A new operating system for Sony devices

PlayStation Vita, Sony's new handheld console, is expected to debut on 22 February. Although attention has rightly focused on graphics and games, the biggest star may turn out to be something else.

According to analysts following the technology market, it is quite possible that the PlayStation Vita operating system will appear in other Sony gadgets. In practice, this means Sony is considering incorporating Vita OS into smartphones and tablets.

While Sony made mobile phones jointly with Ericsson, Android dominated the venture's smartphones. Ericsson's departure, combined with a change in Sony's leadership, could signal major changes. This does not mean Sony plans to abandon Android, but the company has not managed to make the most of Google's operating system. Sony executives have admitted that experimenting with Android took an unjustifiably long time, resulting in delayed updates.

If Sony provides adequate support for Vita OS, it may appear on other devices too. Every company would like to offer integrated software and hardware solutions, as Apple does with iOS and the iPhone/iPad.

All of this, of course, depends on Vita OS being able to deliver a satisfactory tablet or smartphone experience. First impressions of the new operating system are positive, as the dedicated presentation by T3 and PlayStation magazines shows.