Sony announced its Play Station Portable (PSP)-2000 series game console will enable the use of Skype software program starting late January 2008. The new slim and light PSP users will be able to communicate with other Skype users all over the world, just like on their regular PC.

The Skype features will be available through a software update scheduled to be released within the next weeks, but PSP users will still need a Memory Stick Duo, a wireless Internet connection and an audio input device compatible with Skype.

Once the software updated, a Skype icon will appear in the home menu, under the Network category. If the PSP user does not already have a Skype ID, they will be able to register by simply clicking the Skype icon.

Sony announced the following features of Skype on PSP-2000: free web-based phone calls with other Skype users, the ability to change old or add new contacts, SkypeOut (which enables both local and long distance calls and international phones and cell phones directly from PSP by purchasing Skype credit) and optional SkypeIn number, which enables users to receive calls on Skype from landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (also through purchasing Skype credit).

Niklas Zennstrom founded Skype in 2003, software that became available in 28 languages and highly used around the world. The Luxembourg based company offers call services to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer, short message service, video conferencing and the ability to circumvent firewalls.