Sony announced at CES today that Skype will be made available for the PSP Slim & Light. By adding the Skype logo to the XMB via a firmware update, users will be able to access full Skype voice functionality including the use of Skype Out / Skype In, as well as access to the account admin functions.
Before you ask, the reason Skype will only work on the PSP Slim & Light (and not the original model) is due to memory constraints. The original PSP (PSP-1000) has 32MB of memory, whereas the newer Slim & Light model (PSP-2000) has 64MB. Nick Sharples had the following to say.
“Although PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 are identical in basic functions, there are differences in hardware specifications to some extent and, for that reason, PSP-2000 may differ in features from PSP-1000. We had studied the possibility of supporting Skype with PSP-1000 but had to give it up because of the smaller size of main memory on PSP-1000 series.”
Click through for the original press release.
PRESS RELEASE
New PSP (PlayStation Portable) Expands Its Entertainment Experience By Introducing SkypeTM
Tokyo, January 7, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would introduce Skype™ features to the new slim and light PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system (PSP-2000 series). More than 246 million members are registered for the use of this communications software, which enables users to communicate with other Skype users around the world over the Internet. Calls between Skype users are free of charge.
By introducing Skype on PSP, the following features and services will be made available to PSP users (*1) (*2):
- Free voice calls between Skype users
- Skype contact list management (view existing contacts, add new ones)
- Skype presence (see which friends are online and available to talk)
- SkypeOut™ calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
- Optional SkypeIn™ number that lets users receive calls on Skype from landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
- View and modify Skype settings and account details (including username creation, SkypeOut settings, voicemail settings and call forwarding)
PSP users worldwide will be able to start using Skype features and services through a simple system software update scheduled in late January. After updating the PSP system software, a Skype icon will be added to the Network category in the home menu. PSP users who do not yet have a Skype username can register by clicking the icon and following the instructions. PSP users who already have a Skype username can immediately sign in by clicking the Skype icon and entering their username and password.
SCEI will deploy various measures to meet users’ demand and vigorously promote the expansion of the PSP platform as a handheld entertainment system to enjoy a variety of interactive digital entertainment.
I hope GPS will work with the old model. Any news on that device?
Comment by Andreas — Jan 7, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
What a useless freature! Using it at the bus stop is an invertation to get mugged and free WiFi coverage is nearly non existant (well in New Zealand anyway)
Comment by carl — Jan 7, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
@ Andreas - yes, the GPS will be compatible with both models… I imagine it will run as a standalone application (like a game) whereas Skype is running at the same time as the XMB.
Comment by Tom Eccles — Jan 7, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
I agree, Useless feature.
Comment by PJ — Jan 7, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
now, i may be wrong here, but how the heck do you chat?? no built in mic… oh, i see, we’ll have to by an add on camera! which by all accounts has awful audio qualities, add that to the tinny in built speakers and the poor sound reproduction of skype/voip, the lack of free wi-fi access in most of the UK and i say they’re onto a winner there.
sign me up today
Comment by mobiletone — Jan 7, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Shafted (again) for being an early adopter….
Comment by Richard Singleton — Jan 7, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
@ Mobiletone - there is a PSP headset you know
Comment by Tom Eccles — Jan 7, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
how about skype on the PS3? phone calls on my bluetooth headset while I’m playing COD4? that would be radool
Comment by skippy — Jan 7, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
[...] (via) [...]
Pingback by PS3 Blog » Blog Archive » PSP und Skype: Nur für die Dünne… — Jan 7, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
And again the First-adaptors are getting screwed AGAIN!!!!!! and this time MILLIONS of PSP-Fat users times 199-250 euros,
has SONOT forgotten that the PSP uses memory-sticks,maybe an solution to run the skype app on..
then again, hopefully the opensource community will fix what sony neglects to do.
Comment by Darkie — Jan 8, 2008 @ 8:31 am
Good, this bodes well for the future.
Now we just need the Opera Web Browser available for PSP and PS3. The built in browser isn’t quite up to the job.
Comment by evul — Jan 8, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Another nice feature. Though you shouldn’t exclude 90% of the install base just to stimulate sales - that’s just plain bad manners towards those who invested in your product. If it’s product & services are that good - it will sell itself - witht he correct marketing of course
Comment by Blue Gene — Jan 8, 2008 @ 10:31 am
I see that there is absolutely no mention of *text-messaging* in the press-release — so we can assume that the Skype for PSP client will only do voice-chat and no instant-messaging at all?
Comment by NavahoGL — Jan 8, 2008 @ 10:41 am
How will this complement the PS3 built in video chat? Skype on the PS3 would be awesome. The PS3 has go a beeper built in so you could know when someone is calling you even when the TV is not on
Skype on PS3 coming soon maybe?
Skype on the PSP would be a whole lot better if you could use any standard bluetooth headset and set some sort of energy saving mode so it could alert you of calls when it is turned off.
Comment by lxd — Jan 8, 2008 @ 11:16 am
I think this is a great feature and I will use it quite a bit hopefully (I got a slim for xmas after selling my fat!).
Check out the videos floating around the net…there is a demo showing how it works and and also details an official headset which is coming out in Feb.
Comment by elephant_stone — Jan 8, 2008 @ 11:17 am
I can’t encourage enough, the further developement of our Playstation platforms. It’s a shame it’s not possible on the older model, but, well, shit happens. The opposite is true for PS3’s where the newer models aren’t as well equipped as the older ones, so the balance is retained. Ha!
With luck, this will be extended to the PS3 too.
Comment by LordOfRuin — Jan 8, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
[...] [Via ThreeSpeech] [...]
Pingback by Loot Ninja » Ok maybe SONY doesn’t hate it’s old customers — Jan 8, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
When will Sony be announcing Skype for PS3? I
suppose it’s not too useful until in game XMB is released.
Comment by Savage — Jan 10, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
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