Set for commercial launch in January 2008, GoMessenger! has been jointly developed by BT and SCEE. It will greatly enhance the entertainment experience for PSP users, by bringing a range of wireless communications features to the device, including high quality video calls, voice calls and instant messaging. By connecting to any wireless internet point at home or out and about, PSP gamers will be able to keep in touch with each other, for free, using the latest in VoIP technology.
The software for the PSP, which was developed in BT's research center, will be available to all new and existing PSPs, downloaded simply from the web or shared between users. It will allow PSP users to send instant messages (IM) to each other using a new and intuitive on screen keyboard when connected to wireless broadband at home or a public Wi-Fi hotspot, including BT Openzone hotspots and in and around city centres. It will also allow free calls and messages to a range of existing BT softphone products and paid calls to fixed and mobile phones. A headset will also allow gamers to use voice chat and leave voice messages, while the attachable Go!Cam video camera will allow them to make video calls and leave video messages.
As its lead wireless communications partner, BT will work with SCEE to promote the product in five European countries initially; the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, before extending to the remainder of SCEE's global market.
As part of its wider global offering, BT is also planning to make the service available to regional wireless internet providers and device manufacturers on a wholesale basis, to allow communications providers in other countries to offer the wireless communications package under their own brand.
Through its expertise in providing high quality video and voice calls over the internet as part of its 21C project, BT has also ensured the PSP will be integrated with the BT Broadband video and voice 'softphone' products which are already available to buy.
Steve Andrews, BT Chief, Mobility and Convergence, said: "The Go!Messenger suite of communications will add a new dimension to PSP users busy lifestyles. By offering a variety of communications options to help stay in touch with other gamers, Go!Messenger truly brings the entertainment potential of PSP to life. Our role at BT is to bring together our experience of delivering innovative communications services to deliver a seamless and exciting experience for gamers who want to use one high quality communications device for games, voice and video through broadband."
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