Topic: PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) - previously known as NGP

[MaryJane]

True, but how do you propose someone play, on a 'non-gaming' android phone, a game that has to detect six unique buttons(especially the shoulder buttons), a control pad, a multitouch dual analog touch pad, and the power required to display the game?

[Chozo Ghost]

So Sony is going to create another portable gaming device in addition to their PSP2? Okay, I say let them do that... there's a quote by Napoleon which says never interrupt your opponent when he is making a mistake, so I say let's not interrupt them and let them do that.

But its important to note that Balkanizing your video gaming hardware into multiple schizomed platforms usually isn't a good idea. Just ask Sega about that.

[BranDonk Kong]

That phone doesn't have a touch pad, it's not the PSP2. The processor in that phone is nice, but in a couple months, it won't be jack **** compared to the dual core 1Ghz CPUs that we'll be using.

[BlackNMild2k1]

That phone doesn't have a touch pad, it's not the PSP2. The processor in that phone is nice, but in a couple months, it won't be jack **** compared to the dual core 1Ghz CPUs that we'll be using.

Umm wut? the phone may not be the PSP2, but it does have a touch pad.

the handset does indeed have a long touchpad in the center which is apparently multitouch

Also, just to put in my 2 cents, I think this looks like a trojan horse by Sony/Ericson
they get to flirt with releasing PS1/PS2 games on the mobile market and they may even talk other phone makers into making Android gaming phones that use the same set-up and piggy back teh PS brand onto the Android explosion.

if it works out, then maybe they can release a 3G version of the PSP2 that supports this Andorid+ gaming market and doubles as a high powered phone in addition to being primarily a portable gaming machine.

if it doesn't work out, then business carries on as usual and those that have the phone get to continue to enjoy their PS1/PS2 back catalog and any games that were made specifically for the device. no harm, no foul.

It could be a big pay-off for Sony if handled correctly.

[BranDonk Kong]

Oh, in the center. I thought he was talking about the back-side touch pad that the PSP2 will supposedly have. If it works like other Android phones, you'll probably be able to just sync up a bluetooth controller (like a Wiimote with Classic controller) and map the buttons to the "PSP buttons."

[MaryJane]

@Chozo: This actually could work for Sony for a couple reasons 1. Both their SonyEricsson line of phones and their Playstation lines are pretty successful; this is actually what they synergy and not balkanizing. 2. Apple has proven that you can indeed successfully sell two devices whose only major difference is a cell phone, and the PSP2 will be more powerful than the PS Phone, still use UMDs and have access to this new gaming-only Android market as well, which suggests the PSP2 will also run Android.

@BnM: Engadget says this phone was made in partnership with Google, who is looking to make Android gaming better, especially against iPhone4/iPad gaming. There's still no official Android for tablets (I'm guessing 3.0 will be tailored for tablets as well as phones) but they'd be foolish to ignore it. I assume they chose SonyEricsson so they could piggyback the PS name and game line-up. Which oddly enough makes that Nintendo ES OS even more dubious.

@Bdog: You're right again, but that sort of kills portability, and would be quite a hassle if the phone didn't have a kickstand. And if your dual core 1Ghz reference was to the 3DS, you're crazy. I'm thinking it'll be something closer to two 300-500Mhz processors, unlike the iPhone, and the PS Phone the 3DS will have a dedicated (as opposed to integrated) GPU so CPU specs can be lower, which saves power as well. A 1Ghz processor is fine on a phone where most of that power is used to speed up applications rather than power gaming, which would be significantly more draining on the battery. Which makes me wonder about the PS Phone's battery life. The iPhone4's battery drains noticeably from serious gaming. And Iwata says they'll have to figure someway to remind people to recharge their 3DS everday, something usually uneccessary for Nintendo portables.

[Adrock]

I'm still crossing my fingers and toes that Nintendo isn't gonna let a HUGE opportunity like exclusive portable Netflix 3D slip through their hands. They might not sweat it at first since they are the only 3D portable in town, but when everyone else jumps on the bandwagon and starts firing up those Netflix accounts on other 3D devices with bigger screens and diversified software, it would be too late to realize that an exclusivity agreement would have been a no brainer.

I don't think Nintendo even needs exclusivity though that sure would be dandy. Netflix just needs to be on 3DS if other devices have it so 3DS doesn't look limiting.

And lawl @ the PSP phone. Using a smartphone as a phone for calling and texting does a good enough job of draining the battery. Playing even cheap marketplace games drains the battery like nobody's business. I can't even imagine what a PSP game would do to a poor smartphone battery that also has to run all the background applications of the operating system while still being a phone with 3G on.

I read an article about the rumored PSP2 earlier today. Apparently, Sony is fiddling with the specs to balance power and battery life which, to me, sounds like they're trying to decide if they can get away with 2.5 hours instead of 3. If Nintendo is having concerns over battery life (which, honestly, is making it easier and easier to pass and wait for the inevitable revision), I can't even imagine what Sony can do with more powerful hardware and an even larger and HD screen than PSP.

[broodwars]

You'd think that Sony would have learned something from the fool's errand that was is the PSP.  If they couldn't manage to successfully take on Nintendo outside of Japan, how in the world do they expect to be able to successfully take on Apple on the phone platform?

[BlackNMild2k1]

They don't have to win to stay in the game, they just need to stay relevant, as they have show with the PSP.

[Stogi]

I don't think this is a good idea. They should make they're PSP2 have a phone than the other way around.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I don't think this is a good idea. They should make they're PSP2 have a phone than the other way around.

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake" - Napoleon Bonaparte

I saw that quote earlier today and though it would fit here perfectly even though I disagree, as I have stated in a previous post.

[Stogi]

While I'm rooting for Nintendo, I wouldn't mind someone stepping on their toes. Either Apple or Sony, but preferably both.
 
With domination comes arrogance. And I'd hate to see Nintendo become arrogant (again).

[MaryJane]

I kind of feel like I created a monster here, so let me try to be as clear as possible: The PS Phone is more about Android gaming than Playstation gaming.

The battery concerns are justified, but this phone is like the original HTC G1, just the first of many in a new line of Android devices, not HTC devices, despite HTC having the best Android phones imo, and I also think they'll have the best Windows 7 phones.

SonyEricsson is free to call their phone whatever they want, but let me say again that this is an Android gaming machine not a Playstation one.

Games will be made for the specific Android marketplace, not specifically for Sony. Though it does seem like Sony is playing a big part in this. Engadget is reporting that the underlying gaming platform might be called Z-System, and apparently SonyEricsson owns Z-system.com and the trademark.

The anouncement for this thing is going to be huge as both Sony and Google will want to flaunt, as well as whatever carrier gets an exclusive to it, so it shouldn't be too long before we get some concrete facts about Android gaming, and this device as one small part of that as well.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I figured as much as my 2 cents suggested, and I still think that if this works out for Sony and Android, you could see a PSP2 4G that has access to that same Android gaming market. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Sony put some PS1/2/P games on this market for an instant catalog of games in addition to the games made specifically for the phones.

They would probably find a way to tie it into your PSN account if you choose and manage all your games right from your PS3 at home.

it's also good to get a confirmation that the PSPhone actually exist too, even if it's not exactly what we thought, since it has been rumored for a long time that Sony was working with Google on an Android based PSP Phone out of the Sony/Ericson mobile department.

[BranDonk Kong]

You know...I kind of want one of these now, if Verizon gets one.

[Spak-Spang]

This is either the new PSP2 which would actually be a great way of making the PSP relevant again in my opinion.  Or a prototype phone that may or may not make it to the market.

I think we are assuming that if it is powered by the Android that it must use the Android for all its gaming...but could they have a lightweight OS similar to the PSP in the device as well?  Or could it have a PSP app that switches to a mode that uses all the resources for gaming and basically turns the device into phone mode and game mode?  That would be an awesome killer attraction to the device.

Also, I really like what they have on show for a slender multi-touch panel.  It appears to be sunken in so that you have a natural edge.  This would allow for the touch panel to function more like an analog controller and notice there are 2 of them. 

I would suspect that this is DEFINITELY a PSP or at least a prototype.  Could Sony release this as a standalone PSP and also another with a phone?  Also, if Sony releases a new device solely with downloadable games from the beginning it could be more successful I think.

[MaryJane]

If by PSP you mean PS Phone, then you are absolutely right.

Go to Engadget and search for Playstation Phone, they are the ones breaking this story, and have to most info on it. I'll try to give a condensed version, it basical sums up to this:

Google wants to directly compete with iPhone game development, and contracted SonyEricsson to make the first of many Android gaming phones. The phone runs Android and dual OS's on a phone is frankly ridiculous, laptops have enough trouble doing it.

Android gaming on an Android phone made by SonyEricsson, that's where all the information so far points to.

THIS IS NOT THE PSP2.

It isn't the final version of the device, so it may be a prototype, but it is definitely coming to market.

As for an app that switches modes, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of it being a phone? And if it leaves the phone on, why makes an OS overriding app? K.I.S.S I'm not calling you stupid, but keeping it simple is definitely the way to go. The simplest way for this device to function is to run Android as its OS and plays games as though it were a PC or smartphone, like it is, and like the iPhone does; the device the PS Phone and the other Android gaming phones are directly looking to compete with.

[Spak-Spang]

Hmmm...I think Sony is making a bad move if they are going to do this AND release a PSP2.

Instead, I think Sony, should focus on making a great games for this new device, and release it as the "new PSP" even though it technically isn't.  Even if that means losing some hardware sales, Sony hasn't made any money on PSP hardware as far as I am aware of. 

It just sounds like a a poor move to release both, because it is confusing to the market, specially with the name Playstation Phone.  How are people not going to think it is the PSP. 

[Stogi]

Exactly what I was thinking, Spak.

Putting the brand on something other than the PSP2 will confuse and fragment the market.

[BranDonk Kong]

It's PlayStation Phone, not PlayStation Portable Phone. I imagine it will play ever PSP game though (PSN or Android Marketplace).

[Spak-Spang]

But see that is the thing it is confusing.

The only way I think this works is if you have the phone be a PSP2 as well.  Then you can say buy a PSP2 that is not a phone for gaming...or the Playstation Phone for gaming and a phone...and the phone also plays Android OS games...unless the Android OS will be the OS of the new PSP2 to begin with...that would be brilliant move. 

I like both devices that Sony has shown, but which is the device to buy?  Which will be supported more?  Which will the developers choose?  And what about cost? 

I really like that they are trying to push Android as a gaming device...and multiple phones might have these features...to me it benefits Sony to develop that standard, and lend their credibility to its success.  It may be more important to Sony to go after the Apple market before Nintendo, since they could kill 2 birds with one stone and Apple is still weak since the markets for different carriers hasn't opened up everywhere...but it is about to.

[BlackNMild2k1]

alright, now that you understand whats happening, you pretty much agreed with my previous post(#153) with your last paragraph.

I really like that they are trying to push Android as a gaming device...and multiple phones might have these features...to me it benefits Sony to develop that standard, and lend their credibility to its success.  It may be more important to Sony to go after the Apple market before Nintendo, since they could kill 2 birds with one stone and Apple is still weak since the markets for different carriers hasn't opened up everywhere...but it is about to.

Also, just to put in my 2 cents, I think this looks like a trojan horse by Sony/Ericson
they get to flirt with releasing PS1/PS2 games on the mobile market and they may even talk other phone makers into making Android gaming phones that use the same set-up and piggy back teh PS brand onto the Android explosion.

if it works out, then maybe they can release a 3G version of the PSP2 that supports this Andorid+ gaming market and doubles as a high powered phone in addition to being primarily a portable gaming machine.

if it doesn't work out, then business carries on as usual and those that have the phone get to continue to enjoy their PS1/PS2 back catalog and any games that were made specifically for the device. no harm, no foul.

It could be a big pay-off for Sony if handled correctly.

[MaryJane]

What if SonyEricsson calls the phone something else? What if they call it the Droid Gamer, or something along those lines?

To me, this phone is more about SonyEricsson becoming relevant in the phone industry again. I try to stay pretty informed about new technology (shout-out to Engadget, though it's just my 'main' go to site) and I can't think of a single SonyEricsson smartphone. I used to own a SonyEricsson dumbphone before I bought the HTC 8750 (I think those were the numbers might be 8250 but anyway) and the SE was a pretty good phone, but since the smart phone era began, they have been pretty quiet. These days it's all about Apple, HTC, and Samsung, Sony cannot be happy about that.

I think the Playstation branding is to create familiarity with a brand that I bet a lot of people don't know about, or equally damaging, have forgotten about.

The internets are buzzing about this phone, so if they change the name by the time it's released it will still have enough fanfare to add to the presumably massive ad campaign that will follow it's announcement.

As for the PSP2 I could see it having 3 or 4G, but maybe no calling feature, like the Kindle. This would avoid redundancy in their brands, while giving people online gaming everywhere. Not so bad a tagline before saying it does everything. Btw, I hate when Sony says the PS3 does everything, it doesn't play PS2 games, and it doesn't make me breakfast lol.

I don't think their will be redundancy in games really, this phone will be underpowered compared to the PSP2, which Sony is trying to balance power, battery life, and OVERHEATING (seriously? A handheld that might overheat?) so the games will be separate. Also, if Google is serious about competing with iPhone gaming they have to keep Z-System (or whatever they end up calling the gaming platform) as open-source as Android, something Sony has not been a fan of in this past, so getting Android gaming on the official PSP2 might be a little cumbersome as I doubt they'll allow for side-loading games onto the PSP2.

[MaryJane]

I unfortunately don't have much time, but in an interview with CNN Sony's VP of marketing says that the lack of cellular connection is holding back the PSP line of devices. I didn't get a chance to read the whole article, but when I do I'll update if there's anything else relevant.

[BlackNMild2k1]

you mean this article?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/10/27/sony.playstation.phone/index.html

[...]
Refusing to confirm or deny rumors, Dille did say the lack of a cellular data connection could be holding back Sony's PlayStation Portable game system.
"The PSP is a Wi-Fi device," he said. "People are used to having always-connected devices."
[...]
However, Dille said Sony has competitors, like Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, beat for the attention of serious gamers. PSP's focus is on long, immersive entertainment, not five-minute battles between meetings.

"These are largely time-killers," Dille said of smartphone games. "Gamers aren't satisfied with that."

Whether Sony sees Android's gaming marketplace as a competitor or potential partner, Dille declined to comment. Engadget reported that Android could power the rumored PlayStation Phone.

A spokeswoman present during a CNN interview with Dille after the onstage chat said, "We have relationships with Google."

The PSP can already do more than just gaming, Dille said. It has applications for watching movies, making calls over Skype and limited Web browsing.
But many of those functions are limited by whether you have Wi-Fi access. Plus, it's not a phone, so you need to carry multiple gadgets. But that could be a selling point, said Dille.

"Consumers like different boxes," he said.

Sony's goal for the PlayStation Network -- the online component for gaming and downloading video of which Dille is also the senior vice president -- is to be an entertainment centerpiece and be always accessible. The current PSP doesn't quite fulfill that vision.

"I don't think we fully realize that vision with a Wi-Fi device," Dille told CNN. "If it's not connected [to a cell network] then it does sort of limit people."

It looks like what I said may be closer to reality than I thought. The possibility of a 3/4G PSP2 with Google Voice and/or Skype might be making it's way to market sometime around the next year or so.