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Sony Delays Skype for PSP in Japan, Cites Microphone Issues

Shiva Stella — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:20:00 -0600

News is now hitting the Web that Sony has delayed its Skype PSP update announced earlier this month at CES 2008. The company is citing compatibility issues as cause for the delay in Japan, claiming that the feature is on-hold until the microphones Sony designed for its use earn Skype's approval.

You can view the full press release (it's a quickie) at the jump.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN TO POSTPONE THE RELEASE OF MICROPHONE PRODUCTS FOR PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE)

Tokyo, January 23, 2008 Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced that it would postpone the release of two microphone products for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), SINGLE PACK (with one microphone, PSPJ-15010) and TWIN PACK (with two microphones, PSPJ-15011), scheduled to be released in Japan on Thursday, January 24th, 2008.

SCEJ planned to release the microphone along with the introduction of Skype features for the new slim and light PSP (PSP-2000). However, it was found that the microphone did not meet the Skype specifications in part to obtain certification and SCEJ has determined to postpone the release of the microphone. New release date will be announced as soon as decided.

With this, SCEJ has also reached a decision to postpone the introduction of the Skype features and services in Japan, scheduled in late January as part of the system software update for PSP. Solutions to enable users to start using Skype features and services on their PSP are being sought for and will be announced in due course.

Some Hands On Reports of Skype Running on PSP

Shiva Stella — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:36:13 -0600

In more Skype on the PSP news, Engadget had a chance to test it out on the show floor at CES 2008 and reports that the audio quality is "pretty decent - certainly comparable to what we experience when using Skype either on a PC or on the receiving end of one."

There is a tiny lag issue in the audio transmission, though, but Engadget claims it's less than a second and that the overall interface is "super simple... [you] just select the Skype icon and you can see your buddy list of who's online; select someone to ring them up."

PSP Not the Only Sony Device to Score Skype...

Shiva Stella — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:17:32 -0600

The PlayStation Portable isn't the only device getting Skype (Internet phone) access from Sony, as a quick check on Sony's CES 2008 blog reveals that its Mylo 2 (looks familiar, doesn't it?) will also utilize Skype for free.

So if you're crazy about Skype, own a "phat" PSP, and don't want to upgrade to the newer model of the same thing, a Mylo 2 might be an option. The Mylo 2 contains features for instant messaging and Web access along with Skype.

Skype Comes To PSP

Tim Grube — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:15:18 -0600

Are you a fan of Skype? Personally, I've used Skype a couple of times back in the day, but it seems as if more and more of my close friends are using this new technology. To jump aboard the train, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. unveiled today that it would integrate Skype into the PSP later this month.

The features include:

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(TM) calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phone anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
Optional SkypeIn(TM) 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)

Skype has more than 246 million members and will be free of charge. The software update will occur at the end of January.