Sony Delays PSP Skype Launch In Japan

Author: by David Jenkins, Leigh Alexander

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has announced it will postpone the launch of VOIP telephone service Skype on PSP, initially scheduled for later this month, after two microphone products bundled with the software in Japan failed to pass Skype’s certification process. SCEJ says it planned to release the microphone with the introduction of Skype features for the new "slim and light" PSP, according to an official announcement posted on the company's website. When the products "did not meet the Skype specifications in part," said Sony, the company decided to postpone the release of the microphones, and at the same time, delay the introduction of the Skype features and services in Japan that were to be part of an impending system software update. The company did not indicate any specific future launch date, but SCEJ's announcement said "a new release date will be announced as soon as decided." The delay is not expected to affect the European and North American launch of the service, which will initially be only software based, with a Skype icon being added to the PSP’s cross media bar in the next firmware update, due this month.