P-kara is karaoke software released by Sony Computer Entertainment
Japan. In conjunction with So-net (Sony Networks, a Japanese ISP),
P-kara utilizes the PSP's integrated WiFi functionality to allow users
to download
or stream karaoke tracks using their PSP. Included with P-kara is a headset microphone that should look familiar:
(Image
from PSPGadgetZ because I'm too lazy to take a picture of my own headset)
Indeed, P-kara includes the same PSP headset that was release here in
the USA and Europe in conjunction with SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo last year.
As of right now, there are
over 3,000 songs available
for P-kara. So-net is handling the online portion of the title, though
the songs themselves are a collaborative effort between SCEJ and Daichi
Kyoushou. 10 songs will be added per week. 20 songs are included on the
UMD itself, so even if you don't have a wireless LAN environment, you
can still get to singing as soon as you open the package.
To utilize the streaming and download functionality of P-kara, you'll
need to be a So-net member. From there, you have two options: "Free
Member" which involves no monthly charges, or "Gold Member" for a
monthly fee of 840 yen (~$7.17 USD). Free Members can download karaoke
songs for 105 yen apiece (~$0.90 USD), but Gold Members don't even have
to do that if they don't want to -- Gold Members can stream an
unlimited
number of tracks using the PSP's integrated WiFi. It's a pretty good
deal if you ask me. Of course, So-net is also conducting a campaign to
commemorate the launch of the product, allowing anyone to try the
streaming service free for 30 days.
Needless to say, P-kara is a rather unique PSP title. It's highly
unlikely that it will ever leave Japanese land, but at least Sony is
taking some creative approaches to using what the PSP has to offer.
It's a bit pricey at 6,980 yen (~$60 USD).
Read the full text here...Source: PSP-Vault