PSP To Be Mobile Phone.

[Stewart]

"Sony Computer Entertainment has stated from the start that the PSP will have functionality beyond a mere game player, and it proved the claims with highly anticipated video and audio support right out the gate. Now, the multi-function device looks like it will see an update that few had expected: telecommunications.

Bloomberg news service, citing comments made by SCE president Ken Kutaragi, reveals that SCE hopes to add mobile phone functionality to the portable in the "near future." Sadly, Kutaragi apparently did not elaborate on this comment (and if he did, Bloomberg didn't let us in on all the details).

Kutaragi's comments follow separate statements regarding future mobile television functionality for the PSP. As a mobile television, the PSP would use WiFi internet access to allow users to log on to a television server (for instance, a digital video recorder) in their homes and view programs. We expect mobile telephony would also make use of the internet and wireless hot spots.

SCE's plans should come to clearer light as the PSP gets set for stateside release in just a couple of months. Stay tuned to IGNPSP for the full word!"

Discuss.

[Stoo]

Umm..

trying to do too many things?

Games Machine, Video Player, Mobile Computer, Mobile Phone, Portable TV...

They're gonna need a bigger battery..

[nvening]

mabe but its all good

[Marcos]

I dont have a problem with them adding all these accessories.

I mean, SCE dont make THAT many games, its not like they are starving resources in the game development departments to bring these accessories. And most great games are made by separate, independent companies. So it should harm the PSP as a games machine.

I like how Sony add these accessories as extras, because i wouldnt touch most and i like that i have the choice to not have to put up with them.

[blockers]

Technology is just so advance now......i dont think they will be able ot pull off a mobile phone on the PSP though.

[smtkr]

Undifferentiated marketing is a disaster waiting to happen.

[noah]

what if someone phones you in the middle of a game...right at the critical moment? i could see a few of these being thrown on the floor in anger !!!! - not that it would be a problem if it wasnt a normal mobile, but funny none-the-less

[Stewart]

what if someone phones you in the middle of a game...right at the critical moment? i could see a few of these being thrown on the floor in anger !!!!

You pause the game and answer the call?

[Aaron]

What mobile standard is it going to use? GSM? CDMA? UMTS? Something more exotic?

Chances of it working outside Japan are slim....

I assume if someone rings you it'll do what the N-Gage does and automatically pause the game for you.

[Stewart]

No details as yet, just 'we have plans to use the PSP as a mobile', only doing so in Japan would be a very bad move from Sony.

[Stoo]

I guess it depends if anyone outside of japan is bothered about it, I know I'd rather have a mobile phone and a psp..

(then you can talk on the phone and keep playing on the psp )

[spazman]

Umm..

trying to do too many things?

Games Machine, Video Player, Mobile Computer, Mobile Phone, Portable TV...

They're gonna need a bigger battery..

I can almost guarantee that by the end of the year PSP will have fuel cell power, giving oodles of power compared to lithium ion.

[directhex]

if the mobile-phone-psp can be anywhere nearly as successful as the n-gage, they're onto a winner

[Marcos]

Chances of it working outside Japan are slim....

I agree , seems like the kind of thing that would work in Japan with their technological freedom if you see what i mean.

Where most people would feel stupid answering their PSP on the bus perhaps, in Japan you wouldnt get a second look.

[Stewart]

I'd still use my proper mobile to be honest. I want the PSP to play games and MP3s. After that, I'm happy.

[Nemeliza]

They're gonna need a bigger battery..

Or a small power station