Just days after Microsoft confirmed Xbox Live support for its upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series, Sony says it will include PlayStation Network in new Sony Ericcson phones, as part of an ongoing initiative to bring PSN to as many Sony hardware devices as possible.
Sony revealed its plans during a Mobile Phone World Congress presentation in Barcelona, where company CEO and president Howard Stringer called PSN Sony's "not-so-secret weapon" in the rapidly-evolving networked era.
"Leveraging PSN, we are building a new network service that will connect many more network-enabled products, including Sony Bravias, Vaios, and Blu-ray players," Stringer said. "To satisfy the demand for more open systems, and to broaden the array of networked devices connected to our network services, we are committed to extending that service to Sony Ericsson mobile phones."
Although Stringer did not go into great detail as to the extent of PSN's integration with new mobile phones, he did favorably reference Sony's position in numerous software, hardware, and content businesses, which has helped to drive uptake in PSN's video download service.
"As part of these initiatives, we are also exploring consistent user interfaces across Sony and Sony Ericsson products to ensure a seamless and integrated experience for the consumer," he added.
A recent Sony statement puts the total PSN user count around 40 million worldwide.
