Sony Designing Mobile Phone/PSP Hybrid to Better Compete Against iPhone?

[applecultvictim]

Nokia's was even better and they made a complete bollocks of it. The market just wasn't ready for the model proposed. That's where Gruber gets it wrong - he relates today's market conditions to the ones in existence 5-10 years ago.



Sony have been a dead man walking for a while - Gruber is right on this part, he's just wrong on the mobile gaming front. As for your comments on MS, frankly, you're being ridiculous unless MS have released a handheld gaming device whilst I wasn't looking.

My comments for Ms refer to their running behind wagging their tails and creating the zunes and zune hds and thinking they are hip, I was referring to their let apple do and will copy it then attitude, their "I just finally copied the dock in 7 and I think I am innovating because I actually copied myself in windows 1.1 with a dock I never evolved as an idea" attitude, which is also demonstrated by sonny too

As for what Gruber said and the fact that the market conditions were different, your argument doesn't really make sense. It's exactly what he is saying, that apple forged a way and created a market and sony sat like a duck and....ok I won't get graphic on what they did but you get my drift...and watched their walkman get trampled without being able to have a VISION for the future. HECK, their first mp3 players wanted you to convert your mp3s and purchase your tunes in a propriety sony format acem, acap, whatever its name was...REMEMBER that? Immensly stupid move, there was the de facto format in mp3 and sony was trying to adance it's own (unlike apple that simply wanted aac to co-exist with mp3). ABSOLUTELY NO VISION. So much r&d and the dwarf iriver came up with better designs, features etc. etc.

Same for mobile gaming and phones, sure that was not the case way back when but still people had started gaming on their phones, in the primal way with the black and white screens, we all remember the snake games and what have you...But sony lacke the vision to advance an extended plan for a crossover product, with all their knowledge, everything and archos has better products...come on....

As for nokia, you are wrong, nokia have STILL a great stronghold on both phones and smartphones, and to be frank that's the only platform I personally would consider instead of the iphone. IN NO WAY are they getting their butts kicked as sony erickson. Erickson was better positioned than nokia actually and sony managed to mess them up to the point of almost obliterating them from teh map.

Think about all that, before making rush judgments.

 

[*LTD*]

Anyone that thinks that the iPhone or iPod Touch is a better gaming device then the PSP is fooling themselves. It's totally asinine to even suggest that the iPhone can rival the PSP as a serious gaming platform.

Don

Really?

Because it's happening. And it'll just get better from here on in. All you need are developers + platform.

And guess where all the developers are?

And guess which current handheld platform has nearly unlimited potential?

If the device you want to bring to market isn't:

a) an all-in-one mobile computing platform, effectively combining music, media, video, phone, applications, with a great UI

OR

b) the iPod Touch,

then it's dead. Don't even bother bringing it to market.

This is the kind of problem MS will face with the ZuneHD, for example. We already have an iPod Touch, which is the standard. By miles (with Apple's development cycle being quite aggressive.) And guess what is rendering it obsolescent?

The iPhone. And the ZuneHD isn't an iPod Touch. And it certainly is no iPhone. So it's already old. But it'll be fun for those hardcore Windows enthusiasts who will be able to get in on Microsoft's "me too!" platform that's already been done to death, earlier, by someone else, and which has no phone capability. Again, MS is a day late and a dollar short.

So are the Palm engineers heading over to Sony? Because that's what they'll need in order to attain even remote relevance in this area. Sony has ceased to be the de facto standard in all of its markets. Been that way for years now. Not even in TVs. Sony can't even make its PS3 competitive. And now, years after the iPod touch changed the game, years after the iPhone took it to a whole new level, and just after Palm's Hail Mary attempt (with Apple talent, to boot) failed to "kill" the iPhone . . . Sony wants to do a better job? LOL . . . right. Because that is exactly what competitors need to do now: do a much, much better job. Being at par or just adequate isn't good enough anymore.

Unless Sony is content with just "adding another device" to the pile. Which it seems to know how to do pretty well.

 

[applecultvictim]

Anyone that thinks that the iPhone or iPod Touch is a better gaming device then the PSP is fooling themselves. It's totally asinine to even suggest that the iPhone can rival the PSP as a serious gaming platform.

Don

Yeah but as it has been said a gazilionth times there are a lot of users that dont care for a "serious" gaming device, they just care to play a few games and the iphone covers them more than a psp because of the crossover factor....

 

[*LTD*]

Yeah but as it has been said a gazilionth times there are a lot of users that dont care for a "serious" gaming device, they just care to play a few games and the iphone covers them more than a psp because of the crossover factor....

Handheld devices that DO ONE THING, are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

 

[Eidorian]

Handheld devices that DO ONE THING, are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Sad but true.

 

[X38]

Handheld devices that DO ONE THING, are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

True...

I thought I would never be able to give up my ancient but faithful old HP28S. A few days ago I was distraught to find the battery compartment full of corrosion, but then I realized that the various calculator applications I've downloaded for my iPhone do enough for me that maybe I don't really have to have the HP with me all the time any more. Still makes me kinda sad, but I haven't yet cleaned it up and returned it to my briefcase...

Not ready to give up on the Kodak yet, but I do find myself bringing it along for casual use a little less often.

 

[*LTD*]

True...

I thought I would never be able to give up my ancient but faithful old HP28S. A few days ago I was distraught to find the battery compartment full of corrosion, but then I realized that the various calculator applications I've downloaded for my iPhone do enough for me that maybe I don't really have to have the HP with me all the time any more. Still makes me kinda sad, but I haven't yet cleaned it up and returned it to my briefcase...

Not ready to give up on the Kodak yet, but I do find myself bringing it along for casual use a little less often.

I kind of sympathize with everyone who wailed and clamoured for a better camera in the iPhone. It's no HD video/camera recording like this:

http://www.vimeo.com/4167288

But you get the idea. We're heading to a place where everything is consolidated on one, easy device. And each of the functions are getting better and better. It was assumed that a multifunction/multifaceted device could not perform better in any single area than a dedicated device. Well the tables are turning.

By the way, the music in that video is called "Chunga's Revenge." Look for it on iTunes.

 

[Eidorian]

But you get the idea. We're heading to a place where everything is consolidated on one, easy device. And each of the functions are getting better and better.

So the best solution is to never buy one?

 

[X38]

[...] It was assumed that a multifunction/multifaceted device could not perform better in any single area than a dedicated device. [...]

It will probably always remain true that to some extent stand alone devices are better at their intended function that multifunction devices. However, when it comes to handheld portable devices it is REALLY hard to beat the portability of having fewer devices on one's person. And portability after all is one of the most important functions of portable devices.

 

[*LTD*]

It will probably always remain true that to some extent stand alone devices are better at their intended function that multifunction devices. However, when it comes to handheld portable devices it is REALLY hard to beat the portability of having fewer devices on one's person. And portability after all is one of the most important functions of portable devices.

A fair clarification.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Hi

i play games and was sponsored by my korean guild in warcraft 3 for 3 1/2 yrs by AMD. i graduated high school at 16 and went to yonsei university. i worked as a graphic artist and photography for rice addict magazine. i have a degree in psychology and working on a strategic leadership in business degree. i was the top tank and pvp player in my WoW guild and i own a nes, super nes, gamegear, dreamcast (the best in imo), psp, ds, dsi, wii, gamecube, psx, ps2, ps3, n64, xbox and xbox 360.

i eat quite healthy (sometimes i'll have a coke). my major vice is cigs. i surf and workout mon, wed, friday, and sundays.

most of the gamers and friends i know never fall into that lame stereotypical category smartasses such as yourself try to play.

and if you were joking - this is in response to all the other times i've read similar remarks in the past.

I'm being very sincere in saying that I'm sorry I struck a nerve and congratulations on apparently being a skilled gamer. Yes, it was meant to be jokingly.

I won't argue with you that physical controls may help some game types. Doesn't stick out so much as I have no real interest in the fighting genre. I've played a dozen or so and it just doesn't interest me. Just to throw it out there, in case it helps my opinions, I'm not a huge RPG / MMORPG fan either. Back to my point. The iPhone and similar audience devices are for very short play. While fun, games like SimCIty stretch that intent. It's a game you can play for a few minutes, pause for a day or two, come back, and continue that but it reduces the enjoyment. SimCity is one of many types of games more enjoyed in 'full scale' and not so much on an iPhone. Companies realize this. It's not that they wouldn't be willing but, while there would be sales to it, a $20 Halo 3 or Halo Wars title wouldn't be fitting the iPhone platform. Perhaps a little more for iPod touch users but it's still not the same type of demand ( game type, ... ) that a gaming console, HDTV, and surround sound speaker system can provide. As simple as i can make it: There are some games I want strictly on a console, some strictly on a personal computer, some strictly on a portable device, and some would work for all.

Back to the "hardcore gamer" tag. I don't know if there is an official definition for it but I'd say the best would be someone who spends the majority of their day on gaming related activities. Since there are already terms of defining skill level of a task(s), hardcore wouldn't seem to fit. By that, I wouldn't consider yourself a hardcore gamer for getting awards or being talented. I would tag you as a "successful gamer" or a "talented gamer."

Keeping it simple. Stereotyping isn't bad. ...As long as one keeps an open mind. As far as someone meeting me for the first time, I'd fall into the redneck category. It doesn't bother me when someone starts off that way. My definition ( not as negative as the official definition ) of stereotype is placing characteristics on a person or group based on some initial elements ( geographic location, speech, physical appearance, .... ). There is a reason the term stereotype came into existence after all.

 

[martint84]

I will never buy a PSP phone, period. However, I really hope they make one and that it has some great features. My reasoning:

Competition is good. It's one thing that Apple definitely responds to. When microsoft puts out commercials about the high prices on mac laptops, Apple drops the price. When Palm releases the Pre, Apple updates the iPhone. When Microsoft and Sony release details about console motion controls, Apple gives us gesture control for our Apple TVs.

If Sony comes out with a PSP phone, maybe we'll see that "Premium App" store that was rumored a while back, who knows. Personally, like a lot of iPhone/iPod users, I have no interest in a console-like experience on my handheld device. But you know that whatever Sony comes up with, Apple will one up them with something even better. And that is good for all of us!

Now if only Sony would release an amazing new monitor so it will force Apple to give us the new ones!

 

[Speedy2]

Everybody here seems to act like apple has totally won and the psp is a failure. Yet the article mentions that 50 million psp's have been sold, that's more than iPhone and iPod Touch combined and doesn't seem so bad after all.

It is bad if you compare it to the sales of the DS (> 100 million).
The OS X platform will have outsold the PSP by the end of the year, with Sony having a 2-yr head start. And Apple makes a hell lot of more money with their OS X devices than Sony does with the PSP. What else would you consider a failure if not this? You have to see the situation in 2 or 3 years. Where will the PSP (or successor) be then? Will Sony even bother releasing a future-generation gaming-only handheld? I doubt it.

 

[Speedy2]

I don't see the iPhone as competing with PSP or DS because the market for those is younger. How many parents would buy their child an iPhone?

iPod touch

 

[Speedy2]

And I do not see Sony Ericson being that professional compared to Apple.

Their cellphones are ok but they are cheap, lots of eye candy features but... without charm. They have about 7 models and is always complicated to choose one because they lack of things.

True.

SE is seriously on its way down. Market share is dwindling and the joint venture is ending soon anyway. It will be Sony-only then.

Unfortunately, I have to say. I own one of their phone myself (3 yrs old) and I am quite happy with it. But compared to what's available now from the competition, it's a lame ass piece of hardware.

 

[Speedy2]

You do realise you're talking about Apple here - the company that markets every product based on how "thin" it is, thinks that shaking a device is the best way to perfrom a function and that has a store filled with soft porn, fart applications and dating calculators?

We do realise that you are obviously not interested in an unbiased, serious discussion. Or what else did you want to say with this unwarranted statement?

 

[Speedy2]

By your example the iPhone isnt competing with the PSP or DS anyway, so im not sure what you are trying to say.

I don't understand, why you don't get it. It's not that hard.

A certain amount of buyers of DS and PSP are casual gamers. Will these gamers still buy a dedicated gaming device when their mobile phone / MP3 player can do the same?

The "hardcore" gaming people will probably still buy a PSP / DS, but how many are these? At the moment, probably quite a few. However, as smartphones get better, the need for an extra device will go back year after year. Not exactly a market where you want to invest a lot of money, right?

 

[Packersfan27]

Cool!

It is always a good thing for the consumer when a new player comes to the table! If they make an awesome PSPhone, then that is good for those that buy and good for those that stick with their other platforms because the makers of those other platforms (iPhone, Palm etc) will have to work harder to compete. If it is bad, then the consumer will still have many other great options to choose from! I am excited to see what Sony comes up with. I am also excited about the Zune HD, I am gunna have to choose between that and the iPod Touch 3G in a few months and I hope Microsoft makes it a good fight!

 

[akaralias]

Yeah they will..

..but with what OS, Android comes close but it ain't iphone.
Symbian? No way
Windows mobile? that would be a lough!
Palm Pre? Closer if they give them the rights...

See the thing is, iphone succeeds because of the GUI and OS, then the App Store then the games!

And by the way I am not sure if apple wanted to compete with that market in the first place, it just happened!

Anyway, good luck.

I own 2 iphones but I would hate to see them become a monopoly!

 

[kainjow]

Anyone that thinks that the iPhone or iPod Touch is a better gaming device then the PSP is fooling themselves. It's totally asinine to even suggest that the iPhone can rival the PSP as a serious gaming platform.

Don

I think if you heard the talk I heard at WWDC from the CEO of ngmoco, you'd have a different opinion

 

[MacTheSpoon]

The greatest weakness of the iPhone is the lack of buttons for gaming. As great as the touchscreen is, you need a D-pad + 2 buttons to get quality controls. The lack of feedback makes most games frustrating to me, particually the ones that try to be more traditional.

Agreed. If Sony adds these buttons and an app store (maybe just basing it on Android would be enough, since there would already be an app store then), they will have a better product.

 

[RiCEADDiCTBOY]

Hi

I'm being very sincere in saying that I'm sorry I struck a nerve and congratulations on apparently being a skilled gamer. Yes, it was meant to be jokingly.

I won't argue with you that physical controls may help some game types. Doesn't stick out so much as I have no real interest in the fighting genre. I've played a dozen or so and it just doesn't interest me. Just to throw it out there, in case it helps my opinions, I'm not a huge RPG / MMORPG fan either. Back to my point. The iPhone and similar audience devices are for very short play. While fun, games like SimCIty stretch that intent. It's a game you can play for a few minutes, pause for a day or two, come back, and continue that but it reduces the enjoyment. SimCity is one of many types of games more enjoyed in 'full scale' and not so much on an iPhone. Companies realize this. It's not that they wouldn't be willing but, while there would be sales to it, a $20 Halo 3 or Halo Wars title wouldn't be fitting the iPhone platform. Perhaps a little more for iPod touch users but it's still not the same type of demand ( game type, ... ) that a gaming console, HDTV, and surround sound speaker system can provide. As simple as i can make it: There are some games I want strictly on a console, some strictly on a personal computer, some strictly on a portable device, and some would work for all.

Back to the "hardcore gamer" tag. I don't know if there is an official definition for it but I'd say the best would be someone who spends the majority of their day on gaming related activities. Since there are already terms of defining skill level of a task(s), hardcore wouldn't seem to fit. By that, I wouldn't consider yourself a hardcore gamer for getting awards or being talented. I would tag you as a "successful gamer" or a "talented gamer."

Keeping it simple. Stereotyping isn't bad. ...As long as one keeps an open mind. As far as someone meeting me for the first time, I'd fall into the redneck category. It doesn't bother me when someone starts off that way. My definition ( not as negative as the official definition ) of stereotype is placing characteristics on a person or group based on some initial elements ( geographic location, speech, physical appearance, .... ). There is a reason the term stereotype came into existence after all.

i truly appreciate a sincere and worthwhile reply. shows good character.

 

[madmax_2069]

Yes, that's what Sony says it is. But the photo function is useless (needed an SD card slot), music is okay but lacks playlist features (handles like an MP3 player from circa 2000), video is the best function but also limited, internet is useless.
It's primarily a games machine that has a few thrown in extra features. If they wanted a real multimedia device it wouldn't be so limited and use more common media types.

The photo function only requires you to have storage (MS Pro duo) and if you want to take pictures with the PSP you need the Cam which hooks on top of it http://www.renchi.com/renchi/PSP_PSP_Slim_Lite_Accessories_PSP_Camera_Official.htm (which i think was only released in japan but you can have one shipped). The web browser is almost useless but not entirely useless it will still allow you to post on forums and such (which is what i do) and you need it for the internet radio.

the PSP is more capable then what many think, its just that you have to unlock its capabilities. with the PSP having dual CPU's i run a little App called IR Shell which allows the PSP to run more then a few things at once.

 

[Swift]

Not the point

this:


Gamers tend to "float" their thumbs on the buttons, touching them but not pressing them. This is impossible on the iPhone, which makes it very awkward to hold if you arent pressing any buttons. Imo, the DS got it right, a touch screen with buttons that can work on their own or together in any given game.

We also have to think about games. Sure, indie devs are awesome, and make some really cool games, but can a bunch of indie devs compete with the likes of God of War, Ratchet and Clank, MotorStorm, and MGS?

Sure, gaming fanatics will always choose a platform that is best for games, whatever it is. But the iPhone is a computer. The games are cheap and downloadable. People get adapted to it, and it's "good enough," particularly when you can also do e-mail, go to the web, have a hundred other apps on the phone, and oh, yes, make phone calls. The old iPod with video was not the best video platform. It was the one that was good enough, and you could download thousands of videos from iTunes, and render other ones that just loaded up with no problem. With the iPhone and the iPod Touch, you have multipurpose computers that can be used like a laptop, and which do a surprisingly good job of games, too. Just the thing to kill time while you're waiting in an airport, a train, or a line. It's no Xbox, or Playstation, or PSP. But it doesn't have to be.

 

[jnguyen4]

How is this a negative thing? Bring on the competition.