Tuesday 17 June 2008

Sony Ericsson develops F305 motion gaming phone

Sony Ericsson has revealed a new games-focused mobile handset that boasts a built-in motion sensor. The F305 handset is "targeted firmly at a youth audience" and Sony Ericsson says that the device lets users 'control games with the flick of a wrist or the swing of an arm'.

The device comes with a number of pre-loaded motion games (Bowling, Bass Fishing and Jockey) to show off these functions. Moreover, the firm said that Gameloft has agreed to develop new motion games for the device. Finally, like many other recent Sony Ericsson and Nokia handsets, the device also allows for horizontal gameplay and features additional dedicated gaming buttons (see pic below).

While it is not yet clear when exactly the device will be released Sony Ericsson's announcement says the device will be "available in selected markets from Q3 2008". "Gaming is no longer something you do on your own. It’s about having fun with your friends and interacting with the game," commented Sven Totté, head of product marketing at Sony Ericsson. "We have used motion sensor technology before in our phones and integrating it into gameplay is a natural progression".

Personally, I find this technological addition a great trend which will open up many gaming but also non-gaming possibilities for mobile graphics research... Hopefully it will catch on not only with handset developers like Sony Ericcson but also with application developers too.

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