Report: Sony to Start Designing a Cell Phone/PSP Hybrid

According to a new report from Japanese trade paper Nikkei (via Reuters), Sony is planning to create a new product with Sony Ericsson that combines their cellphones with PSP technology, in an interest of competing more directly with the iPhone. 

The report states that Sony plans to assemble a team as early as July to begin development of this "cellphone-game gear hybrid." Otherwise, the story is light on details, and states that a Sony spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

Although this is all unconfirmed by Sony themselves, Nikkei is generally a reliable source (they recently correctly reported on Wii Fit Plus and a new Wii Mario game before E3 started earlier this month). Still, it does seem like odd timing, considering Sony just announced the PSP Go redesign at E3, which is planned for release in October. Exactly where a potential new "PSP Phone" would be positioned in their PSP lineup is hard to say.

If any more info pops up on this intriguing rumor, we’ll pass it along.