Sony officially announces Skype on PSP

As if we didn't already know, Sony just spit out a press release announcing the availability of Skype on PSP courtesy of a firmware update due later this month. After the update, a Skype icon will be available under the Network menu, allowing users to create a new account or login with their existing one. Otherwise, it's Skype as usual: free calls between Skype users; SkypeOut to make calls to regular old phones; SkypeIn to receive calls on your PSP (just don't answer the phone in front of a potential mate). There is one notable caveat however: Skype will only work on the PSP-2000 (ie: PSP Slim, PSP Lite, PSP Petite). We're not sure if there's a hardware limitation preventing the original PSP from using the service but our best guess is that whatever microphone attachment is released may not be compatible with the older model. Also, no word if Skype functionality will be enabled in-game. More as we hear it, folks.

[Maiux Webb @ Jan 29th 2008 6:59PM]

The reason why SKYPE wont work on the old PSP is because of the RAM. The PHAT PSP only has 32 MB of RAM while the 2000 has twice the RAM. PROGRAMS NEED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RAM FOR THEM TO RUN! (OTHER WISE IT COULD CRASH YOUR COMPUTER!) Glad I bought the new PSP and not the old one again. LOL sucks for you (2000-)!

[mikmilum @ Jan 29th 2008 7:00PM]

"This 'will make no difference to the European and USA launch, which will coincide with the end of January firmware." The update was supposed to come out on January 27, 2008 yet it wasn't available for download. Where can I download it? I'm in the NA region.

[alberto @ Jan 30th 2008 1:25AM]

dude psp needs the latest flash player for youtube..

[bananatron @ Mar 3rd 2008 5:20PM]

Oh no APPLE I mean SONY I mean APPLE or I mean SONY I'm confused.. is forcing their customers to re-purchase hardware they already own?!?! WHAT!? THAT NEVER HAPPENS!

[alex @ Feb 26th 2008 7:53PM]

just shut up about it guys just the fact of skype on a psp is awesome i have a psp slim and just got mine updated and believe me skype is worth it

[shorto @ Mar 12th 2008 6:45PM]

Can anyone answer me to a very stupid question. Will this work like a cell phone or will I have to be near a wireless internet for it to work?

[youngcitya @ Apr 1st 2008 10:37PM]

can skyp use for psp slim?
when I use dvd ripper to rip dvd movie I own to psp http://www.daniusoft.com/dvd-ripper.html, will it clash the skype?

[trancer @ Jan 6th 2008 5:30PM]

"Skype will only work on the PSP-2000" = LAME

[Christopher Grant @ Jan 6th 2008 5:37PM]

Yeah, and I'm not sure why. I'll keep digging.

[Sandeep @ Apr 13th 2009 12:06PM]

Yeah seriously. Sony is screwing over all of the people who bought the psp phat, like me. Oh well, have faith in the hackers :)

[cduran01 @ Jan 6th 2008 5:49PM]

The PSP slim has more RAM and internal FLASH. I would assume that to support clear stutter free audio streaming you would need larger buffers (hence more RAM). If not that it could simply be that the PSP fat could be nearing its limit in firmware storage and the added Skype would just not fit in its FLASH.

But Im leaning towards the more RAM argument, because Skype could always be added as an external app which could be downloaded from their website so that it doesn't take use up firmware FLASH.

Either way Im covered, got my PSP slim in November and retired my old PSP (got mine at launch and it served me well)

[Skor @ Jan 6th 2008 6:38PM]

Very lame. No way am I getting a new psp just for moved speakers, a thinner profile and skype. I wish the original psp had some decent new things coming to it.

[trancer @ Jan 6th 2008 7:05PM]

@cduran01
its not like skype is the only app that utilizes ram/flash.
The PSP is well capable of handling such an application.
Internet radio streaming also seems to be working fairly well (clear stutter free audio streaming).

[JustinU @ Jan 9th 2008 5:59PM]

If a hardware manufacturer could make a GSM module for the PSP, then we could make cell phone calls from it as well! Fixed-mobile convergence! (Then be able to transfer voice calls back and forth between VoIP and cellular, ala Voice call continuity.)

[Eugenia Loli-Queru @ Jan 6th 2008 5:40PM]

I would seriously like some VoIP SIP support there, not Skype...

[FCBAYERNMUNCHEN0 @ Feb 5th 2008 5:18PM]

There is SIP for the PSP It's called Furikup (http://pspupdates.qj.net/Furikup-v0-1-12-bug-fixes-network-selection-menu/pg/49/aid/112387)

[hike @ Jan 6th 2008 6:27PM]

I dont thing the microfone shoud effect it
the is a microfone for the old psp already

[nxtiak @ Jan 6th 2008 5:47PM]

Yeah I was gonna say, where tf is the mic? So it's gonna be an add-on.. ugh stupid.
Oh well, like I care, i have the old psp that I NEVER use and NEVER WILL.

[Noshino @ Jan 6th 2008 6:08PM]

then you ll NEVER understand why it is such an amazing little machine :]

[nxtiak @ Jan 6th 2008 9:25PM]

I got my PSP on Launch. Had a few games, now it just sits here, and I only use it when I update the firmware :).
I guess you'll never understand how great the Nintendo DS is either.

[Jamesology @ Jan 6th 2008 6:03PM]

Is there any word on if the Chotto Camera will be or can be used? The Chotto Camera has a Mic on it so hopefully it can be used.

[Erik @ Jan 6th 2008 6:08PM]

Well, I was hoping my fat PSP finally had a use again, but nope; shot down by Sony.

Ah well, maybe I'll just get an n800 to use for MID and skype.

[nezromatron @ Jan 6th 2008 6:14PM]

I would rather have Skype support on the PS3.
Full size keyboard support for chat, Eye support for making video calls.

[Ryan P @ Jan 6th 2008 6:38PM]

Here's hoping the PSP hacking 101 guys get it to work! Sony's excuses are like butts....

[JustAnotherBlogger @ Jan 7th 2008 10:07AM]

tyhe mic will not be usb, you can count on that. instead it will be special to the hook up like the remote dongle. even the socom headset works fine but I'd say that sony wants more of your cash.

[Fernando @ Jan 6th 2008 6:54PM]

I hope you use it like a old N-Gage to talk, sidetalkin'!

[Pentium @ Jan 6th 2008 6:57PM]

Skype on PSP = Good, Skype Not On My PSP = Bad..

What the hell sure I will not buy a new psp to get Skype!

[George @ Jan 7th 2008 5:10PM]

sony have screwed up once again

[JustinQ @ Jan 6th 2008 7:12PM]

video skype using psp camera attachment? think the psp could handle it?

[jed @ Jan 8th 2008 6:30AM]

he said that he didn't know if it would be available in game, but it is implied that it is when you read on sony's site that you could talk trash in game. other games have built in voice, i fail to see why skype wouldn't work

[pspuserdude @ Jan 6th 2008 7:47PM]

Wow Sony, way to screw over your existing user base. Thanks a lot! The PSP is probably the last Sony product I will buy, they should learn a few tricks from the way Nokia treats their customers, a la Nokia N770,N800,N810. So long Sony, you lost a loyal customer.

[Frankenstein Black @ Jan 6th 2008 9:05PM]

Come on now Sony, if there really is a technical reason why Skype wont work on PSP Phat you need to articulate it clearly! Don't be such PR buffoons all the time by letting rampant speculation run wild on the Internets. If there is NO real reason then simply say "hey, Phat owners, FU, we just want you to buy a Slim now"! ***takes a deep breath, and slowly exhales at the thought of an alternate reality filled with "corporate honesty"***

[Unregistered @ Jan 7th 2008 12:17AM]

Oooh, I can think of *many* dream scenarios for corporate honesty!!

Anyway I got the PSP Classic (ahem), and forked out for that language translation game (i can't even remember the name for it -- solely for the mic. ya, you can all start calling me stupid now)

i use my psp solely for the hour long commute to and from work.. final fantasy tactics keeps me entertained (never owned a ps or ps2.. getting my ps3 soon, hope its good. cant wait to try ubuntu on it)

[Unregistered @ Jan 7th 2008 12:20AM]

I remember now, that blue creature is Talkman.

[JustinU @ Jan 9th 2008 7:27PM]

There are technical reasons why skype may not run on the other PSP's. Firmware is too big. Look at the software stack which is required to run voice, it can be big. Here are some real numbers from a VoIP design to illustrate the h/w and s/w required: http://www.dspdesignline.com/howto/204803680

[Callum @ Jan 7th 2008 3:29AM]

classic sony, dropping the old-timers, the trusty early adopters. watch out anyone who's bought one of those sony DSLR's recently- don't think the rev. 2 lenses will be backward compatible, that would just make sense.

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Jan 7th 2008 10:09AM]

looks like i'll have to eat my words as sony is now selling the talkman usb mic to be used with skype, so i guess the go cam will work. also they plan to release the gps nit and a N. American UMD full of maps and pov's. kudos sony, kudos

[Syn @ Jan 8th 2008 5:07AM]

Stop crying that you bought a Fat PSP, and just get a slim. What else are going to do with the money?

I have a fat PSP, and couldn't wait to get my slim.

By now, 'PEOPLE' should know the electronic game. As soon as it's released, it's out of date.

Everyone who buys on launch, waiting inline for something that will A)Flawed B)Will be $200 cheaper in a few months C)Will be replaced by a better model in about 6-12months, is just pointless.

I don't understand why people are upset with improvement. Be glad that Sony is giving us more. I'm 100% behind Sony. Sure they have a lot of marketing schemes, but... It's a business, fueled by needed little consumers.

Sony has a lot of ideas and plans, and instead of releasing a new machine years down the road, they push, and push, because someone is going to buy it.

Now, you either buy it or your don't. Crying over technology is rather sad.

:)

[Matt @ Jan 8th 2008 8:47PM]

"Sony officially announced it for the Slim, the Noobz team officially make it happen — for both Fat and Slims! It’s beta software so please report any problems. See readme.html to get started.

Fanjita notes the audio quality needs some work, the interface needs a makeover, and video calls aren’t working quite yet. Nonetheless it’s usable and demonstrates pure awesomeness. Source code is also available for homebrew developers to advance on. Kudos team!"

http://www.psp-hacks.com/2008/01/06/make-phone-calls-with-your-psp-right-now/

[JustinU @ Jan 9th 2008 5:58PM]

Although Skype is the leading consumer-based VoIP software, I wonder if other apps will take advantage of the microphone module. Fixed-mobile convergence gets closer every day!

[chirishman @ Jan 14th 2008 6:52AM]

The microphone/hardware argument is total crap. There has been voice chat on the psp with an official headset since SOCOM Fireteam Bravo.

[chirishman @ Jan 14th 2008 6:59AM]

To clarify, what I mean is that if the PSP Fat can run voice chat while playing a 3D game over the internet it can certainly handle voice solo.

[Mahima @ Jan 10th 2008 4:51PM]

Go Sony!! I luv the idea of making free calls from my PSP Slim to my mates. Just hope that Sony will release a wireless headset, maybe using blutooth, so that u don't have to have a cable trailing behind your ear. Maybe they could make something like a Jabra Bluetooh Headset (a mono, wireless headset). Still, the Sony headset is all right.

[Mahima @ Jan 10th 2008 4:51PM]

Also, I think all you people that are crying over the fat PSP missing out on Skype should probably go and get a new PSP. They are so cool, worth every cent I spent on it.I'm sure that in, maybe a year, well'e have the Sony Slim and Lite 2, and then the current Slim will turn outdated. Technology always advances, and when a new generation comes in, the last one has to go.

[blue meanie @ Jan 12th 2008 11:01AM]

The original PSP lacks enough internal memory (RAM) to handle Skype. The new slim PSP loads games faster thanks to this improvement and I imagine Skype just can work well without this added resource/flexibility. As for mic input, Sony's $20 PSP headset will likely be all you'll need. Yeah, it'd have been nice if Sony had added an internal mic or Bluetooth to the PSP but, c'mon. This is Sony. They seldom make sense these days and you take what you can get. Their $180 car stereo has Bluetooth but the new PSP does not. Go figure.