Electronics giant Sony is rumoured to be developing a new range of mobile devices which are set to rival Apple's hugely popular iPhone and iPad.
The Japanese manufacturer is determined to stake its claim in the mobile portable market, which has been largely dominated by Apple in the last few years. New devices under development include a portable device which shares the characteristics of netbooks, e-book readers and hand-held game machines.
Another device currently being developed is a smartphone which allows users to download and play video games.
The new devices are set for release later in 2010 and will work on Sony's new media platform. The new platform, temporarily named the "Sony Online Service" is believed to be Sony's answer to the iTunes and will be launched in America later this month.
The platform will offer many of the same features, including movies, songs and TV programmes and Sony is hoping it could help to turn its fortunes around.
Currently Sony is having a tough time in the mobile device industry. Sony Ericsson saw global shipments decline by 41% in 2009 for mobile handsets, marking a nose dive for the company. Since its launch in 2001, the firm have lagged behind their competitors in the development of smartphones.
The launch of the new products are part of Chief Executive Howard Stringer's plans to get the firm back on top. Sony Ericsson will launch its first smartphone, the Xperia X10, in April which will run on Google's operating system.
Despite these exciting announcements in the Wall Street Journal, Sony has yet to confirm any details.
"As already announced, Sony (including SCE) and Sony Ericsson have been strengthening their collaboration in the networked mobile space. However, it is not our strategy to discuss future products or business plan before we make a formal announcement. Any media report that suggests details of the product or business is based on speculation," said a Sony spokesperson.
If the speculation does turn out to be true; it'll be nice for mobile workers to have more choice when it comes to mobile devices in the future.
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