The new PSP 3.90 firmware is here bringing with itSkypecapabilities. Only PSP Slim owners can use the service, so if you have the original fat models, you’re sh*t out of luck. Hey, it’s not a upgrade from Sony without there being some kind of catch.The PSP headsetwill cost $20 (TheSOCOMheadset should work still) and you’ll also need the Remote Control from the PSP headphones, which cost $30.
You’ll be able to talk to other Skype owners for free and you can buy Skype credit or the monthly service to talk to landlines and cell phones. There are a few other services Skype is offering, which you can check out in the PR after the jump.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready to bring backside talkingnow.
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the launchof Skype™ on PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, enabling PSP-2000owners to make free calls over the Internet to anyone using Skypeanywhere in the world, as well as call and receive calls from anylandline or mobile phone for a small fee. This new functionality –available through a free system software upgrade (ver. 3.90) releasedtoday – connects the PSP-2000 user base with the more than 276 millionregistered Skype users around the world.
The new slimmer and lighter PSP system can now be used as a socialcommunications device, whether you want to call a buddy before playingSOCOM together or just want to stay connected with your friends andfamily when you’re on the go. The addition of Skype expands PSP’sbroad set of entertainment capabilities and demonstrates how SCEAcontinues to add innovative services that benefit PSP owners.
How it works· Download and install the 3.90 firmware upgrade to thePSP-2000 system.· Connect the PSP system to the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot*.· Attach a PSP Headset ($19.99 MSRP) and the Remote Controlfrom the PSP-2000 Headphones ($29.99), and insert a Memory Stick Duoto save the Skype software.· Access the Skype/Sign In icon within the Network categoryof the XMB menu. First-time Skype users need to create a free account,while existing Skype users can simply enter their username/password.· To make a call, either access the Contacts icon and clickon a name or scroll to the Dial icon.
Communicating with non-Skype numbersWhile calling other Skype users is free, PSP owners can also purchaseSkype Credit to make SkypeOut™ calls to landline and mobile phonenumbers around the world. Skype Credit can be bought online athttp://skype.com, accessible on your PSP system or a computer.
you’re able to also purchase a personal online number so you can receivecalls wherever you are in the world with a subscription to SkypeIn for$60.00/year or $18.00/three months (save $36 on this feature with aSkype Pro subscription).
When using Skype, PSP owners can also view and modify their Skypesettings and account details (including username creation, SkypeOutsettings, voicemail settings and call forwarding), manage theircontact list, and see which friends are online and available to talk.
