Once again I was right: not only I was right about the redesigned PSP, now my "weird" of a console-phone is real: Sony just got a patent for what could only be the PSP phone: A mobile information terminal apparatus including a first case including a display portion, a second case, and a rotary support mechanism for supporting the first case and the second case such that the first case is horizontally rotatable with respect to the second case and the first case takes at least a first position and a second position different from the first position, in which the shapes of the mobile information terminal apparatus at the first position and the second position are substantially identical. Thus key operability, especially that for performing entertainment functions represented by gaming function, is improved and usability of the apparatus is enhanced. Its a great idea actually: the main issue (for most people it seems) of the PSP is price, but when compared to cellphones its actually pretty cheap, costing even less than some mid/low-end phones when unlocked, but those are free with a contract... If Sony could get this on the carriers for free they get a whole new market for themselves: why would any kid's parents pay for a DS when they can get him a phone and a PSP for (in theory) free? Its the bees knees guys, the next "big thing" in the VG market: consoles so subsidized that are free to adquire, yet the manufacturer loss is zero since the costs are recovered with service fees. And they still have the revenue coming from games. I say if this PSP becomes a success then the next step will be console-DVR hybrids, since those are given for free (except for the Tivo) so it would make sense if, say, MS made a partnership with DTV to include a X360 with a DVR built in. If you think about it, is even easier than making a console-phone since the X360 already has download-in-demand functions, and it could become a IPTV with just a firmware update. Too bad I didnt apply for a patent on this:shrug: The Patent
The Inquirer did a piece of BT (British Telecom) and Sony discussing VOIP and PSP > PSP phone calls. Just another take on your story. Looks like Sony are considering a number of approaches and it makes sense for any manufacturer to file patents in even if they are looking at a plethora of opportunities. http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39835 Article was dated May 2007, but as it states Sony mentioned a PSP phone as far back as 2005. Not a new idea and I think your patent might have resulted in failure.
easy there ;D many portables had cellphone designs at some point, since in japan they believed mobile phone games would eventually replace portable consoles. =)
mmm...i remember seeing one similar to that patent, in the news, in 2002/2003 not a new tech by any means, heh, by the looks of it, it could be anything from a games machine to a phone pda or even an iptv equipped phone, personally, if sony kept the 4.3 inch screen size with this phone, i would find it rather large to be practical
Hang on guys, I didnt say they ARE going to do that, just that if they do it would be a great idea from my point of view. The Ngage was more like a phone with some game capabilities, like the iPhone which is a phone with PDA capabilities but is not a full PDA like the Treo, Blackberry or P910. This patent on the other hand is a console with a phone, a consolephone, and therefore is meant to play games and make calls, but looking at the design I'll say is going to be as bulky as the Helio Ocean, or even more since theres both the swivel screen and the UMD drive. Anyway, barc0de I say I was right again cuz sometime ago I said theres was going to be a redesigned PSP and a DS or PSP with cellphones functions. To be honest, I thought nintendo would make the jump first, but since sony owns sonyericsson it makes more sense that they do it before.
It was done ages ago & a video phone too. Cat say id want that monstrous thing poking out of my gba though LOL. I have a phone for makng calls & a handheld for playing games. Both perfectly designed for their purpose, no reason why id want a do everything handheld.
Neither me, but I'm talking about the market oportunity here, not my personal opinion about the device itself.
