PSP to become a phone

Electronics giant Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) said Wednesday that it has struck a deal with UK carrier BT, to turn the PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming device into phone.

The two companies have signed a four year contract to develop a raft of extra features for the handheld gadget, adding wireless broadband communications functions, including video calls, voice calls and messaging.

Initially, the partnership intends to integrate BT’s existing Broadband video and VoIP into the device, sending the traffic over the carrier’s next generation 21CNnetwork.

In the coming months, additional features will be launched to enable calls and messages to PCs, fixed lines and mobiles, the companies said.

Sony is already working with other communications providers on similar initiatives around Europe.

The PSP has already shipped over 8 million units in Europe and 24 million globally, making it the second most popular handheld console behind Nintendo’s offerings.