TOKYO (AFP)--Sony Corp. (6758.TO) remained tightlipped Monday
about reports that it might combine its PlayStation Portable game
console with a mobile telephone into a new gadget to challenge
rival Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone.
Sony is considering developing a new portable game console with
the added functions of a Sony Ericsson cellphone, the Nikkei
business daily reported Saturday, without revealing its
sources.
The high-tech giant, which has faced tough competition in recent
years from rival products such as Apple's iPod and Nintendo Co.
Ltd.'s (NTDOY) Wii, will set up a team in July to look into the
development of the new product, the Nikkei said.
Sony, which will mark the 30th anniversary on Wednesday of the
launch of its first Walkman portable music player, declined to
confirm or deny the report.
"We don't comment on plans for next-generation consoles. The
report is mere speculation," a spokeswoman for the group's game
unit said.
Sony chief executive Howard Stringer is under pressure to turn
around the high-tech giant, which in May announced its first annual
loss in 14 years and warned it would stay in the red this year.
Sony Ericsson is a joint venture between Sony and Sweden's
Ericsson.