Free voice calls confirmed for PSP Slim

Sony has confirmed that it will introduce Skype free voice calls for PSP Slim users from late January as it prepares to "vigorously promote the PSP as a handheld entertainment system".

During an announcement at the start of this year's CES Show in Las Vegas, Sony revealed the functionality will become available to all PSP Slim users via a downloadable software update in late January.

To use the service, PSP Slim owners, who will first need to register a username, will require a memory stick, a wireless internet connection and a Skype-compatible audio input device.

As well as free voice calls between other Skype users, PSP owners will also enjoy Skype presence, allowing them to see which friends are online and available to talk. It will also allow users to make calls to landlines and mobiles phones anywhere in the world, though only after purchasing Skype credit.