Sony has a Go! with new PSP features

Sony has added Go!Video, Go!Explore and Go!Messenger services to the PSP

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has unveiled a range of services for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld console at the Games Convention in Leipzig, including voice and video chat, IM, video downloads, GPS and mapping features.

The Go!Video, Go!Explore and Go!Messenger services add to applications including web browsing, RSS feeds and a camera that Sony has added to the PSP since its launch in 2004.

Go!Video will be provided through Sony's recently announced joint venture with Sky to allow PSP owners in the UK and Ireland to watch video on demand and on the move.

"Sky and SCEE have complementary strengths in content, marketing and technology," said Sky chief executive James Murdoch.

The Go!Explore satellite navigation package is due for release in the new year and comes as part of a collaboration with TeleAtlas and NavNGo.

Go!Explore will provide in-car and pedestrian GPS navigation as well as standard GPS-device features such as points of interest, favourites, a home function and a turn-by-turn itinerary overview of the route.

"Bringing GPS navigation to the PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of the console," said Stephane Hareau, PSP European marketing manager at SCEE.

"With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience."

Sony developed its new Go!Messenger service in partnership with BT, and will rollout the service in January 2008 across Europe as part of a future firmware upgrade.

The new communication service will use VoIP technology to allow PSP owners to message or chat from any wireless internet connection.

The IM feature includes a more intuitive on-screen keyboard, and users can add a headset or the newly released Go!Cam add-on camera to enable voice or video chat.

SCEE also announced the introduction of PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and personal video recorder for the PlayStation 3.

The system includes a twin-channel TV tuner that is HD ready, allowing viewers to record individual programmes or whole series to the PS3 hard drive in full HD1080P for viewing later or for transferring to the PSP.

PlayTV will be available in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories to follow in due course.