Is this the PSP Skype microphone / interface?

Given that we just learned that Skype for PSP would actually be coming to fruition, it follows logic that a dedicated microphone would surface. This one, however, is quite curious -- we're seeing a device that appears to be the microphone created for the PSP's use with Skype on a respectable Japanese website, but weirdly enough, there's a "Copyright 2005" splash in the bottom left corner. Additionally, Famitsu has a couple of shots of the purported interface, and while all of this is perfectly murky right now, head on over to the read link and see what you can make of it.

[Via JGadgets, thanks J]

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Jan 7th 2008 11:52AM]

well that's pretty useless

[David @ Jan 7th 2008 11:53AM]

This add-on has been available for that long, that's why!

The peripheral was originally available with the talkman translation software.

[paragraph @ Jan 7th 2008 11:59AM]

Yeah, AFIR.

This looks like it explains that the Skype App utilizes this Mic or the same interface. That means that it's likely there will be a new Mic released soon :D

Allthough, the fact that they have images is a bit disturbing, especially since the date is 8/10 (i'm going to assume 2007 ;)) it could be a chop, or homebrew.

[TonyB @ Jan 7th 2008 3:18PM]

Sweet!! I have one of those! Now I'm glad I picked that up in Japan! Sure would like one of those cool red psps tho... Maybe time to head back over there!!!!

[Flashpoint @ Jan 7th 2008 11:55AM]

I don't see why you can't just use the add-on camera with mic to use Skype - or some other form of webchat.

I remember seeing this attachment a long time go with voice -to-text language translation software

[Organic_Shadow @ Jan 7th 2008 11:56AM]

They just need to release a unified camera/mic/GPD attachment so you don't have to be switchin' out thangs while tryin'a drink mah sip...

[vagabond @ Jan 7th 2008 12:05PM]

seems like you forgot about "Talkman", the game. The mic in the picture is the same so I don't thik this is that new.

[Flashpoint @ Jan 7th 2008 12:02PM]

The thought of being able to use a PSP to chat with my friends in China has me giddy. I never ever saw myself getting a Skype account. PSP is opening alot of doors for a lot of people with this move.

It is time SONY branches out (even more) with PSP.

They need to offer a GPS add-on (SONY BRAND LABELED) with a windshield mount. They also need point - to point software as good as TOM TOM's with a preloaded Memory Stick with map data.

They need to make a video/chat client to take full use of the SKYPE or VOIP protocals.

[Ali @ Jan 7th 2008 12:05PM]

This has been out for ages now, I dont think this is the Skype one, it will have a video camera at the very least!

[Josh @ Jan 7th 2008 12:10PM]

Okay everone, this is nothing special, it's just the Talkman mic (which can be used with Skype PSP).

You can also use the microphone built-into the Go!Cam, or the PSP Headset, its all just as good (and yes, you can use the headset for mic and cam for video simultaneously).

[Gamitude @ Jan 7th 2008 1:31PM]

They should just use the SOCOM headset which (as far as I know) uses the third headset jack pin for the mic. That one also works with the first gen PSP.

[la2ch @ Jan 7th 2008 1:51PM]

Everyone should check out thee homebrew mapping application Mapthis, which is free and works with Sony GPS290 and many other GPS receivers.

[galla @ Jan 7th 2008 2:10PM]

although this is the same microphone already in use for the really old talkman it does appear that this mic will be used for skype because playasia.com has started taking preorders on these mics ( for some reason it comes with two mics) with a scheduled Jan 24 release date. Hey maybe thats when the update might come.

[Kamilion @ Jan 7th 2008 5:11PM]

The PSP-2000 has 64MB of internal flash. The PSP-1000 has 32MB of internal flash. Firmware version 3.80's using a pretty good chunk of the 32MB, so I expect the skype client to be somewhat large.

I don't doubt DarkAleX will figure out a way to load the skype_plugin.prx from the memory stick for the PSP-1000.
Don't worry, someone WILL make it work on the phat PSP.

References to it have been found in firmware version 3.10 and up since February 2007 as seen here:
http://img.qj.net//uploads/articles_module2/82280/vshmain_prx_qjpreviewth.png?259395
From this article:
http://pspupdates.qj.net/Skype-functionality-coming-to-the-PSP-/pg/49/aid/82280

There is also a SIP client just released for the PSP as well, bringing standards compliant VoIP to the PSP:
http://pspupdates.qj.net/Fanjita-Noobz-release-Furikup-PSP-SIP-Phone-The-PSP-Skype-alternative/pg/49/aid/111126

[sigma man @ Jan 8th 2008 10:00AM]

well from what i read is that skype is not going to work for the first gen psp... so i doubt this device has anything to do with skype...