Looks like we're gonna be seeing another handheld from Sony sometime in the unknown future. Reports are circulating on the Internet revealing that the gaming giant has just been granted a patent by the US Patent & Trademark Office for a handheld that incorporates touchscreen features.

Hmm.. PSP Phone, anyone? Now, now. We don't want to get you all excited over something that is far from being confirmed yet. But for what it's worth, you're free to speculate on this patent's application. Admit it, after that heartbreaking categorical denial from Sony last year, that would be sweet if it did turn out to be the PSP Phone, right?

Interesting, isn't it? The documents show ex-Sony exec Phil Harrison as the inventor for this patent. Now that he's with Infogrames, it's a wonder if Sony will still push through with this. Frankly, we don't see any reason why not. They have been awarded the rights, after all. Besides, another entry in the handhelds arena won't be so bad, too. Competition always drives ingenuity after all.

Anyways, you might as well stack this news at the back of your head for now, cause patent approvals like this doesn't mean we'd be hearing anything substantial soon. Some even takes years to come to fruition. In the meantime, keep those fingers crossed.