Finally, proof of the Sony Playstation phone rumor has leaked out of the internet. Photos of the new Sony Playstation phone was seen over some blog sites yesterday. Engadget has released not only pictures but some specifications of this new device. The reports in August particularly pinpointed that the electronics giant is crafting yet another breakthrough to join the present-day android craze.

If these rumors and photos are real, it is a clear declaration that Sony is up to once again challenge Apple and Microsoft in the class of smartphone and gaming. Several companies have dropped hints that they will soon assert an all-out-war in this category. However, the only threat that has gained following and growing anticipation is that of Sony Playstation. This may be Sony’s answer to the recent switch of their customer’s to Apple’s android. The gaming world will now have numerous options as these companies fight for “which is better” trophy.

The following specifications were listed alongside the photos of the Sony Playstation in the same blog site:

• Android 3.0 gaming platform with code name Gingerbread—an OS from no less than google,
• it will contain a place where gamers can purchase and download games specifically designed for the operating system,
• 1 gigahertz Qualcomm MSM8655 processor (almost comparable, but faster to that of T-Mob’s G2),
• 512 megabytes of main memory, 1 gigabyte of read-only memory (ROM),
• a monitor or display that varies from 3.7 inches to 4.1 inches diagonal,
• a touchpad located at the center of the device (seen as multi-touchpad)
• same shoulder buttons seen in existing PSP

Launch of this Sony Playstation phone is predicted to happen sometime in 2011. It may not see light until next year due to on-going hardware configuration—still according to Engadget. It is unfortunate because holiday season is fast-approaching. Furthermore, Apple has continuously posted millions of sales quarter after quarter with its iDevices. These have become the most prominent mobile gaming devices in the U.S., and a Sony partnership for an Android game device would take off some of Apple’s shine (Google and Sony have already partnered for Google TV).

Another key player in the industry, Microsoft has been introducing various types of Xbox live gaming smartphones in the market. They partnered with Windows phone 7 for the unique feature of allowing a gamer to switch or tune into Xbox Live gaming account.  In all, Microsoft’s in a pretty good position to develop more individualized cloud initiatives in the gaming space, once it gets all its device ducks in a row.