Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WSJ: Sony buying out Ericsson's end of mobile joint-venture]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/wsj-sony-buying-out-ericssons-end-of-mobile-joint-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/wsj-sony-buying-out-ericssons-end-of-mobile-joint-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/wsj-sony-buying-out-ericssons-end-of-mobile-joint-venture/#comments Sony's PlayStation Suite may be planned for more than just a few of Sony Ericsson's mobile devices, as the Wall Street Journal has heard from "people familiar with the matter" that Sony intends on buying out Ericsson's half of the two companies' joint cellular partnership. Sony and Ericsson came together in 2001 to create mobile devices, but Sony only got its PlayStation brand involved in the collaboration within the past year, with the launch of the Xperia Play and not-quite-launched PlayStation Suite.

Apparently the deal is also quite fragile at the moment, with one source indicating "the talks are ongoing and could break apart at any time." It's still unclear how much Ericsson might net from the deal, though analysts peg Ericsson's stake at anywhere between €1 billion and €1.25 billion ($1.3 billion to $1.7 billion).

The results of the purchase could be dramatic, with Sony taking full control of its mobile development wing -- a perfect pairing with Sony's PlayStation Suite. Whether the deal actually happens, however, remains to be seen.

JoystiqWSJ: Sony buying out Ericsson's end of mobile joint-venture originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonmobileplaystationplaystation-suitesonysony-ericssonFri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/#comments Here come the official specs! According to Sony Ericsson, the Xperia Play (aka "PlayStation Phone") includes a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with an embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor to enable "smooth 60fps" mobile gaming. And if the specs are to be believed, the Play will be able to game for "up to 5 hours and 35 minutes" -- making it a better performer than some of Sony's other handheld devices.

The device will be available in black and white, and will come with a 5.1 megapixel camera. If you plan on downloading a lot of games, remember this: the device will have 400MB of on-board phone memory and a 8GB microSD memory card. Finally, Xperia Play will be one of the first devices to support Android 2.3, aka Gingerbread, when it launches this Spring. For more specs, click past the break.

Continue reading Xperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs

JoystiqXperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbatteryericssongingerbreadmobileplaystation-phonepsp-phonesony-ericssonxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play pre-loaded with 'legendary' PS1 game, will launch with 50 games from 20 publishers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/#comments Sony Ericsson has (finally!) officially announced details on the Xperia Play, aka PlayStation Phone. The device will come pre-loaded with a "legendary" PS1 game, according to Kazuo "Ridge Racer" Hirai and a number of PlayStation titles will be available through the Android Marketplace "exclusively to Xperia Play" for a limited time. PlayStation Suite will be available later in the year.

In addition, Ericsson has revealed that 20 publishers are working on content on the device, with up to 50 games available at launch. Some of the brands you can expect on the device include the not-so-dead Guitar Hero, Assassin's Creed, Battlefield, and Dead Space. Notably, EA's FIFA will be "the first multiplayer FIFA game on mobile."

Many of the games available on Xperia Play are ports, and a partnership with Unity -- a cross-platform engine -- will allow for easy and optimized ports to Sony's mobile device. But there are some exclusives beyond PSone games: Dungeon Defender Wave 2, for example, is exclusive to the platform. Today's announcements make it clear that Android's finally got game -- but are you interested?

Gallery: Xperia Play

JoystiqXperia Play pre-loaded with 'legendary' PS1 game, will launch with 50 games from 20 publishers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidericssonmobileplaystation-phoneps1psonepsp-phonesonysony-ericssonunityxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sony's PlayStation division looking for engineers with Android dev experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/rumor-sonys-playstation-division-looking-for-engineers-with-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/rumor-sonys-playstation-division-looking-for-engineers-with-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/rumor-sonys-playstation-division-looking-for-engineers-with-an/#comments Back in August, our sister site Engadget reported on a forthcoming Sony Ericsson phone with PlayStation branding -- a phone that would employ Android OS 3.0. Sony still hasn't made a peep officially but has, in the meantime, posted a job listing for a senior server engineer in London with "experience in mobile development." The company noted, "specifically Android is a plus."

Since Engadget first pointed out the job listing, the "specifically Android is a plus" part has been removed (the unaltered image can be seen above). Whether that makes the long-rumored Ericsson / PlayStation partnership any more realistic is hard to say. We'll believe it when we see it.

JoystiqRumor: Sony's PlayStation division looking for engineers with Android dev experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidericssonmobileplaystationpsppsp-phonesonysony-ericssonThu, 23 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikkei Biz Daily: Sony considering iPhone competitor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/nikkei-biz-daily-sony-considering-iphone-competitor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/nikkei-biz-daily-sony-considering-iphone-competitor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/nikkei-biz-daily-sony-considering-iphone-competitor/#comments
Sony is considering a gaming/phone hybrid device as a direct competitor to the iPhone, according to Nikkei Business Daily (Via Reuters). Unless you're new to the Sony Phone rumor mill, a gaming/phone hybrid has long since been rumored to be in development, but has been denied by the Japanese hardware manufacturer.

Sony currently develops mobile devices with Swedish partner Ericsson. In early 2009, MobileToday sources claimed Sony Ericsson had pitched the idea of a PlayStation-branded phone to Sony Corp, but was denied the rights to use the trademark. The rumor went on to further claim Sony only plans to license a PlayStation phone if the company plans to make handsets independently from Ericsson. In May 2009, Sony Ericsson president Hideki Komiyama stated that his company was destined to "lose" if they did not adapt to the "new technology and new market environment" -- presumably referring to Apple's iPhone.

According to the new rumor, Sony plans to set up a project team to develop the new device, which will combine functions of the PSP and Sony Ericsson's mobile phones. A PSP phone? Just imagine how much that mythical beast would cost.

[Image Credit: Engadget]

JoystiqNikkei Biz Daily: Sony considering iPhone competitor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonnikkeipsp-phonerumorsonysony-ericssonSat, 27 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's not the PSP phone but ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/its-not-the-psp-phone-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/its-not-the-psp-phone-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/its-not-the-psp-phone-but/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Ericsson has unveiled its new gaming phone. It's not the elusive "PSP phone" that many have been searching for, but it'll suffice for now. The games available on the F305 are going to be incredibly simple, with 2D era graphics. There are PlayStation buttons, but only two: a O and X button. The camera phone will feature "EDGE speeds, a Memory Stick Micro slot, a 2-inch 176 x 220 display and some music playback features."

For us gamers, this phone does nothing to attract us. It's going to take something really big to tug us away from keeping our PSPs in our pants.

[Thanks, xzentrico! Via Engadget]

JoystiqIt's not the PSP phone but ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonf305phoneMon, 16 Jun 2008 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Yet another PSP phone patent surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/yet-another-psp-phone-patent-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/yet-another-psp-phone-patent-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/yet-another-psp-phone-patent-surfaces/#commentsFiled under:


The PSP Phone is quite the legend in this neck of the woods. It's no secret that Sony Ericsson wants to create a hybrid phone/gaming device. The number of murmurs heard throughout the web attest to that fact. However, it looks like the company has created failed attempt after another, as patents slowly become unearthed. Unwired View happend to stumble upon another. This design reminds us of what the PSP would look like if it had kids with the Game Boy Micro.

Will the PSP Phone ever become reality? Chances are, yes. The real question is: when?

[Via Pocket Gamer]

JoystiqYet another PSP phone patent surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonphonepsp-phoneThu, 06 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The dream continues: supposed PSP Phone image [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-dream-continues-supposed-psp-phone-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-dream-continues-supposed-psp-phone-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/the-dream-continues-supposed-psp-phone-image/#commentsFiled under:


The internet is abuzz yet again about the PSP Phone. The rumor-that-won't-go-away makes a return in this supposed magazine scan, which displays the supposed device. The image illustrates how both gaming and phone calls would work in this effort by Sony Ericsson. We have to admit, it does look quite nice. But, does it look real? We're still a bit skeptical on this one. We certainly wouldn't mind if this were real -- but for now, we're only dreamers.

Update: Our skepticism was right: looks like this was just a mock-up created by the magazine. Thanks to everyone that noticed this!

[Thanks, Jerome D.! Via MAXCONSOLE]

JoystiqThe dream continues: supposed PSP Phone image [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonphoneSat, 16 Feb 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Phone development continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/playstation-phone-development-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/playstation-phone-development-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/playstation-phone-development-continues/#commentsFiled under:

Late last month, Sony Ericsson's Peter Ahnegard said the company is definitely looking into the possibility of a PlayStation Phone but that he wouldn't comment further until Christmas. Well, the President of Sony Ericsson Miles Flint couldn't wait that long.

Flint told the Financial Times the "technology behind such a device was still some way from being perfected." He also said, "We need to make sure that it is a credible phone and be sure we are justified in putting that identity on it."

That's actually a pretty good point. It's obvious the PS Phone would be Sony's third tier gaming platform, so how many people would really be interested in toting around yet another handheld gaming device? Wouldn't a VOIP service like the one in the works for Europe not only make more sense but also be cheaper on the wallet?

JoystiqPlayStation Phone development continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonflintphoneFri, 14 Sep 2007 04:21:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Phone "obviously" being looked into]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/playstation-phone-obviously-being-looked-into/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/playstation-phone-obviously-being-looked-into/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/playstation-phone-obviously-being-looked-into/#commentsFiled under:


In an interview with Pocket Gamer, Peter Ahnegard, "gaming guru" at Sony Ericsson, had a few choice words about the long-rumored PlayStation Phone. "Up until today we haven't felt we could launch a PlayStation phone because it wouldn't be recognised as a true continuation of that brand of products."

Of course, his wording caught the attention of the interviewer, who wanted to know more about what "until today" meant. The answer confirms a PS phone, but does so in a vague and a generally un-helpful way: "It's obviously something that we're looking at but right now I can't really comment. Before Christmas, certainly ... but exactly which Christmas I can't confirm!"

Well, it looks like we'll get our PS Phone Christmas 2007 2008 2009?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPlayStation Phone "obviously" being looked into originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonphoneTue, 28 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEE CEO knows nothing about a PSP phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/scee-ceo-knows-nothing-about-a-psp-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/scee-ceo-knows-nothing-about-a-psp-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/scee-ceo-knows-nothing-about-a-psp-phone/#commentsFiled under:


The PSP phone isn't happening ... or David Reeves, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, has been left in the dark. After some very detailed patent filings were unveiled, the Sony CEO has responded, flatly denying the possibility of such a product. "I know the head of Sony Ericsson very well," he told MCV. "He has a Walkman phone and a Cybershot phone available, but I know nothing about a PSP phone."

He adds, "I haven't heard anything about it at all - and I would know. They wouldn't develop it without our knowledge."

Of course, in the games industry, it's not uncommon for an executive to be kept out of the loop.

[Via Next Gen]

JoystiqSCEE CEO knows nothing about a PSP phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david reevesDavidReevesericssonmcvphonesceeMon, 11 Jun 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson files PSP-esque gaming phone patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/sony-ericsson-files-psp-esque-gaming-phone-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/sony-ericsson-files-psp-esque-gaming-phone-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/sony-ericsson-files-psp-esque-gaming-phone-patent/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Ericsson has recently filed a patent for a gaming phone that looks more than a little inspired by the PSP. The ability to play games is a central focus of the device, as indicated by the need to suspend games for phone calls (pictured, above). Sony has hinted time and time again at the possibility of a PlayStation phone ... it looks like this is taking the idea one step closer to reality.

[Via Pocket Gamer]

JoystiqSony Ericsson files PSP-esque gaming phone patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonpatentphonesony ericssonSonyEricssonFri, 01 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP phone rumor resurfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-phone-rumor-resurfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-phone-rumor-resurfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/psp-phone-rumor-resurfaces/#commentsFiled under:

Ever since Sony Ericsson's Rikko Sakaguchi went on record saying a PlayStation Phone (also abbreviated PSP) was a possibility, the internet has been wild with speculation. Some fans have taken liberty to design their own, and some Chinese bootleg companies have also taken fancy at the idea. According to Spanish-language site Clipset, their "insider" reports that the next line of phones from Sony Ericsson will feature the Emmy Award-winning XMB, the same navigation system used by PSP, PS3 and other high-end Sony electronics.

Theoretically, gaming could expand to the phones, creating a truly synergetic device. Because there's no verifiable source, take this rumor with a large grain of salt. However, if this does come to fruition, let's hope it's better than this. And this.

[Via digg]

JoystiqPSP phone rumor resurfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ericssonphonerumorsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonxmbWed, 04 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP phone resurfaces in design contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/psp-phone-resurfaces-in-design-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/psp-phone-resurfaces-in-design-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/09/psp-phone-resurfaces-in-design-contest/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Ericsson recently held a contest for Chinese university students to design a new phone. One creative student decided to take the opportunity to render his idea about the rumored Ericsson PlayStation phone. This render features a UMD slot and a DS-inspired flip-top. This render is also shown to be slightly smaller, but thicker, than the PSP itself. What do you guys think about it? If it didn't cost a gazillion dollars, would you pick one up?

[Thanks, christian! Via slashphone]

JoystiqPSP phone resurfaces in design contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designericssonfakephonerenderstudentMon, 09 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Calling all PSPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/calling-all-psps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/calling-all-psps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/calling-all-psps/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony and one of its sister-companies, Sony-Ericsson, are hinting at a couple of interesting possibilities for a PSP phone, including the possible addition of VoIP capabilities to our favorite handheld as well as the potential for Sony to introduce some sort of brand-new "Playstation Phone" Frankenstein that would be separate from the PSP all together.

In an informative and fun read, GameDaily goes sluething and digs up some interesting evidence that supports the rumors. Here's our favorite nugget-of-fun:

"Sony Ericsson's senior vice president of Product and Application Planning, Rikko Sakaguchi, said such a phone may actually be in the works. Sakaguchi cryptically revealed to CNET Asia that the company 'is working on something' related to a PlayStation phone, but that 'the surprise must be kept for the future.'"

Without doubt, that quote is cryptic, non-specific and bordering on hearsay. But that's the stuff that fanboys like us live for. Now, go and discuss.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqCalling all PSPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadgetericssonjoystiqphonepsprikko sakaguchiRikkoSakaguchisonyvoipTue, 05 Sep 2006 19:40:00 EST