Hey... don’t be misunderstood! Learn to TalkMan™

Author: Sony

For Immediate Release

Willkommen nach TalkMan^TM. Welcome to TalkMan^TM. Bienvenue à TalkMan^TM. Benvenuti a Talkman^TM. Bienvenido a TalkMan^TM. TalkMan^TM

* TalkMan is PSP's multilingual interactive phrase book & language tutor

Thanks to TalkMan^TM - and a large blue multilingual bird called Max - PSP^TM (PlayStationPortable) is on a mission to break the ice and tear down those barriers that keep nationalities apart. Bring the art of language to your gestures, put words behind the shrugs, turn Spanglish into perfecto Espanol, make the move on the girl or guy in that foreign bar who catches your eye - in short, become a jetsetter able to communicate in six languages with more than 3000 crucial phrases at your fingertips.

Following the recent success of the Asian version in Japan and Korea, Talkman is coming to Europe and Australasia this spring on PSP, courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. TalkMan is the portable language entertainment tool and interactive phrasebook that makes sure you are ready to talk - wherever you are - and comes packed with the phrases that count in six languages: French; English; German; Spanish; Italian and, of course, Japanese!

Using TalkMan is simple. All you need is a PSP, one TalkMan UMD^TM (containing all six languages) and the special microphone which comes bundled with Talkman. TalkMan is hosted by Max [pictured above], the friendly on-screen language guru who is there to help you along, to make the introduction to your new found foreign friends and to provide you with essential language tutorials:

Step 1: Select where you are

Choose the language you want and the scenario that best fits - there are 28 to choose from including hotel foyer, restaurant, nightclub and ski slope

Step 2:Decide what you want to say

It's important for conversation... Make use of Talkman's voice recognition technology by talking into the microphone - or just select a stock phrase from a drop-down list

Step 3: Get ready to speak in foreign tongues

Max translates the phrase into the language of your choice and will even include different emotion levels for comic effect.

Step 4: Interact!

Hold up the PSP to show Max repeating the foreign phrase fluently and impress your audience - or, if you're feeling brave, listen carefully and repeat the phrase yourself.

Step 5: Let the audience respond...

Questions have possible answers pre-selected, but your audience can also initiate conversation of their own. With the ability to reverse languages instantly, it couldn't be simpler.

TalkMan

In addition to the six-language Talk Mode, Max also presents two games modes ideal for perfecting your accent and improving your understanding. The Pronunciation Game sees Max don his mortar board to challenge you to imitate the pronunciation of essential phrases whilst the Listening Game challenges you to listen to the phrase and then identify the right translation. Perfect for pre-voyage language practice!

The phrasebook is backed by a series of useful functions. Voice Memo function allows you to record and playback other people's voices from hotel addresses to the names of star attractions. The Unit Converter ensures the deal is always fair whilst an Alarm Mode wakes you with a phrase in the language of your choice and can only be cancelled by identifying the right translation! Finally, in a world without barriers, the Friend Map allows you to record a new friend's fine words and save them onto a world map creating the world's first audio scrap book!

TalkMan is due to release this May - in time for the football! If you are new to the world of PSP please contact your local press officer for a demonstration of TalkMan and to explore the power of PSP for watching films, listening to your favourite tunes, looking at travel snaps or playing games. It's a great travel companion.

So don't forget that whether you are a business person or a back packer, a footie fan or a holiday maker, the world is a lovely place if you can just TalkMan....

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Jennie Kong ([email protected])

PR Manager

Tel: 020 7911 8176 Fax: 020 7734 4926

Sony Computer Entertainment UK Ltd

About PSP^TM (PlayStation^Portable)

PSPTM (PlayStationPortable) is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of PlayStation2, PSPTM features a 4.3 inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display. The PSPTM system's storage medium - UMDTM (Universal Media Disc) - is a compact yet high-capacity (1.8GB) optical disc. With a wide range of accessories and connectivity options, including Memory Stick DuoTM, USB 2.0, IR port and Wireless (WLAN) functionality, PSPTM is the new entertainment platform from Sony Computer Entertainment.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, sales and marketing of PS one, PlayStation2 and PSPTM hardware in 104 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes games software for the three formats, and manages the third party licensing programmes for these formats in the PAL territories. At the end of September 2005, over 40 million PS one consoles had been shipped across these PAL territories, over 102 million worldwide. Between its European debut on 24 November 2000 and 29 November 2005, over 37 million PlayStation2 consoles have been shipped across the PAL territories, over 100 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between the launch of PSPTM in Japan in December 2004 and 21 October 2005, over 10 million PSPTM systems have been shipped worldwide.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com and www.yourpsp.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation and the PlayStation logo and PS one are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP and UMD are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.