Sony adding Skype to the PSP

Sony’s Playstation Portable handheld gaming console has been trailing in sales to the Nintendo DS since the DS’s inception, but Sony is a far cry from giving up quite yet. Last month we saw a pretty cool upgrade with the version 3.80 firmware for the PSP which brought internet radio through the systems WiFi connectivity. Now Sony is saying that they are partnering with Ebay’s Skype to bring VoIP Skype phone service to the handheld system.

The new firmware is slated to be available for download to the PSP by the end of January and will add a Skype icon and functionality to the Network portion of the PSP’s menu. When connected to the internet users will then be able to log into Skype, manage contacts, view who’s online and of course make calls through their PSP to other Skype users or other PSP owners with the Skype feature installed. Owners will even be able to create a new Skype account right on the PSP.

Sony is saying the new Skype feature is “designed” to work only with the newer PSP slim models which is bad news for all of us old-school PSP owners. But, they don’t specifically say it won’t work with the original PSP models so you can be that this PSP fan will be giving it a try anyway. I’ll be sure to let you know how it works out and when the firmware is available, as we know by now that we can usually download the upgrade before its release is announced.

Reuters

Skype for Apple iPhone Available Now

Shape Services announced Free Beta version of IM+ for Skype is available for the Apple iPhone.

The application is designed for the iPhone's Safari web browser. It will enable voice and text communication with other Skype users around the world for Free and of course the low phone rate applies if you call to their landline. Hot.

The user interface looks smooth and easy to use - designed for the iPhone's Touch Interface. See your list of Skype buddies, point, IM or call. All for Free.

To download, point your iPhone's to http://www.skypeforiphone.com/

Anyone care to comment how this application works?

Nokia N800 Gets Skype

Nokia has brought Skype to its N800 Internet Tablet, enabling VoIP calling anywhere users can get a wireless Internet connection.

Nokia has announced that is has launched Skype VoIP calling on its N800 Internet Tablet, enabling users to place VoIP calls anywhere in the world they can access the Internet via Wi-Fi. And, of course, Skype users can access their Skype address books, and even place video calls using the service.

"Skype is the recognized leader in internet calling, with more than 196 million registered users worldwide," said Ari Virtanen, Nokia's VP of Convergence Products, in a statement. "The Nokia N800 gives people easy access to the Internet and it's a natural step that they will want to make Skype calls away from their desktop."

The Skype application for the N800 will be available as a download for existing users with the feature upgrade release to the latest OS 2007 edition. The upgrade also includes support for Adobe Flash 9 content and adds support for larger-capacity memory cards. The download is available to existing N800 users, and N800 devices available at retail and the Skype online store will also feature download links.