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Skype for PSP officially announced, with a strange restriction...

Guticb | January 06, 2008 | News | Playstation Portable 
As some of you remember, not long ago, there was a rumor about this. Well, Sony has officially announced that Skype for PSP will come out in a future firmware update. Unfortunately, there's a strange restriction on it. It will only work on the new slim PSP's (PSP-2000). Sony hasn't announced why this restriction is in place. It may be a hardware thing, it may be that the old PSP isn't powerful enough for it, or it may just be that they want to promote sales of the newer, slimmer, PSP.
As if we didn't already know, Sony just spit out a press release announcing the availability of Skype on PSP courtesy of a firmware update due later this month. After the update, a Skype icon will be available under the Network menu, allowing users to create a new account or login with their existing one. Otherwise, it's Skype as usual: free calls between Skype users; SkypeOut to make calls to regular old phones; SkypeIn to receive calls on your PSP (just don't answer the phone in front of a potential mate). There is one notable caveat however: Skype will only work on the PSP-2000 (ie: PSP Slim, PSP Lite, PSP Petite). We're not sure if there's a hardware limitation preventing the original PSP from using the service but our best guess is that whatever microphone attachment is released may not be compatible with the older model. Also, no word if Skype functionality will be enabled in-game. More as we hear it, folks.
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  • 0 thumbs!
    Donnelly | January 07, 2008
    Boy that title sure was a cliffhanger.
    The twist was also a big surprise.

    Why am I not talking about the article itself? I couldn't care less about Skype and haven't touch my PSP in days.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Guugley | January 07, 2008
    I suppose that's pretty cool, for the people who have the new PSP. I imagine a lot of people will miss out on this though, what with the amount of the original PSPs sold.
    • 0 thumbs!
      tallteen86 | January 07, 2008
      Such as myself -_- Once again, early adopters of video game consoles will get screwed over *sighs*

      Well. it is a good thing I don't care for this Skype thing >_>
  • 0 thumbs!
    StarJet | January 07, 2008
    damn you sony! you are neglecting us long time customers.
  • 1 thumbs!
    Gothic Girl | January 07, 2008
    Yet another way for Sony to spit in the faces of the people who bought the "fat" PSPs. Thanks alot, Sony. >_>
  • 0 thumbs!
    Crimson Fury | January 07, 2008
    Skype is not gonna make me dump my Phat PSP for a slower, slim model.
    What is Sony thinking neglecting it customer base like this. There has got to be so many more phat's out there than slims.
  • 0 thumbs!
    kik36 | January 07, 2008
    Personally, I don't even know why slimmer would = better. My "Fat" PSP is still too slim for my hands. I had to buy one of those grips that resembles a Dualshock controller in order for me to feel comfortable. Even then, I can only spend a few hours playing it. I do feel a little bent I won't have this option......but I won't be buying a new one to get it.
  • 1 thumbs!
    VeGiTAX2 | January 07, 2008
    Tech wise, the slim PSP was supposed to be identical to the original with some minor changes given updated technology parts (smaller energy efficient chips).

    It's a bit of a slap in the face to those owners since Sony really worked on clearing stock of their existing PSP models before introducing the slim line.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Slumpy monkey | January 07, 2008
    Well *bleep* that, IM not buying a whole new psp to get skype.... Ill stick with my old one thank you very much.....
  • 0 thumbs!
    Bri | January 07, 2008
    A bit odd of Sony to neglect the older-PSP owners. I don't even know one person who owns the slimline, Skype's gonna get the short end of the stick when their program doesn't catch on.
    • 0 thumbs!
      StarJet | January 08, 2008
      Yeah. I mean look at ratios of Phat:Slim. *kicks sony's butt*
  • 0 thumbs!
    shaka | January 08, 2008
    Awesome news.
    PSP never fails to impress me WOW.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Capn Droid | January 09, 2008
    Presuming I ever got the original PSP in the first place, I'd be pretty angry. I wouldn't get Skype either way, but I'd still be mad at Sony.

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