Sony Ericsson could be able to create its own Android network by merging its Xperia PLAY gaming smartphone with Sony's PlayStation format, says an analyst.

By doing this, the phone company could bring vast amounts of new content to the device, according to a spokesman from ABI Research.

Michael Morgan, senior analyst of mobile devices at the group, said: "Currently I believe that if Sony Ericsson plays its cards right, it could spin their latest gaming smartphone - Xperia PLAY - into such a sub ecosystem by attaching Sony's PlayStation ecosystem to their handsets."

This could cause many people to consider switching handsets to enjoy the mobile broadband capabilities offered by Sony's new phone, particularly as more manufacturers look to integrate games into their handsets.

However, Mr Morgan believes that it is not only Sony which could try to differentiate itself in the Android marketplace.

He hopes that a few other original equipment manufacturers will be able to establish their own Android sub ecosystems, where their brand, hardware and content are combined over the operating system.

Smartphones have become increasingly popular across the British market in recent years, as more people look to stay connected to social media and other websites while on the move.

Sony Ericsson's Xperia PLAY handset is one model in particular that left a big impact.

Bert Nordberg, president and chief executive officer of the mobile phone manufacturer, said: "Towards the end of the quarter we introduced the highly anticipated Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY, which have been well received by both operators and consumers around the world."

The company also stated that its conversion to Android-enabled smartphones helped to boost its revenue in the first quarter of this year.

Also, smartphone devices accounted for 60 per cent of Sony Ericsson's total sales during the period.

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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