The Playstation Phone

Photo courtesy of Expansys

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

By now most of us are aware about the imminent release of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, affectionately known as the “Playstation Phone”. However, here at Leaked Phones, we’re wondering exactly what the implications are for such a product entering both the gaming and mobile markets.

The phone was officially unveiled back at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year. Featuring the Android 2.3 operating system (known as gingerbread), with it’s 4.0″ screen it is not the biggest device on the smartphone market and weighs in at a neat 175g. Obviously the main feature and clear selling point of the phone is the fact that it includes a slide out Playstation control pad, adapted for the phone from the Playstation Dual Shock controller. However the mobile also pack in a few other tidy devices making it a worthwhile contender for non-gamers alike.

No More Consoles

With this in mind it has prompted Leaked Phones to ask a couple of questions: is this the end for the games consoles market? Will the smartphone market be adapted for all other gadgets?

Now I know these questions seem huge, maybe even laughable. However, when you think about all the things we can already do on our smartphones, it could (easily?) be a reality. We can already watch television on your handset thanks to apps like BBC iPlayer and Sky Player, we have good quality internet connection through developments in 3G. So with the introduction of mobile gaming from both Windows (Xbox) and Playstation, combined with the thinning line between laptops and phones (i.e. tablets), are we on the verge of seeing an all in one device, combining all the features of modern entertainment technology, and therefore ending the requirement for a separate console or media player?

All-in-one Device

I for one would love to be able to wake up (using my phone alarm), turn on the radio (streamed from my phone), grab breakfast in front of the TV (phone connected via Sky Player), leave for work whilst listening to my music (on the phone) and then arrive at work (syncing up my phone with my work computer). Surely this type of device can’t be far off, particularly enhanced by things such as Facebook movies and future NFC technology meaning we can literally use our mobiles for anything.

Whilst the Sony Ericsson isn’t the smartphone for me, it has certainly got me excited about all the future devices that could be springing our way, the boundaries really do seem limitless. Let me know what you think about the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, or give your thoughts on a future all-in-one device.