PSP's now a phone | [an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive] PSP's now a phone

09:03 AM CST on Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Sony

Skype Internet phone on the Sony PSP

There have been rumors for years now that Sony would release a cellphone capable of playing PSP games. Instead, Sony has decided to let the new, redesigned PSP make phone calls. Sort of.

Since the PSP doesn't have the hardware to connect to regular cell towers, you have to make phone calls over the Internet using a Wi-Fi network (which the PSP can access) using Skype. The software is free to download, and Skype-to-Skype calls are free. You probably won't want to ditch your iPhone just yet, though.

PSP Skype only works with the new, slimmer PSP-2000 consoles. If you have the thinner handheld, you'll need to download and install the free 3.90 firmware upgrade. You'll also need a headset (Sony sells a PSP headset with mic for $19) and the little volume control cable that comes with the PSP-2000 systems. That's a fairly chunky bit of cabling, and it'd be nice if Sony were to eventually release a wireless Bluetooth headset for the PSP.

The sound quality over my home's Wi-Fi was more than acceptable.

The big drawback to this setup is that you can only make a call when you're inside a wireless network that can connect your PSP to the Internet. That's fine if you're at home or at a Starbucks, but this isn't going to replace a cellphone. Victor Godinez Skype Internet phone on the Sony PSP

B+ For Sony PSP. Free download.

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