UPDATED: Skype Coming to PSP

More phone functionality on the way for Sony handheld

Posted by Staff
UPDATED: Skype Coming to PSP
Update: SPOnG has received the following comment from Sony: "As we've mentioned in the past, we are constantly evaluating new technology and features to add to PSP and further details will be announced shortly." Could it be? A non-confirmation confirmation? Sure looks that way to SPOnG. Keep your eyes here for the further details as and when they're announced.

Sony looks set to announce the introduction of Internet-based telephony service Skype to the PSP at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas - starting on January 7th.

Details of just how the Voice over Internet Protocol service (VoIP) will be used with the PSP remain scarce. The news comes from a product listing for the PSP over on Sony's CES website. Innocuously placed at the bottom of the description we are informed that PSP owners will be able to, "Call friends, talk trash to fellow gamers or catch up with acquaintances via Skype for PSP system."

"Talk trash" is it? Very nice...

Sony has already announced the Go!Messenger service for the PSP in European territories, which will - in conjunction with BT in the UK - enable gamers to make video calls, voice calls and send instant messages wherever they've got a wi-fi connection. The service will operate in conjunction with local phone providers in different European countries. Given that, it looks unlikely that the service will be aimed at us.

Because the information appears on a website for an American electronics show, the US is a pretty good bet for where the service will be rolled out. Sony is unlikely to announce a VoIP service for the US which is inferior to its European counterpart, so the Skype service is likely to have similar features to Go!Messenger. That said, US gamers are still waiting for the Go!Cam - which will be needed to enable video calls - to see release.

SPOnG contacted Sony for more information but no comment was available at the time of press. Keep your eyes on SPOnG's CES coverage (the show runs from January 7th to January 10th) for more as it emerges.
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