As if yesterday’s news about a survey regarding subscription-based online game rentals for the PlayStation Portable wasn’t enough for Sony’s handheld system, CNET reports that the company is also considering music downloads for PlayStation Network.
If Sony does offer music downloads it could rival the iPod, especially if the company learns from its mistakes with Connect (Sony’s answer to iTunes which shut down in August 2007). The Connect download service was based on OpenMG, a digital right management technology which prohibited downloads from sites other than those contracted with Sony.
Downloadable music seems a logical progression for the PSP, especially if rumors of the ‘PSP Go!’ are correct. A new PSP could offer online game rentals, music downloads, a bigger screen, and slide controls. Of course, we’ll likely have to wait a couple of weeks until E3 to hear if Sony announces any big changes for the handheld. Stay tuned.