PSP Phones Home This Friday February 28, 2008

Read more Entertainment , Gadgets , Games , Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices

Sony’s plans to turn the PSP into an all-singing-all-dancing communications device will take off this Friday with the release of Go!Messenger.

It was due out last month but PSP owners will not be grumbling too much since it’s going to allow them to chat, send messages and - using the optional Go!Cam – send video to any other PSP user wirelessly.

Developed with BT, the new Sony application will let you continue those chats when you’re on the go via 2,500 BT Openzone hotspots. And, best of all, those hotspots are free. Unlike the recent Skype add-on, Go!Messenger can also be used by owners of the original 'fat' PSPs.

"With Go!Messenger, the PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication features to all the existing multimedia experiences," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European marketing manager, presumably via video messaging. "Enabling more than 8.5 million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through video or voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP."

You will need to fork out for the add-on Go!Cam video camera and microphone but that’s a small price for being able to turn you gaming/movie handheld into a comms device. OK, maybe not, but it’s definitely one of the better excuses you’ll be able to use for justifying the purchase of another gadget.-Martin Lynch

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