The Playstation app doesn't yet play games.
Sony (SNE) today announced that they'd be launching a PlayStation app for Android and iOS. Sony's upcoming Playstation phone has been leaked on numerous occasions but app brings the possibility that Sony will be virtualizing its gaming platforms for today's two biggest mobile platforms (by mindshare) would be an interesting play. Sony says it will be available for Apple's (AAPL) iPhone and iPod with iOS version 4.0 and above and Google (GOOG) Android version 1.6 and above.
If the app eventually virtualizes the PlayStation, it will be interesting to see if developers keep their games within Sony's ecosystem or if they choose to build them directly on Android and iOS. Gaming performance and social features will have a huge impact on that decision.
Version 1, Which will only be available in UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and The Netherlands, will allow users to :
Hopefully version 2 will play games and be available in the US. Screenshots below:
How does Apple plan to sell large quantities of iPods this holiday season in a depressed market already saturated with MP3 players?
By repositioning them as high-end game machines.
That's the message coming through loud and clear from Cupertino, not only in those ubiquitous TV ads proclaiming the iPod touch "the funnest iPod ever," but in a series of public pronouncements from executives usually content to let Apple's products speak for themselves.
Apple MORE
Philip Elmer-DeWitt - Dec 13, 2008 4:07 PM ET