As expected, Sony launched Skype on the PSP at CES. Sony PSP users can now use Skype after installing a software update scheduled for release in late January.Here's the microphone module:
Although Skype is the leading consumer-based VoIP software, I wonder if other apps will take advantage of the microphone module. Since the firmware is locked, it's difficult to hack in new applications. Unfortunately, this only works on the newer PSP-2000 model (earlier models need not apply) and it doesn't have chat/IM functionality. Further, you can't Skype and play a game simultaneously. Still, pretty cool to VoIP from your handheld gaming device.
Anyway, after updating the PSP software, a Skype icon will be added to the network category in the home menu. The headsets depicted above are Sony headsets that are part of the launch announcement at CES.
Headset picture via PSPSPS
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The biggest questions here are: does it use narrowband or wideband skype voice? And, what is the wireless range for the PSP? If the VoIP implementation is using wideband audio and the PSP user has any wireless drop out problems, then the poor voice quality will be very noticable. These are just small speedbumps on the way to mobile convergence, however. Fixed-mobile convergence becomes more real every day!
I have a problem with skype on my PSP because the other person's voice really doesn't sound like themselves, and I could tell if they were faking it.