After iPad, Who's Next?

This iPad week whether mobile warriors from other camps like it or not. But it'll be over eventually and another platform will get the attention. So who might that be?

Amazon with Kindle? Sony with a slew of Viao tablets powered by PSP 2? Nintendo surprising us with DS tablet or Microsoft mashing Zune, Xbox , and WM7 into a revolutionary alternative to mobile computing?

How about HTC, Dell and HP? Well, I don't have much hope for these three based on what I see near-term but I like to be surprised.

More at Onxo Mobile Devices for analysis on who has the best chance of offering a complete mobile computing experience.

Should Sony And Nintendo Worry About Apple, Now?

I've long been in the camp that doesn't believe the iPhone platform is a threat to Sony or Nintendo.  I'm a little less so now but there have been moves by Apple in recent months to position the iPod Touch as a gaming machine in addition to being a great iPod.

Here's the number to consider:  37 million iPhones and iPod Touches sold through the latest quarter.  And the momentum is set to increase as Apple is due to release their next iPhone, iPod Touches selling better than expected, and over 9,000 games in the iTunes App Store.  Oh, did I mention how easy it is to download a game?  Any game?

At last count, PSP stands at 50 million while DS is at 100 million units sold.  Granted that DS and PSP has about three years' head start on Apple, we also have to be mindful of that fact.  PSP and DS are dated technology as far as gaming goes.  We can pretty much be sure that Apple will refresh its hardware on an annual basis.  

Those are just the facts that I want to point out before going further.  So, let's ask again:  should Sony And Nintendo Worry About Apple, Now?

Well, they definitely have to keep an eye on Apple.  And once DS2 and PSP2 comes out and Apple continues to hold its own, then they need to worry big time.  At issue isn't just gaming but what these gaming handhelds are capable of achieving.  Let's examine each issue that Apple has done right to make the iPod Touches and iPhones potential gaming competitors to the DS and PSP:

• iTunes App Store.  Just about everyone's making one.  And in a few months, we'll know where things stand for RIM and Android since they've got the only viable operating stores for their platforms.  In about a year, we'll see Microsoft and others join the party.  But I have a feeling things won't be as rosy as iTunes.  Sony and Nintendo will have to take a hard look at how their handhelds and games ecosystem best fit their fans.  I've got a lot of confidence in Nintendo to innovate but over the years Sony has failed to challenge Apple in media and hardware design, particularly with their unfocused attempts at dethroning the iPods.
• Ease of creating apps.  35K Apps as of today.  Over 9K are games.  In about six months, I can see that number move up to 15K.  One of the biggest complaints developers have about developing for the PS3 is how difficult and cumbersome it is.  Nintendo and Sony would have to match the support, tools, and appeal that developing for the iPhone has.  Here's one thing they can start from the beginning:  learn from Apple's insane-make-no-sense approval process.  That'll go a long way in making developers feel secured.  And as it traditional in the gaming industry, Nintendo and, in particular, Sony will need to secure exclusive titles.  Mario and company will need to really step it up.
• Multimedia functions.  Forget about out-mp3ing the iPod function.  However, they will need their own libraries of music and video.  

Here's what Sony and Nintendo has to focus when Apple becomes a real threat:

• Go where Apple won't go.  You've got buttons.  Use them in ways that Apple can't.
• When the new systems come out.  When your app store start chugging along, stop playing defense.  Nintendo will do whatever it wants.  I love that fact.  Sony will be tempted to react.  It needs to make Apple and Nintendo react for once.  
• Add ebook and TV functions to the systems.  
• Add wireless connection.  I'm not just talking about Wi-Fi.  Change hthe dynamics of mobile communication and gaming are today.  With rumors swirling about Apple's iPhone-less device for Verizon, this is something that Sony can excel at as well.  A gaming device with always on connection to the Internet and the Sony gaming network will go a long way in getting gamers hooked.  
• Leverage the Mii and Playstation networks.  What's Apple got?  MobileMe?  Right...

In examining Apple's advantages and how Sony and Nintendo can continue to put distance between their respective gaming handhelds from Apple's mobile devices, we can sort of see the different visions each company sees for mobile gaming in the future.  Each will leverage its own technology and properties neither the other two cannot duplicate.  

At the end of the day, there is likely going to be little change in the mobile gaming industry even if Apple manage to insert itself as the third wheel in the market.  Apple is about selling hardwares.  Nintendo will try to appeal to a larger gaming audience.  Sony will like fits somewhere in the middle.  

Perhaps not in a year or two.  But somewhere down the line, Apple's gaming potential will need to be taken seriously.  By the end of the year, the number of Apple mobile devices may well reach 60-70 million.  The next billionth app downloaded isn't going to take 10 months.  

Dear Game Developers

Hello.

We're fans of mobile technology, its way of life, and we are also gamers. And we're writing you this letter because we want to let you know what the mobile warriors Onxo represent, the ones who also like to play games on their Blackberries, G1s, and iPhones, and others, want from you.

Traditionally, you develop for the Nintendo's DS (now DSi) and Sony's PSP. Both great platforms. Millions of fans. Including a lot of us by the way. You've given us hours of fun and, in turn, we've made you rich (billions in capitalization). And over the years, we've grown together.

Now, there is a tech evolution going on with smartphones and mobile devices that are capable of a lot of computing and graphic crunching powers. And increasingly, folks are playing games on them. This is very evident with the iPhone platform where games dominate the app store. Apple recently released a list of top downloaded apps. Wanna guess what kind they are? Games. All games.

So, going forward, we like you to consider this when you develop games for us. Give us quality games. Don't short change us. Here are some pointers to start you off with:

• What you give the platformers, we want it too. EA, let's use you as an example. Spore is pretty good on the iPhone. But we would love the depth you've given for the DS version. It got boring after a while. Still a great game and I go back to it often enough. Depth.
• Don't use your flagship names to sell watered down games. Here's why. A lot of mobile users are new to the gaming scene and may for the first time be introduced to your titles. And with a dumbed down game like Metal Gear Solid for the iPhone, it makes the whole franchise look bad. Needless to say, the game got a little boring for us.
• Charge us more. If it's a great game, we'll pay for it. Honest. One of you give it a try. You'll see.
• But don't rob us either. Digital distribution is nothing like having to deal with the packaging, memory chips, plastic covers, and printing. There was a rumor going around that Apple might offer a premium gaming section. It's not happen. Make compelling games and we'll buy them.
• Releases. Simultaneous releases would go a long way in tell the mobile warriors I represent that you care. And in turn, you'll have earned our respect.
• Be innovative. Some smartphones have buttons. That makes it easier for you. But like the iPhone where there are no button, it might drive you a little crazy. Well, that doesn't seem to stop the two-man teams from coming out with great schemes for controls.

Listen, take it from Gameloft. They're developing more and more sophisticated games and they're making tons of money. I know you can do it. A lot of your developers are mobile gaming fans just like us - so set them free!  The mobile market is ripe for rich, sophisticated, and fun mobile games.  

Soon, there will be like, you know, a lot of different app stores. Build good games for them and the sky'll be the limit.  That means "$$$$$".

Regard.

PS. Keep up the good (generally) work on the DSi and PSP. And really wow us with the stuff you've got cooking for DS2 and the PSP2 when the time comes (later in 2009).

Quick Mobile Updates

Some updates you'll want to be aware of in mobility this morning.

Yesterday, over at On Apple, we went into ATT's 2011 rollout of LTE.  It's like 18 months later than we expected.  Maybe it has to do with all those funds transferred to Apple.  Who knows.  But now, Verizon has gone ahead and said that they'll have rollouts in 2010, maybe a full hear ahead of rival ATT.  

I went ahead and said 3G, which will be speed up by that time will like help ATT blunt any defections but still, it's no wonder why Verizon has such loyal followings.  If not for the iPhone, I don't know where ATT will be today.  

Verizon will be using the 700Mhz spectrum they outbid everyone else for.  Remember back that for a while, we all thought (and hoped) that Google would make a serious run for it.  

Now, recall that the FCC stipulated the network must be open?  Let's see what that really means in wirelessspeak.  Remember, the wireless overlords want to protect us by being our gatekeepers.

Now some lighter news for mobile gaming.  DSi coming to the US on April 4th!  Not excited? Well, it's cost a recession digging $170!  Here's what more fitting in these tough economic times:  the initial colors will be in black and blue.  How's that for irony?

Over at On Android, I applauded the months of free apps on the Android Market.  But I wonder what'll happen to those apps once the marketplace for paid apps goes live.  Will G1 owners like myself wake up to have our apps tell us that we've got one more week of free use or else?

Link:

• CNet - Verizon 4G
• CNet - Nintendo

Encroaching on Nintendo's Turf

Can Nintendo afford to upgrade every so often while mobile devices like smartphones have a shorter upgrade cycle?  The reason I posed this question is because a lot of smartphones and mobile devices are now making gaming one of its main features or soon will be.

Granted that Nintendo has sold millions and made gazillions from its handheld devices dating back to the original Game Boy, I wonder if Nintendo needs to upgrade their devices on at least an annual basis or even shorter cycle given the encroachment of mobile devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

More and more, it looks like Apple is serious about making more out of gaming than anything originally though.  I don't see folks getting torn up between Nintendo's DS offerings and iPod Touches when they consider a mobile gaming device yet.  Not for a while.

Nintendo will do just fine if they want to make a device that is gaming first and other functions are secondary.  Nintendo fanboys are just as loyal and likely have a larger following.  If the legendary gaming giant continues to innovate and not take them for granted, they'll follow where Nintendo leads.

And Apple is not the only people Nintendo has to worry about.   While I can't say I have any clue where Apple plans on taking the iPod Touch (I've got a few theories), others like Sony and Microsoft with Apple on the consumer mobile phone front and that means they'll have to offer compelling gaming as well.

Nintendo's problem with Sony is that Sony has a legacy and it is well known world-wide for its phones and Vaio laptops.  Sony can leverage its mobile gaming offerings in ways Nintendo can't.  PSP2 is a bit far off still (according to Yahoo).  But can we expect an iPod Touch-like device from Sony that merges PSP or even creating a "Vaio Touch" with PSP gaming?  Wouldn't you love seeing one of those?

Microsoft could be closer to releasing something to compete with the iPod Touch and iPhone than Sony.  Nintendo doesn't have to worry about Microsoft moving into mobile gaming the way it has to worry about Sony.  For the most part, I'm not sure Redmond knows what it really wants to do.  Zune phone is a given.  Zune gaming is likely but it has to decide if it'll be Zune gaming or Xbox mobile gaming.  Do it wrong and it'll confuse the heck of consumers.

Bottomline for Nintendo is if it can afford for the coming mobile gaming war to come to it or strike out at it's competitors now before it becomes an issue.

Source:  Yahoo News

Note:  I've largely excluded RIM, HP, Dell, and Nokia in all this.  It'll be interesting to see how they can fit into the mobile communication and gaming platform debate.

Quick Thought On Mobile Gaming - Those clouds over the horizon may mean war

Over at On Apple, we find out that Konami is about to back up Apple's assertion that the iPlatform (iPhone, iPod Touch) is a serious gaming platform with 4 new games.  All legacy titles. 

Now, I don't know if Nintendo or Sony is quaking in their boots (I don't think they wear boots though) about Apple.  I doubt it.  Not yet anyway.

However, there have been rumors about PSP2.  Engadget just sort of poured some cold water on that talk.  Still, we know it's gotta be coming.  We just don't know if it'll be PSP2 or PSPhone, or both.  Okay we do.  But I have to wonder just how cool it'll be if it is the PSPhone instead of just PSP2. 

And how about Nintendo?  With DSi, Nintendo added features to the system beyond just gaming.  It sure took its time doing it but I'm sure more non-gaming features are due out.  And we also have to wonder if Nintendo will becoming out with a DSphone or it's happy with DSw (widescreen - I made it up just now).

Who else is left?  Redmond.  Zunephone is coming.  It's a matter of time.  And you're saying it's gotta have gaming too.  We agree.  Microsoft will be a bit more interesting.  It's got Zune, Xbox, and Windows Mobile.  It'll have to figure out how to balance between competing with Apple on the entertainment as well as the enterprise front. 

I'll get into the dynamics of a gaming war between these four later but one thing is for sure, the entrenched players, Nintendo and Sony, have a lot going for them but Apple and, possibly, Microsoft aren't folks you just brush aside.

Source:  Engadget

Nintendo And Sony Should Start innovating

There are those wo believe that the iPhone will give the DS and PSP a run for their money.  I'm not sure that will happen.  It's possible but they are going after different markets.  Until games for the two gaming giants start showing up on the iPhone with regularity, the iPhone is still considered to be a nitch player in the casual gaming market.  That's just my opinion.

However, I will admit the danger for the gaming giants still exists that the iPhone or the iPod Touch may move into  a turf traditionally dominated by Nintendo since the orginal Gameboy.

Where is the danger coming from exactly?  From within Nintendo and Sony.  Nintendo's innovation heart is pumping pretty hard as is evident by its bestselling Wii and its unique controllers.  Sony is just going with power in PS3.  But on the handheld front, neither companies has done much on the last couple of years outside of comestic changes.

Granted the DSi has added a few features that are notable.  I'm specially impressed with the dual cameras.  Outside of that, the other features are simply catchups.  Am I right?

I'm sure we'll see something pretty cool with DS 2 and PSP 2.  Those models are coming.  Personally, iPhone gaming has awaken the mobile gaming hunger in me that I didn't know was there.  DSi is pretty cool but the iPhone is good enough to temper that hunger until DS 2.

For others sticking with their PSP or DS (I don't see many others going with DSi outside of Japan...plus no one will be getting it outside of Japan for a while), let's hope neither Nintendo or Sony won't be too long in coming out with the next generation of innovative mobile gaming less they don't mind people getting comfortable with iPhone and iPod Touch gaming.

And they better be very very innovative.  They should know that their fans are smart and will see through marketing fogs.

A couple of things I do want to see though.

• I want to see innovation in multi-player gaming.  
• Virtual worlds created just for mobile gamers.  
• Wireless accessibility to the Internet and social networks.  
• App stores that are easy to access like on the iPhone.  
• Multi-sensory input and that's where the camera can come into play.
  
• Take what the iPhone and iPod has done with multi-touch to another level.  
• Video-conferencing during game play.

What would you like Nintendo and Sony to do with their next gen mobile gaming systems?

Note:  What I don't want to see is DS2 or PSP2 added with lame simple telephony.  

Mobile Gaming: Nintendo May Not Be Worried About Industry Challenges

Everyone will saying gaming is about quality and not about quantity.  Well, some quantity too.  But this is something Nintendo knows and this is why Wii has done so well.  Make a quality game system and people will follow.  It's the same for the DS and back to the original NES.

Then Sony came along and tried to get into the mobile gaming secgment with the PSP and I think it has done well with a more powerful gaming  experience in terms of graphics and expandability.

Recently, a newer version of Nintendo's handheld, DSi, available initially only in Japan is an answer to lower ales and quite possibility to differentiate itself from PSP.

Onxo being a place for mobile rants and an American-centric focus can't help but bring in a little about the iPhone or the iPod Touch.  I'm sure eventually, RIM and Microsoft will be getting into the  mobile gaming arena.  Still, I don't think Nintendo is really too concerned about these new upstarts.

Nintendo has always been an innovator.  Dual screens.  Wii's controllers.  And they stick to their guns when they have to.  Cartridges.  Leaving out DVD playback function because it would get in the way of Nintendo's game experiences.

With the recent campaign by Apple to push the iPod Touch as a mobile gaming device, you have to wonder, I have, if Nintendo has anything to worry about?  And it is an effort by Apple to move into the hearts and minds of gamers that Apple is serious about games.

Apple does have the app store on its side with a couple thousands of games.  More games than the DS and PSP libraries combined as they like to spin things.  Trust me when I say they are not exaggerating and umber will most certainly grow.  Plus, the iPhone and the iPod Touch features pretty impressive hardware at that.

But in the end, I can't say that Nintendo has to worry about anyone else, including Apple for a while.  For gamers, it still comes down to quality.  And Nintendo with its smaller library of games than Apple or other mobile platforms,  including Windows Mobile, has depth and a traditional gaming experience that folks have come to know and expect from the gaming giant.

That's not to say the situation won't change.  Others will get better at producing quality games with depth and Nintendo will need to innovate to differentiate its platform from all the rest.

DSi  is okay but I can't wait for DS 2.  Personally, I'm betting on something really special from our Japanese gaming overlords.  What would you like to see from Nintendo's future handheld system?  Me, I'm looking for more social features like video chats and general mobile computing features like e-mails, texting, and browsing.

Note:  DSi's pricing is a bit disappointing.  But it is Nintendo, so I suppose it should command some premium.

Another note:  I would love to see Apple and Nintendo collaborate on a project.

170K DSi Sold Over Two Days

Macworld is reporting Nintendo sold 170K DSi over two days in Japan.  An impressive figure by other terms but I wonder if it should be higher.

However, Nintendo and retailers may be limited by units available and not necessarily lack of interest in the latest DS model.  I suppose Macworld is trying to say the DSi did not receive the kind of coverage the DS originally received.

However, Macworld has never been accused of biased I think.  But if they were comparing it to the iPhone 3G launch by Apple and Softbank in Japan, then they're right.  The press coverage is nowhere near what the iPhone launch received.

Nevertheless, 170K is impressive in a country already saturated.  I think most folks like myself are waiting for DS 2.  Sales overseas, like here in the US, is not scheduled until well into 2009.

Source:  Macworld

Note:  Go to 1Up for detailed comparison between DSi and previous models.

For daily wireless headlines important to mobile warriors, please visit Mobile Digerati.

Friday's Movie

This week's movie is last night's debate between Delaware Senator Joe Biden and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.  In Latin.

Just kidding.

It's a demo of DSi by Nintendo in Japan.  You can see the potentials of the new gaming device.




This second clip is the demo of the DS browser if you have never seen it before.



This is one of the photo demo.



Last, the music player.



Not bad although it's the same fear I have after using multi-touch on the iPhone and then going onto the G1 (17 days left!).  I'm okay with the stylus but the urge to swipe and pinch is just too much.

I've included clips of the keynote from Japan for the DSi .  It's in Japanese but you can see some of the demos for yourself.  You can skip the first one because it's just a lot of boasting and patting themselves on the back (well, they do deserve it).

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Here you go.  Hope you like it.  Let me know if you play on getting one eventually.  Me?  After seeing this and what Nintendo can do and realizing this is only a stopgap, I can't wait for DS 2!

Note:  In part one, there is some sort of comparison with the other game systems.  Notice the obvious exclusion of the iPod Touch.  I guess Nintendo like us, doesn't see Apple as a gaming threat...yet.

DSi - 24 hours (or so) Later Thoughts

Now, that we've had time to digest Nintendo's latest revision of a tired device, let's see how long Nintendo gives folks time to get used to it before moving on to DS 2.

It's understandable the rest of the world would not get DSi for a while.  There are logistical issues that needs to be worked out - game (app) stores and maybe licensing issues to work out.  Outside of Apple, Nintendo is one of the few companies that likes to do things at their own pace and in their own ways.  However, with PSP, well, literally not going away, DSi is Nintendo's weapon to solidify its home turf.

However, the question for mobile gamers is whether improved Web experience, SD card, MP3, ability to take pics, and a few gimmicky ties to Wii enough to make folks want to buy into this.

Also new is an online store for people to download games.  I'm very curious how a Japanese-centric target can be translated to the rest of the world.  (With most games likely to be in Japanese, now is as good as any to start learning it.)

I can't help but think there are merely placeholders until Nintendo unveils out the real mobile and gaming convergence and a device that holds true to Nintendo's vision of a wireless gaming device next year.

My recommendation:  pass on the DSi.  $179 is pretty steep for something that's 4-5 years old.  There are some legs left but if you want true wireless gaming experiences that only Nintendo can bring, you'll have to be patient.

Here are some predictions I think may happen:

• It's entire possible given how late the device will show up in the US, we may not see it at all.  It's also entirely possible the DSi will bypass the US and we go into 2010 with DS 2, whatever awkwardly cool name Nintendo decides to call it.
• More multimedia features like the PSP along with dual touch-screen.  We'll be talking about a true mobile platform.  Something like what the iPod Touch is like.  
• PSP 2 will be a lot like the iPod Touch, literally pitting it against Apple's mobile gadget san the phone features.
• While PSP 2 and DS 2 will gain Internet features and other smartphone functions, they will not be mobile phones.  We'll get into more about this.  

Note:  This DSi release reminds me of Apple's iPhone launch when Jobs convinced the world that it was cool to develop just on Safari while it is laying the groundwork for true app developments.

Note:  Here is a comparison shot of what the two screens look like from Nintendo's Japanese site.  Judge for youself.  Obviously, it's always nice to have bigger screens.

New Nintendo DSi - Game On!

Perhaps Wii is doing well but DS was getting long in the tooth.

Last night (today, 'pends on where you are), Nintendo graced us with a new DS model that effectively put PSP on the defensive and make sure that it continues to be the primary portable game system to beat, no comers or otherwise.

So, what can it do or what features does it have?

• About 60% longer battery life - Woohoo!  5.3 hours versus 3.25 hours on the old.  Kids will be distraced longer in the car.  
• Compatible with DS games but no longer play GB advance games.  DSi specific games will not work with DS.  You'll see why.
• 3.25" screen.  Bigger.  Dual screens still.  17% bigger screens
• Dual Cameras - one on the outside and one on the inside.  3MP on the outside.  Wow...vid conferencing during game play?
• SD Card Slot.
• Web Browsing.  Also new software allow multimedia play like mp3.
• DSi has the ability to download and play games and other media contents via DSi Store
• To launch in Japan this November for $179.  

So, how does this affect gaming for mobile warriors?  Well, at the moment, DSi ups the ante but we'll have to see how the added cameras will change things.  

It's natural that Nintendo will incorporate such features.  You might be able to argue that DS has just now caught up to the rest of the market, meaning PSP (I still think the iPod Touch needs a bit more time to become (or not) a true mobile gaming platform).

Obviously the right direction here for DSi is the added multimedia features.  I'm expect Sony and Apple to add cameras to their devices to maintain feature parity.  The Touch is the best all around device.  It's a mobile platform.  It does everything.  All it lacks now are tier one games and only time will tell if those games come.

Until then, DSi will remain standard bearer.  Okay, Sony.  You're up next.

Sources:

• Gamepro
• Gamespot
• Joystiq - has a comparison between the new DSi, iPod Touch, and PSP - DSi may still be the game system to beat.