It may seem silly to skip straight ahead to the bottom line, but the fact of the matter is, nobody really knows if the new gaming handset from Sony Ericsson, the so-called Z1 is actually going to be designated with the Playstation brand.
Sure, it will mean plenty of hype and possibly thousands of misleading sales that would be in favor of the Japanese-Swedish joint venture, but that would also mean lowering the quality and reputation that Sony Computer Entertainment has invested in the Playstation brand.
As some of you may recall, one of the earliest official announcements from SCE regarding the PSP phone is that they would never allow another company or group (even within Sony or with their partners) to take charge of the Playstation brand. Hopefully, this applies true until now.
The only saving grace here is that the moniker of PSP phone did not originate from Sony, Sony Ericsson or SCE; it is the product of countless rumors and news updates about the gaming Android smart phone. Of course, it does not help that the leaked “invitation” image showcased the iconic button icons of the Playstation brand –which adds fuel to the fire.
For Sony Ericsson’s sake, they should avoid using the icons and the brand (if they intend to) unless they can come up with high quality games. Sure, they can create great hardware, but what truly make the Playstation brand so well trusted in the gaming industry is the fact that the games on Playstation systems often meet a certain standard of excellence and quality that even the best app based games cannot possibly hope to match.
So far, Sony, Sony Ericsson, SCE nor any of Sony’s partners have made any announcements specific details regarding the gaming smart phone. While the product itself has never been outright denied, the Playstation branding has always been left as the most unlikely possibility.
Posts Tagged ‘Sony-PSP-Phone’
PSP Phone: a Lack of Brand Responsibility?
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010Smart Phones and Gaming: a Hard Mix
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
With the rumors of the “Playstation Phone” now dying down after the latest rumors hinted that the Sony Computer Entertainment will not be involved in the device, the gaming industry now has its focus and excitement on the upcoming PSP 2 –which is not a smart phone at all.
Sony Ericsson will be working on a gaming-centric Android device on its own. While this is certainly interesting, it is hardly exciting for many hardcore gamers. And thus, the mobile platform has once again been denied a position in the heart of the games industry.
But what is it about the smart phone that makes serious gamers turn elsewhere?
There are a myriad of factors that all fall into play once the argument starts going, and above everything else, the most important factor is games. Sure, major game companies do port entire games to the smart phone. Lucas Art’s old point and click titles are available as apps and so is Capcom’s Phoenix Wright. Square Enix also released new mini-RPGs and a couple of old Final Fantasy titles as well. But that is probably as far as it goes. The touch screen is only meant for point and click or menu driven games. Other titles that require accuracy of controls such as fighting games, first person shooters, platformers and many other action titles fail badly with the accelerometer and the touch controls.
Storage media is also another issue. The PSP makes use of UMD technology while the Nintendo DS has its own cartridges. The smart phone relies on downloads. This makes it harder for developers to add in more content as the downloadable size of the installer grows larger.
Lastly, the nature of the mobile phone comes into play. The fact is that hardcore games take plenty of time. Unlike casual apps that can easily be paused or stopped at any moment, hardcore titles have plenty of events that if interrupted by an incoming message or call, would really spoil the mood for the player.
New Sony Ericsson Gaming Phone Rumor is Not Exciting
Monday, November 29th, 2010For all the big news about the upcoming PSP phone, it seems that the latest update makes the most sense and at the same time, makes us wonder if all our attention and excitement should be better spent elsewhere.
According to the latest buzz about the PSP phone online; the new device is not a PSP phone.
So what have we all been blabbering about for the past few weeks? Apparently, the next Sony Ericsson device will be an Android gaming handset. While it will have a control pad, buttons and what appears to be the well known button icons used by Sony Computer Entertainment, the device is a full SE product.
This means that the device will not be supported by SCE, and it will not have SCE made games. The only games that will be playable on the device are specially made Android platform titles –to be specific, simple game apps. While this is certainly disappointing for many hardcore gamers hoping to find a smart phone with better features, it at least explains why some facts never seemed to add up.
One initial reservation we have always had is that we know for a fact that SCE would never allow a different Sony department to develop a Playstation brand device. Another is the recently leaked event invite for a December 9 launch of the device –something that SCE would also never do. Of course, there are plenty of other hard to believe rumors that came in between.
The bottom line right here however is that this device does not excite hardcore gamers. The PSP Go failed for focusing more on mini-games (the Playstation Minis game series) and its lack of a UMD tray. While regular PSP games can be downloaded on the Go, it failed to gain a foothold in the industry. With the SE gaming device lacking even decent games, there is little to be expected of this device. It is even likely that it will end up much like the Nokia N-Gage.
More on the PlayStation Phone
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010It is almost certain that Sony will be releasing a new handheld gaming system next year, but as for what their plans really are, it is far too early to tell.
While Sony Ericsson is pretty much known for being a very leaky boat, the same cannot be said about Sony Computer Entertainment. Sure, there have been some major news leaks in the past few months, but the fact of the matter is, when it comes to bringing out the best kept secrets –it is nearly impossible to get even a slight bit of information from SCE.
In any case, the new PSP device is said to be a joint SCE and Sony Ericsson project, making this a combination of a gaming handheld and an Android (allegedly) smart phone. While no detail has been given as to why the Google open source mobile platform will be used as the operating system for the device, it seems to be a pretty good choice.
The initial images show that the control layout seems to follow the traditional directional pad and circle, square, triangle, cross buttons with left and right shoulder buttons, but the analog stick seems to be missing. In the place of the stick is a large touch screen pad. While this is certainly going to be convenient for phone functions, touch controls are less accurate and precise as compared to analog controls –making precision handling required for racing games, flight simulations and other genres difficult to play (while the directional pad is usable, the lack of a stick will certainly be a major concern).
Rumors are also pointing a possible Mobile World Congress launch for the new device –though this is quite unlikely. While the MWC is certainly a common choice, the fact is that this event skips out on the PSP Phone’s main target market: the gamers. Expect Sony to hold a special event or join up with a major gaming event to launch this new device.
Apple offer iPad Engraving, Sony’s PSP Phone OS Rumoured
Friday, October 29th, 2010
The web is alive and full of news updates regarding the PSP that was ‘leaked’ yesterday. Apparently, it seems that the new device will be making use of an OS called the Z-system. While it looks nothing like the cross media bar that we are all familiar with, it certainly looks neat and relatively easy to figure out. Our only concern is the announcement that the new device will not support physical media storage.
Sure, the device will have a port for microSD cards (and will most probably have support for up to 32GB cards as well as a pretty big internal storage space). But what worries a lot of gamers is the type of games that will be released in such a manner. Most of the best games still available are pretty huge in terms of file size –making the concept of manually downloading each game like an app would be a big waste of time and resources. Hopefully, Sony is able to come up with new physical media storage option.
It is ironic that UMD storage is now out of the picture right after the latest rumors state that the hardware on the new PSP device will be matching that of Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
Apple has something else coming up for the holidays: the Apple iPad –with engravings. Sure, it is still the same old 9.7 inch touch screen tablet device, but it will now be a little more personal.
Buyers who would like to give out the iPad as a gift for their loved ones will be able to add in a small two liner passage, dedication or saying on the back of the device. This engraving is permanent and as such, will make that specific iPad non-refundable. It has also been confirmed that ordering an engraving will take more time so the shipping will take a while to push through.
PS Phone: Why a Gaming Phone is Not Really All that Exciting
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
One would assume that for a tech fan who loves games and gadgets, the prospect of a hard core potable gaming system merged with a mobile phone would be an exciting idea, and the general first reaction would definitely be excitement. But given a few moments of careful consideration, the most hard core of gamers will realize the value of being able to separate a mobile phone from a gaming device.
It has been a common notion to put phones off the hook and leave mobiles on silent when one does not wish to be disturbed. And when you have reached a very important, dramatic, climactic and exciting part of your game, the last thing you need is for the outside world to interrupt you.
And this is why mobile gaming is such a big hassle. Sure, it does not hurt to move away from a quick round of Plants versus Zombies or Angry Birds if you suddenly have a Tweet alert or an SMS to read. But the same simply does not apply when you are viewing a real time un-pause-able event scenario in a Metal Gear game, or trying to perfect an SSS combo in Devil May Cry.
There are even players who would manually shut off their net connections or stay logged off from the PSN server or the Xbox Live service when they are on single player games, and unless a gaming phone allows users to instantly stay off the grid (or back on the grid, as needed), then it would always be best to separate the two purposes –phones and hard core gaming.
With rumors of the Sony Playstation phone being revived, along with much earlier news that the PSP2 is coming out next year, gamers can only hope that the two are separate devices.
Cracking Down on the PSP Phone Rumors
Monday, September 27th, 2010There are plenty of big questions as to the future of handheld gaming, and right now, most of the future speculations are not on Nintendo’s 3DS or on app gaming for smart phones, but on the possibility that Sony’s next big gadget may be a hybrid gaming phone. The reason we are all looking into this is due to a recent job ad for Sony London. According to the ad, the company is looking for a senior server engineer with experience working on the Android.
Right off the bat, we can pretty much say that this ad has nothing to do with the PSP Phone –regardless of the device actually being real or not. This is simply because if Sony was indeed working on the device, they would be doing in Japan –where they developed all of their game consoles. The ad is most likely for the creation of new Android and other mobile apps for smart phones.
Going back to the PSP rumors, there are several ways to go about it, but one thing stands for certain: making it a phone is not a good idea. What many people do not realize is that the PSP is made for the real gaming market, not the casual app playing smart phones users. While other people might not mind having their game of “airport manager” being interrupted by a text message, the same does not apply for a gamer playing the final round of Tekken 6 Portable.
Simply put, there is no room for the concept of hardcore gaming and real time phone functions to merge in a single device. Add in the concept of ad-hoc gaming and you have a greater argument against adding phone features.
As for the Android OS, it still remains to be seen. While it could certainly bump up the PSP’s casual game selections, Sony already has the PS Network and the XMB user interface. Still, the Android platform is more likely than adding in phone features. At the very least, the device could support 3G for online access.
A Week of Mobile News Highlights
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
This is a very busy week for the mobile phone industry with one new announcement after another. Here is a quick list of all the big headlines for the past couple of days.
First off, Samsung has confirmed that they are going to be releasing a white version of the GT i9000 Galaxy S Android smart phone. No word yet on exactly when this phone will be on stock, but it will be coming. Many believe that Samsung is directly competing with the iPhone 4 (which has a white version that has been terribly delayed).
O2 and the UK police have teamed up to bring down nine individuals that have conspired to steal millions from network providers. The arrest was just made recently and is a major step in helping out the local phone operators from potentially losing millions in a major scam.
Orange Mobile UK has confirmed that the iPhone 4 is now available for free on certain plans and tariffs. The big offer can still be availed off –especially now that the demand for the smart phone has died down considerably. Just be certain to avail of the free iPhone 4 Bumper through the downloadable iTunes app.
It has been confirmed that the Android operating system is now one of the largest mobile platforms available with over 55 million units distributed in this year alone. This volume is almost six times more than the amount of Android shipped out last year. Currently, Google’s Android is second place only to the Symbian OS.
Sony has taken the first step in a marketing campaign that pits the PSP against casual titles on the mobile phone industry. Many, however, believe that this is just a prologue to the upcoming PSP2 smart phone-gaming handheld which is supposedly an Android device. Google is indeed with Talks with Sony and it is possible that there is more to this rumor than meets the eye.
Sony to take on the Apple iPhone Head On
Thursday, August 19th, 2010At this point, the gaming industry is split between two incredibly large markets: the core gaming community that focuses on portable and home console gaming, and the casual smart phone users who spend plenty of money downloading and purchasing app game content.
There is no doubt that the two industries are generating plenty of revenue for game developers, but are the two markets starting to creep into each other’s territory?
The issue here is that gaming, whether casual or not, is still gaming. Many casual players find themselves wanting more and start venturing into the more hard core titles while core gamer find the assortment of casual titles available in the mobile phone industry to be quite entertainingly light.
Sony just recently aired an advertisement with the new “MarcusPSP” series (which is patterned after the Kevin Butler ads they released) to promote core gaming values to more people. The ad stresses a very important point, even with impressive technology on smart phones, no developer has yet to make a truly impressive title (hence the ad reference ‘for the big boys’). Even Microsoft’s recently released initial list of XBL Service titles for Windows Phone 7 is downright lackluster.
Of course, Sony is also pointing out a very important factor, that people are spending plenty of money on casual titles. After all, the whole point of the ad is to encourage people to spend just as much on games –but on the ‘right’ games. Naturally, general phone users would still stick to apps, but core gamers have more to gain from the PSP.
With rumors of Google and Sony working together to develop an Android PSP2, it is quite possible that Sony intends to take charge of both markets with a single device -though this brings up one interesting little fear that hard core players have: a time when incoming calls and messages will literally interrupt your game.
Google Rumored to be in Talks with Sony for PSP Android Phone
Friday, August 13th, 2010Technological pipe dreams are nice and hearing that Google might be in talks with Sony to discuss the possibility of a PSP smart phone is pretty impressive to say the least and at this point in the gaming and mobile phone industry it is actually a likely scenario. There are certain factors that should be considered before throwing out this supposed rumor out of the window.
First off, the Playstation Portable has been around since 2004, and the device is slowly, but surely, dying. There is no doubt that Sony is already working on the next PSP device, the only question is whether they would actually add in phone features to the handset as well.
Another important factor is the fact that mobile gaming is slowly getting bigger and stronger. Even Microsoft is joining in on the fun by bringing the Xbox Live games to the upcoming Windows Phone 7 mobile platform. With the Playstation Network still limited to the console and the PSP, Sony has plenty to gain by teaming up with the Google and using the PSN on the Android platform.
Considering everything else, it is possible that Sony would be investing its’ time developing a device that combines both gaming and mobile phone features. In fact, what should really be asked at this point is whether this will be a project that they will also develop with Sony Ericsson. While an individual release of the PSP phone outside of SE’s hands would certainly cannibalize sales of other SE devices such as the XPERIA phones (the X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro), one has to remember that Sony is keeping a very careful watch on its’ Playstation brand.
Right now, rumors are stating that it is Sony Ericsson and not just Sony that are in talks with Google, but that might just be the clincher –the PSP phone might only be a reality if only Sony and Google were in talks.