Sony's PlayStation/Android phone confirmed for New Zealand release
Melding Android 2.3 - aka Gingerbread with PlayStation games and controls - the Xperia Play is, quite literally, a game changer ... and something of a gamble.
Sony-Ericsson has confirmed New Zealand release for its new Xperia Play - a mobile that's quite literally a game-changer for the company, and something of a gamble.
The Play continues Sony-Ericsson's emphasis on Google's Android operating system software - no surprises there.
But while previous models have appeared with creaky (if free upgradable) versions of Google's OS, the Play is straight out of the blocks with Android 2.3 (aka "Gingerbread"), the most bang-up-to-date version.
And more remarkably, it's the first PlayStation-certified cellphone, featuring games ported from Sony's console for Android.
In keeping with the theme, the Xperia Play features PlayStation-like controls on a slide-down pad (other mod-cons include a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, a 5.1mP digital camera, aGPS, 400MB (!) of onboard memory, supplemented by an 8GB SD card, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi personal hotspot support and a 16 million-colour, four-inch, 480x854 pixel display).
It's something of a high-risk strategy, given the ability that the Play will have to cannibalise sales of Sony's PSP portable platform.
But it's also bold, and NBR has a feeling it could be successful. It's good to see Sony reaching out to a more open platform, and not being shackled by the golden handcuffs of its current, prorietary platform.
Games available at launch will include EA's Need For Speed, Sims 3 and a multiplayer version of Fifa 10.
The big question now: will Sony also port PlayStation games to Apple's iPhone platform?
Or the initiative to open up its entertainment platform fall prey to the growing feud between Sony Music and Apple over iTunes?
NBR staff
Mon, 14 Feb 2011
Mon, 14 Feb 2011
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Sony's PlayStation/Android phone confirmed for New Zealand release
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