Sony throws PlayStation weight behind Google's Android
Bold move could dampen Apple's iPhone Game Center initiative, and broaden Sony's reach.
In a surprise move, Sony's PlayStation division has thrown its weight behind Google's Android mobile platform.
Sony announced this evening that PlayStation games would be made available for devices running Google's Android software - some of which could potentially take market share from Sony's dedicated mobile gaming device, the PSP, and the company's new handheld gaming device - also announced this evening - the NGP, which will sport a 5-inch OLED screen, wi-fi and 3G (read the New York Times' preview here).
"In the dramatically evolving and diversifying mobile market, the number of users who enjoy games casually on a variety of devices including mobile phones, smart-phones and tablet PCs, has been increasing significantly. By offering 'PlayStation quality' content to this rapidly growing market," Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) said in a statement.
"SCE will not only deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider base of users around the globe, but will also be able to offer game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to these devices."
Sony will be aiming to dampen Apple's nascent "Game Center" initiative, and other attempts to turn the iPhone into a mobile gaming platform - a not insignificant initiative given the size of the mobile gaming market, and the "grassroots up" phenomenon that sees people's after-hour phone become their phone.
One catch: your mobile device will have to run Android 2.3 or later to take advantage of this "PlayStation suite" initiative.
NBR staff
Thu, 27 Jan 2011
Thu, 27 Jan 2011
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Sony throws PlayStation weight behind Google's Android
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