Sony Ericsson Gets One Step Closer To PlayStation Phone; Aino Offers ‘Remote Play’

imageSony (NYSE: SNE) Ericsson unveiled a new phone today, called “Aino,” which allows users to control their PlayStation 3 while on the go. The phone puts to rest speculation on whether Sony would lend the PlayStation brand to its joint venture with Ericsson (NSDQ: ERIC). However, while it will have some PlayStation functionality, it’s far from being a comprehensive gaming device. Release.

Sony Ericsson said the PlayStation features will include something called “Remote Play,” which was originally developed for the portable PSP that enables users to control media content stored on their console from their phone. The user can connect at home — using a locally available network — or over the phone’s internet access. In some countries, where they have “PlayTV,” users will be able to watch, pause and record live TV from a range of free channels on the Aino. There’s no word on how the device will incorporate any gaming features.

In addition remote PlayStation access, the phone is packed with other media features, building off of Sony Ericsson’s new goal of being seen as an entertainment-focused brand. Aino has a Media Home application “that pulls media content from Media Go on your PC over Wi-Fi to your phone automatically.” That means users can download new music to their computer, which would transfer automatically over to the phone — without wires. The phone’s hardware includes a tangible keypad, a touch screen and 8.1 megapixel camera with flash. No word on what operating system Aino is using, where it will be available, or how much it will cost. It will be available in select markets as early as the fourth quarter.

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