Sony knows words often aren't enough to convince a sceptical planet of its intentions - so at CES 2008 it chucked out actual, real, undeniable photographic proof of Skype running on PSP.

Don't worry about those funny little symbol things - they're just what the Japanese use instead of words. They will almost certainly get changed to proper words we know and recognise before Skype comes out in the UK via a PSP firmware update currently scheduled for late January.

Bizarrely, Skype is only compatible with the new PSP Slim for reasons Sony passes on explaining. But Sony has cleared up a bit of the confusion over how it works - the package will require the same hardware microphone add-on used to play mega-niche Japanese curiosity game Talkman. It's a little silver thing that plugs into the top of PSP. You talk into it. You look a bit silly.

The full press release with all the specs and stuff about what you're able to do for free with PSP Skype can be found by clicking that little "continue reading" button there:

PSP SKYPE FEATURES:

- Free voice calls between Skype users

- Skype contact list management (view existing contacts, add new ones)

- Skype presence (see which friends are online and available to talk)

- SkypeOut calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)

- Optional SkypeIn number that lets users receive calls on Skype from landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)

- View and modify Skype settings and account details (including username creation, SkypeOut settings, voicemail settings and call forwarding)

PSP users worldwide will be able to start using Skype features and services through a simple system software update scheduled in late January. After updating the PSP system software, a Skype icon will be added to the Network category in the home menu. PSP users who do not yet have a Skype username can register by clicking the icon and following the instructions. PSP users who already have a Skype username can immediately sign in by clicking the Skype icon and entering their username and password.

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