The announcement for Skype on the PSP is now official, and we have details about the service. As long as you have Internet access and a second generation PSP (PSP-2000), you will be able to enjoy all the features of Skype currently being used by around 248 million registered users. The service will let provide free calls between registered users, whether on a PC or PSP, as well as the other services provided by Skype. See the details below.
The Skype PSP service will provide:
- 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)
A firmware update will provide the PSP with Skype functionality and is expected in late January. A new Skype icon will appear under the Network menu on the PSP XMB once the service has been installed. The unfortunate thing about this service is that it will only work on the second generation PSP (PSP-2000). Look out for more information later this month.
UPDATE:
The first generation PSPs (PSP-1000) cannot support Skype due to its memory limitations. Sony’s Nick Sharples stated:
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.
Why does the service only work on the new PSP model?
The original model does not have have enough RAM memory.
The original model does not have have enough RAM memory.
thats so gay. i guess i should get a new psp and trade my old one in since all the new stuff is being made for the slim psp =(
that sucks . i want skype but why should i buy a new psp?
Do we yet know wot headset will be available to use skype, wifi perhaps or boring ol` wired mess? or will chatting to a buddy involve good old text thus defeating the object of skype altogether.
I agree with lewis, i mean, to some ppl who love games, its hard to give in your old psp, even if the slim has better features… to me, my psp means a lot to me, and i couldnt give it up for some better psp just because it has better features