Sony Ericsson denies that it is about to launch a
new cell phone based on the Sony PlayStation
Portable (PSP) gaming console, despite the fact that
it just filed a U.S. patent application for a mobile
device with video game functionality.The world’s
fourth largest handset maker, a 50/50 joint venture
between Japan’s Sony and Sweden’s Ericsson, did not
rule out plans for a PSP handset, but said that it
was not in a position to announce such a product at
this time.
“We’re continually evaluating other propositions,
but they have to be credible propositions. We’re not
interested in sticking parts on phones that destroy
the brand equity that’s been built up by Sony,”
commented Sony Ericsson spokeswoman, Merran Wrigley,
in a telephone interview.
The company has builtup a strong presence in the
market for music and camera phones, by capitalizing
on Sony’s
Walkman music player brand, and CyberShot line
of digital cameras. A similar move will not be made
with the Sony PSP gaming brand, however, until
executives feel that customers won’t have to
compromise on either voice or gaming capability.