Prototype Android-based PlayStation Phone Images Leak

It's one thing to combine an iPod with a smartphone, but what about a PSP (PlayStation Portable) and a smartphone? The Playstation Phone is something that's been rumored for a long time, and it seems near launch.

We wrote about (new) rumors of the PSP Phone in August. The new report has images, though only of a prototype. The specs for the Playstation Phone are pretty similar to those noted in August: 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 (similar to the one found in the recently launched T-Mobile G2, but with a 200MHz boost), 512MB of RAM, 1GB of ROM, with a still uncertain screen size, 3.7" to 4.1". For comparison's sake, the Droid Incredible has a 3.7" screen, and the Droid X a 4.3" screen. Android 3.0 is likely, the report adds.

The report adds that the current prototype of the PlayStation Phone is pretty buggy, hasn't even been skinned yet. Given that, it sounds like a 2011 release is upcoming, which is unfortunate: Sony will miss the especially-for-gaming-consoles-valuable holiday shopping season, meaning no Black Friday deals for the PlayStation Phone.

Still no idea on pricing or carrier(s), although the image above states "No SIM Card" so that prototype, at least, is for a GSM network. The PlayStation Phone is desperately needed by Sony, as the PSP was never a hot seller, and the iOS' new gaming features are pulling people away from both the Nintendo DS and the PSP. Additionally, Sony needs an answer to the upcoming Nintendo 3DS.

It will be interesting to see if some folks walk into their IT department with a PlayStation Phone and ask to have it hooked into the network as their corporate smartphone. Engadget has other images at the link above.