Sony to launch PSP download service
From The Financial Times:
Published: August 23 2007 10:44 | Last updated: August 23
2007 10:44
In a move that finally gives users a glimpse of the full
capability of Sony's games hardware, the Japanese electronics conglomerate is
set to start a video download service on its PlayStation Portable handheld
device via a joint venture with British Sky Broadcasting.
The Go! video download service will be launched early
next year, enabling the more than 2.3 million PSP users in the UK and Ireland to watch
Sky content while on the move.
In addition, Sony unveiled a new external device for the
PlayStation 3 game console, that allows it to act as a digital TV tuner and
recorder. "PlayTV" will let users watch high-definition TV broadcasts and
record them to the game unit's hard drive. It will also allow transfer of
recorded content to Sony¹s handheld PSP for viewing.
Sony also linked up with BT Group, Britain¹s leading
fixed-line carrier, and will unveil new software that will enable PSP users to
make video and voice calls, as well as send instant messages. The commercial
launch of Go!Messenger is slated for January. Both PlayTV and Go!Messenger will
be sold in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, with other European
countries to follow.
"Sony is beginning to show that these are more than just
games machines, and instead machines for the future," said David Gibson,
analyst at Macquarie.