Sony, BT unveil wireless package for PSP

At today's Leipzig Games Convention, BT and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) unveiled details of the Go!Messenger product, a wireless communications package for the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) gaming device.

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 an exciting 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,[1] using the latest in VoIP technology.

The software for the PSP, which was developed in BT's research centre, 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.[2]

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.

[1] Wi-Fi access required for free calls between Go!Messenger users (e.g. a home wireless broadband connection.) Charges may be levied by some providers in public wireless hotspots and for calls from Go!Messenger users via fixed lines, mobile phones and non-BT VoIP.

[1] 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.

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."

David Reeves, President, CEO and COO, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe President, said: "With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communications features to all the existing multimedia experiences. Enabling more than 8.5 million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through video or voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP."

About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services; local, national and international telecommunications services; higher-value broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2007, BT Group plc's revenue was £20,223 million with profit before taxation of £2,484 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Between its European debut on 24th November 2000 and the end of March 2007, over 44 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped across the SCEE territories, over 117 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between its European debut on 1st September 2005 and the end of March 2007, over 8 million PSP systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 25 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in December 2004. Between its European debut on 23rd March 2007 and the end of March 2007, over 1.5 million PS3 systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 5.5 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in November 2006.