PSP Skype arrives

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 31 January 2008 01:06

Your IT - Entertainment

Version 3.90 firmware for the PlayStation Portable has been released, bringing Skype to the device as promised earlier this month.

But don't get excited if you own an older PSP - Skype only works on the new Slim & Lite (aka PSP 2000).

If you do have a Slim & Lite, a headset or Go! Cam, and access to a Wi-Fi connection, the new software will let you talk to other Skype users and (at  additional cost) make and receive PSTN calls.

"PSP can now claim to be a highly cost-effective and accessible portable communications device, in addition to its entertainment credentials," said Sony officials.

The only other new feature in version 3.90 that Sony has described is a Go! Messenger icon. That's just the icon - the software itself (which will be stored on a Memory Stick) isn't expected until early March.

Announced last August, Go! Messenger will provide instant messaging using an onscreen keyboard plus voice and video calling if a headset or Go! Cam are connected. It has been developed in association with UK-based telco BT. As with Skype, a Wi-Fi connection is required to use Go! Messenger.