Sony what took you so long? Sony is reported to be preparing to launch a Playstation phone in time for Christmas or there abouts. It comes just a few days after Sony announced the death of the Sony Walkman cassette.

Tech website Engadet reports that the PlayStation Phone will likely run on Android 3.0 along with a custom Sony Marketplace, which will allow users to buy games designed for the new mobile platform.

The blog reports that the screen for the Sony Ericsson/PSP Hybrid phone is around 3.7 to 4.1 inches with a a long multi touch touchpad in the centre. There is no memory slot although there is room for microSD cards.

The picture might not look great (the phrase clunky springs to mind), but it is a prototype sans analog sticks. This is not a rumour and its existence was first reported in the summer. It should keep Sony fans happy ahead of the arrival of the PSP2.

Last month Sony revealed its plans to launch a music download service that will let users access music through PlayStation3, as well as computer and television, and rival services including Apple’s iTunes. Its likely PS Phone owners will also have access to that.

A phone, a games platform and music all in one place. What more could  a girl ask for? Don’t answer that.

Earlier this year Sony introduced a 3D upgrade for its PlayStation 3. The 3DS is the only portable 3D console and does not require glasses.

The timing of this leak signals, at least unofficially, an out with the old and in with the new after Walkman, the Sony cassette device that forever changed our music listening, got the axe after was 31 years. Farewell.

Sony said earlier this week that it had ended production of the classic cassette tape Walkman in Japan effectively bringing to an end a once iconic device.

Although they are still being made in China, for now at least, so if you should ever want one to listen to those classics mix tapes you can still pick one up. There are always digital Walksmans, but really does anyone buy those?