Skype to support PSP, Intel MIDs

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 9th January 2008

Skype will be working to enable support for its software on Intel-based MIDs and Sony's PlayStation Portable over the next few months.

Skype has announced its intention to collaborate with Intel to provide support for the popular VoIP service on forthcoming Mobile Internet Devices based on Intel low-power processors and chipsets.

At the same time, Sony has also announced a joint venture with the VoIP provider in order to implement Skype support into the console maker’s PlayStation Portable device.

The company says that “MID users will be able to make Skype voice and video calls, while harnessing the PC-like performance of Intel’s new ultra mobile platform.” Devices with WiMAX and WiFi capabilities will be able to make free Skype-to-Skype calls in addition to cheap SkypeOut calls.

Skype says that it is working with Intel to enable application support on the Mobile Internet Linux platform through ODMs and OEMs and it claims that, by doing this, it will provide consumers with a “rich Internet communications experience,” right out of the box.

On the PSP front, only the new PSP Slim will get Skype support for the time being – Sony hasn’t said whether or not older PSPs will be able to support the VoIP service in the future. In order to enable Skype support on the PSP, users will need a Memory Stick Duo, a wireless Internet connection and a Skype compatible audio input device. Sony says that the functionality will be introduced with a system software update that’s currently scheduled for the end of January.

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