Skype on PSP - Initial Impression

IanFogg | January 31, 2008, 11:44 AM

Skype is continuing to become a more ubiquitous communications service. Now, it arrives on the PSP. Skype is being offered for free to new PSP owners and to older ones that choose to upgrade their firmware. This distribution method will push Skype in front of a large number of users that have bought PSP's for other reasons (and despite the positive press noise around Nintendo's DS, the PSP continues to sell steadily and has a large installed base in Europe).

Free availability of Skype makes the PSP version ideal for occasional usage where a consumer would be put off by any up-front charge for the Skype software.

Ubiquitous Skype delivers location free -- "in the cloud" -- communications. What do I mean? When a user logs on to Skype, they always have instant access to their up to date contact list without having to re-enter any details or set up some awkward sync process; they use their normal outgoing and incoming Skype telephone numbers; or listen to their voicemails; etc.

However, the PSP version's drawbacks will limit its usage to certain scenarios, mainly when other versions of Skype are not immediately available to the user in that location:

• No speakerphone. The user has to remember to carry a headset with them.
• The PSP headset is bulky. A user has to own/buy both the remote control cable and the special Skype headset. The combined cable length is several times longer than needed.
• Incoming calls issue. Skype on PSP cannot run in the background while the user is playing games, so its utility for incoming calls is pretty limited as the user has to leave Skype running and be connected to a WiFi hotspot and not be playing a game. I'm unsure whether this version supports Skype voicemail (some non-PC versions of Skype do but some don't).
• No keyboard. A tremendous amount of Skype usage is text instant messaging before, after, or instead of making a voice call. The PSP has no physical keyboard and no touch screen to enable handwritten text messages.

Regardless of the above. Skype on PSP will prove useful to PSP owners that don't own a mobile phone that can run Skype (either directly or via Fring), or that don't routinely carry a laptop, or that don't routinely leave a PC switched on all the time at home, or that don't own a Nokia N810 Internet tablet (more Skype features supported, speakerphone, keyboard).

Related reports for more insights:

Instant Messaging Growth, Quantifying the Link Between Skype, IM, and Social Networks.

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