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As it stands, Skype on the PSP is useful, but problematic. Biggest problem being you need two separate accessories to run it: headphones and a mic. That’ll be sorted next month when Sony release their official Skype headset, which while still lacking an official price is currently listed on Amazon for the all-too-affordable price of $US 20. Skype headset for PSP coming April, for $US 20 [PSP Fanboy]
A two-month delay later, and Japan is finally getting its PSP Skype connected. Europe and the US have been chattering away on PSP Skype since January, while Japanese gamers waited. The reason? The Skype mic Sony Computer Entertainment Japan had slated for release didn’t meet Skype specs. Two new mics will go on sale in Japan on March 19th, one for ¥2,500 ($US 24) and ¥4,000 ($US 39). A software update will hit the day before. PSP for Skype for Japan [Mainichi]
newVideoPlayer("skypepsp_Gawker.flv", 463, 387,"");
Today’s Playstation Portable firmware update came with a little touch of Skype (except if you live in China, go figure). Once patched, the Skype option shows up under Network. I was able to pretty quickly register for a new account using the PSP and get it working in less then five minutes.
It’s a pretty cool build of the software and while I’m not sure how often I’d use it around the house, I definitely plan on bringing it with me when I travel for some free calls. Also plan on abusing the hell out of it to harass Ash since it only cost me $US 10 to buy seven hours worth of worldwide Skype to phone service. (Skype to Skype is free) That’s right seven hours of me rambling to Ash… can’t wait!
Firmware 3.90 hits. Brings Skype! To get, PSP owners access the Network Update. 3.90 also expands support for PSN titles. Though, be aware: the Skype feature is only for Slim & Lite PSP-2000 series. Everyone else, you’re shit outta luck. Take that early adopters! New Firmware [PSP Fanboy]
The Japanese launch of Skype for the PSP, originally slated for late-January, has been postponed due to issues with Sony’s official microphones. Apparently some of the microphone’s components failed to meet Skype’s necessary certifications, and rather than launch the service with no official peripherals to accommodate it, Sony have put the entire launch on ice. No new date has been set for the launch, Sony only saying “solutions to enable users to start using Skype features and services on their PSP are being sought for and will be announced in due course”. Sucks for Japan! Western users, you’re OK, as Sony have told us this “will make no difference to the European and USA launch, which will coincide with the end of January firmware upgrade”.
A pair of PSP Slims were on hand at this week’s CES, showing off the recently announced Skype software designed specifically for the Sony handheld. While it’s harder than one might think to test the clarity of a peer-to-peer phone call via Sony’s own mouse-phone hybrid in a busy convention hall, there were no complaints about the actual technical capabilities of the service. Actually, the two Sony reps making the calls were about six inches from us when we picked up the phone, so those with an ear for such things may want to wait until in the field reviews arrive, if they’re picky.
If you own an old PSP, and are a little teary at the prospect of missing out on all the Skype fun PSP-2000 owners will be getting in on, sorry. Nothing’s going to help you. Your “ancient” device just can’t do it. Apparently. Hopefully the knowledge of why you can’t get in on the action will help you in the mourning process. SCEE’s Nick Sharples explains: 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.
There you have it. Don’t blame your PSP’s girth, that’s shallow. Blame its smaller memory. Then blame Sony, because even if that’s the truth (and we have our doubts, what with this being a great “incentive” for people to upgrade), if you’re an early adopter this kinda sucks. PSP memory was key factor for Skype decision [Pocketgamer]
From Crackle:
When Skype hits the Playstation Portable later this month, it will come as a free download, but you’ll still need to have a Skype membership to get it to work. Contrary to earlier reports, it looks like the hardware to use the PSP’s Skype likely won’t look like that snap-on microphone used for the Talkman software. The reps in this video say it will be a headset, hopefully a wireless one, though they don’t really say.
Famitsu is reporting that the PSP’s Skype service will sell for $US 25 to $US 40 and include, it appears, the same microphone that was packed in with PSP language software Talkman.
The site also has up these first Skype screens.
PSP Skype, USB Microphone Priced And Shown In First Pictures [Jgadgets, via Destructiod]
