January 6, 2008 4:31 PM PST

Sony: Skype coming to PSP this month

by John P. Falcone

Skype logo

Skype is coming to the PSP later this month.

(Credit: Skype)
The rumors were true: Skype is coming to the PSP. The leading voice-over-IP phone service will be made available to PSP users worldwide in a free firmware update scheduled for later this month. The catch? The service will only work on the new Slim PSP model, not the original bulkier "PSP 1000" (which, as of fall 2007, is no longer produced). The press release lists the other obvious caveats: you'll need to have access to Wi-Fi; have a Skype account (it's free, with paid upgrades for calling to and from non-Skype numbers); and a Skype-compatible "audio input device" (a headset).

(via Engadget)

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
Topics:

ces - Cell phones and smartphones,

ces - Gaming

Tags:

Sony,

PSP,

Skype,

VOIP,

CES 2008

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (8 Comments)
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by Lemon5 January 6, 2008 7:19 PM PST
So now my PSP is phone? Wow, Sony is reallly trying to find stuff that the DS does not. I am sorry Sony, but you are going to have to do better than giving me a phone for my PSP. That is why i have a cell phone. Yeah, making and mp3 player (ipod) into a phone (iphone) worked for Apple, i really doubt it will be much of a selling feature. Cool idea though.
Reply to this comment
by C433Z January 6, 2008 8:07 PM PST
it's not really a selling feature it's just another feature they can tack onto their laundry list of things the DS can't do. which in the end doesn't really effect DS/PSP sales anyways.
by JieWei150 January 6, 2008 8:13 PM PST
i think this is awesome! I have family across the world that uses skype and it would be cool to talk to them for free.
Reply to this comment
by gdlla96 January 11, 2008 5:19 AM PST
im really bummed out because ive got a psp 1000 and im 11 years old so its kind of hard for me to come up with 200 dollars to buy a psp 2000. i dont really need skype calling though ive already got a cellphone. and there is a fee to call non skype numbers that i can call with my cellphone.
by ahickey January 7, 2008 3:24 AM PST
Any new features are worth it.
My only reservation is that you have to be in Skype to 'listen' for incomng calls, so you cannot use your PSP for anything else. So, not ideal for being contacted.

If they could put a background task in place to listen for incoming calls and then interrupt that would be great.
Reply to this comment
by StephenJBurke January 7, 2008 9:42 AM PST
I was gifted a new PSP this season and I must say I have been amazed at the functionality that it brings to the market that is not advertised. This is another good addition, and I am sure that along with the camera add-on, will be come a very powerful portable web conferencing tool.

I think Sony's marketing team typically miss brining this information to the public market, and I hope there is a push to advertise these advancements. I would have owned a PSP a long time ago if I knew then what I know now.
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by pesora January 10, 2008 3:22 PM PST
why would anybody use Skype,when they can't even find my original account. NO THANKS.
Reply to this comment
by Obfusc8r January 10, 2008 4:09 PM PST
Wow, so much for being a Sony fan. I have a first gen PSP that is becoming more and more of an outdated boat anchor. As with the new PS3, no backward compatibility. So if I want to take advantage of the Sony / Skype relationship, I have to buy a next gen PSP or a Wi-fi phone. I'll say hello to the Wi-fi phone and goodbye to Sony.
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