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It might not make sense for sony to make one device that would replace many, with most money for the software going to other people. This is a classic innovator's dillema.

Also they did build the first ebook reader, but they lost to the kindle. Since the ereader is mostly about building ecosystems, maybe the same would have happened to them with app stores ?

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Well that's exactly my point with the eReader. They did the hardware (in most regards better than Amazon) but because they didn't do much for past-sale services they ultimately lost out.

The viewpoint of things as stand alone devices has ruined them. It's not necessarily to do with one device to replace many (smart phone to replace PDA, walkman and laptop for example - they ultimately did that) but that couldn't tie them all together. Anyway, if they don't cannibalise their own products, someone else will (and did). It's only short term profit focus that scares them from doing so.

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