Sony Ericsson's new Aino to offer PS3 remote play

Sony Ericsson announced its forthcoming Aino touchscreen smartphone will offer users remote access to PlayStation3 media content. "Remote Play with Aino lets you turn your PS3 on and off, browse and control the [Xross Media Bar graphical user interface] and access the Internet browser from anywhere in the world.," said Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications lifestyle and campaign PR manager Lisa Canning in an interview posted on the PlayStation Blog. "Remote Play also lets you control and access the HD Drive's media content on PS3 using the built-in WiFi or 3G connections via Aino." Canning adds that the Aino also will connect to Sony Ericsson's PlayNow arena mobile content portal, and can access the PlayTV live broadcast service. The smartphone will launch in the U.K. in early October, with additional European markets slated to follow.

While Sony has repeatedly denied reports it will introduce a handset based on the PlayStation platform, the rumor continues to percolate. In late June, respected Japanese publication Nikkei Business Daily reported the electronics giant will establish a dedicated team to develop such a handset, bringing together members of its Sony Ericsson mobile handset division and Sony Computer Entertainment unit. Sony is said to be worried by the growing threat posed by Apple's iPhone and the myriad software developers creating games for the smartphone--media research firm Screen Digest notes Apple accounted for $100 million in gaming revenues in the second half of 2008, and iPhone titles now represent 10 percent of the North American mobile games segment.  

For more on the Aino's Remote Play feature:
- read this PlayStation Blog entry