Sony to take on Apple with new handheld devices?

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony, threatened by Apple, is planning on developing a new line of handheld devices to compete with the iPhone, iPod Touch  and iPad.  One of the products is expected to be a smartphone that will download and play PlayStation games. Another device, designed to compete with Apple's upcoming iPad tablet, combines the functionality of a netbook, an e-reader and a Playstation Portable. The manufacturer is planning a 2010 launch for all of these devices, but specifications and pricing are not yet known.  Sony plans on taking advantage of its leadership in mobile gaming as well as the launch this month of its new media service designed to compete with Apple's iTunes store. The Japanese based company is feeling threatened by the growing use of the iPhone and iPod as game playing devices and the iPad is set to follow in that direction with its ability to play games designed for the iPhone as well as those designed specifically for the tablet.

source: WSJ via MacRumors