Sony is preparing the arrival of a new product: Project Q. Although mysterious, this cloud-based project was recently spotted running on Android. Far from being a surprise, this allows us to know a little more about this tablet which has the shape of a game console.
Earlier this year, Sony unveiled to the world its latest creation: the PlayStation Project Q. The latter, although it could be categorized as a portable console, is actually much more than that. It is an accessory with a screen designed to exploit cloud gaming via PS5, all managed by an ARM chip. Project Q is therefore a dedicated device that allows you to stream any game from a PS5 console, using remote play via Wi-Fi to do this, and presumably also via cellular networks such as 4G and 5G.
According to Sony Interactive Entertainment, the Project Q has an 8-inch HD (720p) display, and has all the buttons and features of the DualSense wireless controller. Sony plans to release its Project Q by the end of 2023, although many aspects of the project still remain shrouded in mystery.
A prototype under Android? Not so surprising…
Last weekend, a video appeared on the web. It features Project Q in a version that appears to be a prototype, running Android.
Many media have expressed their astonishment at the sight of this revelation. However, from a technical point of view, the use of Android is nothing surprising.
Android, being an open source system, is the source of many projects in a variety of fields. It is a versatile operating system that is able to adapt to many environments. Also, we know that Project Q will be powered by an ARM chip, like the vast majority of mobile devices. It turns out that it is precisely this type of architecture that is best suited to Android.
Android, a strategic choice
The presence of Android in Sony’s Project Q also meets an economic objective. Indeed, Sony’s stated objective is to reduce the cost of Project Q. Android, as a free and open source operating system, fits perfectly into this perspective.
Additionally, using Android allows Sony to focus on developing its user interface and integrating its services, rather than building an operating system in-house. This is all the more relevant since Sony is already developing its cloud services on Android, as well as an entire ecosystem of applications.
In conclusion, the appearance of Android in Sony’s Project Q is a logical and predictable decision. It reflects a desire to optimize resources, flexibility and adaptability which are at the heart of Android’s philosophy. And it is this same philosophy that could well make Project Q a success.
Do you use Google News (News in France)? You can follow your favorite media. Follow Frandroid on Google News (and Numerama).