23 August 2007
PlayStation users may soon be able to use their console to make telephone and video calls as well as to send text messages, thanks to a new deal between Sony and BT.
GoMessenger!, to be launched in the UK in January 2008, will allow PlayStation users with broadband internet to download BT's broadband talk softphone package for free.
This will allow gamers to use VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) technology to speak to fellow players over the internet in a similar way to the popular Skype service.
BT is set to profit from charging for calls from the Playstation to a mobile phone or landline.
A spokesman for BT said: "BT has a strong record in gaining revenue from internet services, but it's just a bit early to reveal any more."
Sony has also announced details of plans to allow PlayStation users to record and playback digital TV on their consoles.
PlayTV for PS3 is a twin TV tuner designed to be plugged into the PS3, giving it capabilities similar to a Sky+ box.
The new technology will allow users to record programmes which will then be transferred permanently to the handheld console via a USB cable or streamed over a wireless internet connection to the portable PSP.
PlayTV is expected to launch in early 2008 in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.