Sony Computer Entertainment formally announced this week that it will be including the Skype service into its PSP-2000 (that’s the slimmer PSP) handheld console. Skype currently has over 246 million members using the communications program, which allows people to communicate with each other from anywhere in the world for free over the Internet. The features the Skype service will be adding to the PSP, according to Sony, will be as follows:

• 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)

To use Skype, Sony has also added that PSP owners will need a Memory Stick Duo, a wireless Internet connection, an audio input device that is compatible with Skype, and to be online and signed in with Skype.

These features will be made available to PSP owners all over the worldwide in an update that will occur later this month. Once the update is complete users will see a Skype icon added to the Network items list in the PSP’s home menu. Also, for those PSP users who have not used Skype before, they can register for one by selecting the Skype icon and just pursuing the instructions whereas those PSP users who do have a Skype account can simply enter their username and password after selecting the Skype icon.

For more information on Skype visit the official site at www.skype.com.