hatches Tamagotchi handset, coming to AT&T
Just in case your kids haven't gotten into WoW, MSN, or any other addictive pursuit, Bandai and PlayPhone bring drug-like amusement to cellphones with Tamagotchi (see our playful mockup over there on the right). Tamagotchi as a game isn't anything terribly new on mobiles, but unique on this prepaid mobile device is the ability for kids to convert their prepaid minutes to credits on the Tamaphone.com website. Youngsters will be able to pick up things like wallpapers, ringtones, and games all on their own without a credit card or any adult interaction required (of course, parents will still have control over what they are up to at the site). No word on when this little hatchling will pop up, but it should ring in at roughly 100 bones and will make its home on AT&T's network. Based on the the Motorola V190 of old, it ain't exactly packed full of the absolute newest tech, but kiddies will likely adore it.
