Abracadabra! BT & Sony turn PSP into a videophone

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 24 May 2007 19:41

Business IT - Technology

BT and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) are planning to convert the PlayStation Portable into a device able to make and receive video calls, voice calls and instant messages, by adding broadband wireless communications functions.

The two companies have signed a four-year contract to develop a raft of extra features for the PSP, which comes with WiFi built in, and which has already shipped over eight million in Europe and 24 million globally.

BT has developed the ability to provide high quality video and voice calls over the Internet as part of its 21CN project - a massive undertaking now well underway to transform its multiplicity of traditional voice and data networks into a single IP network supporting all services.

The two intend to port BT broadband video and voice 'softphone' products, already available in the market, onto the PSP. They say that, in coming months, additional features will be launched to enable calls and messages to PCs, fixed lines and mobiles.

BT will be Sony's lead wireless communications partner across 102 territories in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania and says it is "already working with other communications providers to deliver this exciting service," but has given no other details. BT and Sony will initially promote the offer in the UK.