PSP 3.90 firmware update with Skype available

Oh yes, Skype for your PSP-2000 (aka, PSP Slim & Lite) series is now a reality. At least outside of Japan. It's only available via network update at the moment and adds expanded support for PLAYSTATION Network titles. You do have your $20 PSP Headset right? Good, so what are you waiting for punk, get outta here and let us know how it goes.

[Via PSP Fanboy, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[Joey @ Jan 30th 2008 2:08AM]

pretty sweet. That would make a good alternative skype phone if you ask me.

[superfresh @ Jan 30th 2008 3:36PM]

I heard through the grapevine that Sony might start making games too! Let's keep our fingers crossed!

[DarCowAlways @ Jan 30th 2008 2:16AM]

I downloaded it... now if only I had the headset...

Bah, they'll release a cheap one for it sooner or later.

[ark_v2 @ Jan 30th 2008 8:20AM]

Well, they already said third party companies will be selling them too.

[angel @ Jan 31st 2008 3:14PM]

hey were can i download the skype software and for how much?

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Jan 30th 2008 2:21AM]

I works great. i updated my custom firmware homebewed psp slim directly to Sony official 3.9. I know, sacrilege, but I had to. Sometimes Sony wins.

[Taylor @ Jan 30th 2008 2:25AM]

Really, though? When are you in a situation where you think to yourself - gee - I'd be better suited using my PSP then, say, a laptop or a skype-enabled mobile phone with equal wifi or cellular internet capabilities...

Its a nice effort, but skype seems much more useful on PDA-phones and UMPC's.

[zephead @ Jan 30th 2008 2:45AM]

True, but it's always cool to have options. Like the option to use it once just to see how it is and then never use it again. ;)

[Jamesology @ Jan 30th 2008 3:11AM]

@ Taylor

WOW you're smart! No freakin' duh it's better on units with an OS. Just like how a camera is better as an SLR rather than on your 1.3mp phone. Also, how many kids 10-20 years of age carry a PDA Phone or a Laptop to hang out with friends?

Gee... Seg1TV on my PSP or DS, even on my phone(back home in Japan)? Why would I do that when I have a television at home?

But I personally would never use this since I do not know anyone who uses Skype.

[Jon @ Jan 30th 2008 3:13AM]

Actually I am planning on going away this weekend. The B&B has WiFi enabled rooms so I am not planning on bringing a notebook along. This is a good option to give Skype a check once in a while. It is free, so why complain?

[cswallow01 @ Jan 30th 2008 2:49AM]

iPod Touch owners still pissed about the $20.00 app unlock could note this...

Instead of Sony charging for the additional features added to the firmware, I think they're going for the far less subtle approach, charging for accessories, thus enabling these functionalities, but at least you get to pick and choose what functionalities you want to invest in...

Skype requires the headset for $20.00.
TV-Out requires the composite/component cable for $20.00.
Location Free via the PSP requires a Location Free base station starting $199.99-$249.99.
Remote Play requires a PS3 starting at $399.99.
GPS will require a $50.00 add-on kit.
Camera capabilities will require a camera at around $50.00, if ever released here.

What I'm saying is, maybe Sony is doing the same thing, but funneling funds of the accessories into the fee for the capability in the firmware. Cause without the accessory, the firmware addition is useless...

I mean, the PSP browser, RSS Reader and video/audio codecs were probably in that base price of $169.99, but for everything else, I believe firmware development is (to a certain extent) being subsidized from accessories.

But the difference is, Apple charged $20.00 just to unlock 5 more apps from the freely available download on top of the $299.99 price tag most people spent. Sony charges base $169.99, which is honestly just about as capable as the iPod Touch, minus some gloss and dedicated storage. So I think Sony is being a bit fairer at allowing people to choose was features are more important to them, then just charging for more immediately desired apps. If you don't want Skype functionality, then you don't haft to pay for it with a headset. If you don't want e-mail, but you want weather or stocks, you have no choice... You haft to pay for one and all, when it comes to the Touch!

$169.99, then you get to choose what portions of the free firmware upgrade you want to invest in with the PSP.
$299.99, then if you want e-mail, stocks and weather in addition to the basics, $20.00 more on top of the $299.99 most people already spent.

When it comes to the popularity of the iPod, I don't believe it matters how big Apple is compared to Sony. The iPod is bigger than the Walkman, unfortunately.

There are both upsides and downsides to both, but I guess you all can be the judge of that!

[Jordan @ Jan 30th 2008 3:04AM]

Good point. Not relevant.

[tyler @ Jan 30th 2008 3:11AM]

I don't get it

[Sukhminder @ Jan 30th 2008 3:33AM]

That makes no sense. Someone's just angry about the $20 iPod Touch software upgrades and has to rationalize it in complicated ways.

[Jamesology @ Jan 30th 2008 3:41AM]

Okay, I understood the second last sentence. About how IPod is bigger than Walkman.

Well, let's see, does Walkmans still even exist? To me Walkmans to IPods is like VHS to DVD or DVD to BluRay. It's old school! The majority likes new gizmos that do useless things.

Off Topic: Does anyone actually use the Photo option on the IPod or PSP? I usually keep them in my camera or camera phone. But I'm just curious.

[Geir E @ Jan 30th 2008 12:33PM]

> pick and choose what functionalities you want to
> invest in...

What they do is that they make a very good handheald game console, and for those who want additional functionallity they can buy that extra from either sony or 3rd party. That is not to charge extra, that is to make the product more desireable for those not all that into games.

> Skype requires the headset for $20.00.

My computer can do skype, came with no headset. My pda can do skype, came with no headset. why should a game system do that?

> TV-Out requires the composite/component cable for $20.00.

It is a portable game system, why on earth would it come with tv out cable? but it has the possiblity if you want to.

> Location Free via the PSP requires a Location Free base station starting $199.99-$249.99.

Just as to get airtunes you need airport express. It is just something you can use with the psp, but also with other units.

> Remote Play requires a PS3 starting at $399.99.

No shit?

> GPS will require a $50.00 add-on kit.

But ofcourse, gps was an addon to my pda as well. Which made the initial price cheaper and for all those not wanting gps they didnt have to pay for it.

> Camera capabilities will require a camera at around $50.00, if ever released here.

Same goes,

Why pack a product full of things that some might use but everyone have to pay for instead of letting those who want pay the price?

I love apple, i got an airport extreme and soon a macbook pro when the fancy new pad hits that line plus the new 4 core processor. But I cant see a good reason for charging for that software update.

[Kyanges @ Jan 30th 2008 2:54AM]

Why in the world did you tie Apple into this?!

[computer.dude.28 @ Jan 30th 2008 10:42AM]

Oh, haven't you heard about the new fanboy law? Apple needs to be tied into every thread, post, and discussion.

[Adler @ Jan 30th 2008 3:13AM]

And when will the all-in-one accesory be released?

A single item containing:

- Microphone
- Camera
- GPS
- Anything else to add to the wish-list?

It is not a matter of expending less money. It is a matter of not carrying many separate accesories, thus making the console bigger and less portable.

[adam @ Jan 30th 2008 3:32AM]

well as of the recently realeased ROM for my Sprint Mogul it has all of this you've listed so far. (The new ROM enabled the internal GPS--and it is real GPS, not cell tower triangulation). You can use it with any mapping program you want (e.g. Google Maps which streams maps on that nice EVDO RevA connection, Tom Tom or similar installed locally, etc). 2 Megapixel Camera check. Mic check. I've never tried running skype on it (I don't have a need for that personally) but I know there is a PPC version of skype, but I don't know if it's compatible.

[adam @ Jan 30th 2008 3:35AM]

Edit: I checked. The newest version of sky is compatible with the Mogul. Earlier versions were not.

[Adler @ Jan 30th 2008 4:04AM]

Actually, I was referring to an accesory for the PSP, not a separate device.

[adam @ Jan 30th 2008 5:06AM]

Fair enough. No worries.

[J @ Jan 30th 2008 6:49AM]

Why bother waiting and wanting an all in one accessory? Why not just demand/wish for the device to have all those built in and just tack on the price difference into it. I would gladly pay more than $170 for a PSP that had GPS, camera, and mic built into the device rather than have to carry around accessories.

If Sony decides to make such a product they will get my money for sure.

[cswallow01 @ Jan 30th 2008 3:37AM]

I tied it in, because that was the impression I get from Sony sometimes...

They tie products in for further revenue from other products... That is if they actually manage to integrate them together...

I brought up the iPod Touch because I have a iPod Touch and still dislike what Apple is doing, yet I see a slightly similar thing going on with Sony, but in a different less obvious way. I have 2 PSP's and 4 Location Free base stations. I do want a PS3, but not till the price is $299.99.

I believe it is relevant for people to know that, although Apple is outright screwing people over, it doesn't mean that others are getting at least slightly screwed themselves. I mean, though it's different, I have the headphone/mike from the 1001, yet it doesn't work with the PSP 2000, so Sony is basically asking me pay them for the Skype functionality if I wish to use Skype. Ergo, I'm really paying $20.00 to be able to use Skype. So I think they use the money in those headphones to subsidize the development of Skype. Cause without the headphone/mike, Skype on the PSP is useless, less you love listening to call cue music.

I love Sony and Apple products, but sometimes I disapprove of their respective policies about screwing over the end user in some way shape or form. Oh, like knowing that Skype development has been going on since probably before the PSP-2000 was redesigned, so they probably could've thrown in a mic in the revision, but chose not to....

[Justin @ Jan 30th 2008 4:31AM]

Geez you typed a lot... I appreciate your effort lol

[okayokay @ Jan 30th 2008 4:38AM]

You give a little too much concern to how products interact with your...living (and at 3:40a.m.).

[John @ Jan 30th 2008 8:25AM]

Lay off the Adderall and go to bed.

[André @ Jan 30th 2008 4:52AM]

Finally, I'm going to try it later and let you know how it works!

André

[poulan @ Jan 30th 2008 5:52AM]

Hey, I live in Europe and there is a new link under network for GO!Messenger except when you open it, it takes you to the BT GO!Messenger site where there is a message which says 'Coming soon'.

Nobody has mentioned this???

[BelowSeaLevel @ Jan 30th 2008 6:11PM]

I saw this as well. In the FAQ is says that it will be available from early 2008 throughout the PAL region. It will be avaialable in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. You can use the Go!Messenger on the PSP-1000 as well!!

[ReggieXuk @ Jan 30th 2008 6:13AM]

Sony better not be thinking that only PSP Slim owners deserve this!
Even though i never use skype, i hate technology company's who forget about people who have bought their previous products.

[NiL^ @ Jan 30th 2008 6:56AM]

Now all we need is Skype on PS3 and we are all set.

[Bobs @ Jan 30th 2008 8:36AM]

Skype on a PS3 wouldnt make much sence, your PSP is much more mobile than your PS3, but then again, i would like to get calls on my PS3, pause my game automatically, and i can talk right there without having to get the phone

[Harry @ Jan 30th 2008 7:28AM]

So..... Is Sony mylo essentially a PSP that does not play games?

[Jacqueline @ Jan 30th 2008 10:48AM]

Basically, yea. I mean, it has a keyboard as well but um, yea my Mylo is almost totally useless now. (Sigh)

I just want to make a mention about the prices of certain accessories. I paid $7.59 shipped for my AV component cable-sure I had to wait a good 2 weeks as it came from HK (ebay) but still, it beats plonking down $20 for it. As for the headset, the cheapest I saw it was from Amazon.com which shaved $4 off. Big whoop, but still if you don't mind waiting a bit you'll get a good deal. Besides they had 'Dead Head Fred' for $15 so shipping was free for both. Ok, shilling for Amazon.com mode is 'off.'

[Frankenstein Black @ Jan 30th 2008 9:54AM]

POW! Instant wireless headphone via bluetooth for your Skype'ed up PSP!
http://www.eternal-champions.com/images/Jaybird_JB-BA-100m-01.jpg
http://www.jaybirdgear.com/JB-100-JayBird-Bluetooth-stereo-headset.php

[vhogemann @ Jan 30th 2008 10:22AM]

Bah!

Who really needs Skype on the PSP? Give me the OPERA BROWSER instead of that Netfront crap PSP has.

[tekdroid @ Jan 30th 2008 11:18AM]

hear hear!

[Denus @ Jan 30th 2008 11:11AM]

Still no youtube, I bet.

[Savaage @ Jan 30th 2008 12:47PM]

YouTube on the PSP has been out for some time now.. and on top of that it works like a dream... The first version of it was a bit slow... but now YouTube on there is nearly flawless.. it even gives you the ability to download the Youtube videos to save on your PSP to watch even when WIFI is not available... furthermore, the app allows you to view videos from other sites like Stage6 (DIVX).. as well as some other anime ones that im not familiar with... just a note.. the other sites are not as smooth as the Youtube one.. but YouTube has been on the psp for sometime now.. :)

-Savaage

[CosterMonger @ Jan 30th 2008 11:15AM]

someone has to test it at Starbucks (with a purchase of course)

[Danny Lewis @ Jan 30th 2008 2:47PM]

Sony is starting to do a good job of making me regret ditching my PSP. :\

...I gotta keep reminding myself that it has no HD and UMD sucks.

[Dan L @ Jan 30th 2008 4:05PM]

Great addition - Sony keeps making the PSP a better product every month it seems.

To those PSP haters, I will be the first to say that though UMD is a dead format for video - who cares! And with PSP now able to handle 480p video, just convert those XViDs on over and have a nice day.

The new Internet Radio console is wonderful. There are so many stations out there, that the lack of an FM/AM tuner doesn't matter. Kind of wish that it played WM streaming for my Sirius subscription - but we can't have it all.

Location Free Base Stations (LF-PK1) can be found for $125 or so. And with the new software for the PC, it is no longer a purchase product, but a free download (major gripe on the first 2 software releases). No need to buy the LF-V30 if cash is an issue.

Remote Play, regardless of the cost of a PS3, was a beautiful addition to the suite of PSP offerings. The realtime streaming of 1080p/480p content to the PSP is insane.

[Kweenie @ Jan 30th 2008 4:12PM]

Um, so no one's actually mentioned how well it works yet.

[Kevin Riddell @ Jan 30th 2008 6:31PM]

NB! A cool note, the iPhone earbuds work with skype on the psp

[cp @ Jan 30th 2008 8:40PM]

No Skype in PSP-1000. Are sony going to explain why first gen PSPs don't get this software in 3.90? What super, advance in technology in the slim psp allows it to support skype that the older generation is lacking? Crock of crap, when are we going to see stuff appearing on 40gig PS3 that doesn't work on the older 60gig? Sony never fail to amaze me with their ability to suck more than most. disappointed.. again.

[tekdroid @ Mar 15th 2008 2:47AM]

apprently they doubled the memory in the slim psp.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable_Slim#Hardware_improvements

[Lester B. @ Jan 30th 2008 10:53PM]

@ cp: First gen psps can't have Skype because of lower system memory. It was explained at some site (pspfanboy.com i believe, or somewhere else).

[Ilja @ Jan 31st 2008 4:00AM]

Does enyone has a problem that there are still no skype after the update.