Video Chat, GPS Set for European PSPs

Hate to tease you again, but I've got word of more Europe-only goodies from Sony, this time for the PlayStation Portable. Early 2008 will apparently see a video calling service for the gaming handheld, as well as on-demand video downloads and GPS navigation.

Sony Europe reps today unveiled the new Go!Messenger app, a service that will let you chat with your pals whenever your PSP is in Wi-Fi range. Once the app is installed, you can text chat with your friends using an on-screen keyboard (although I'd like to see how that'll work without a touch screen), or you can indulge in some voice or even video chat with help from a headset and the Go!Cam video camera. Go!Messenger should arrive in Europe by January 2008.

Meanwhile, the Go!Explore package will include a snap-on GPS module and a series of maps on PSP-compatible UMD discs, good for such navigational chores as turn-by-turn directions and keyword searches ("gas stations," "ATM," and so on). Word is that Go!Explore should hit European streets by February of next year.

Finally, Sony is partnering with British Sky Broadcasting for a UK/Ireland-based video downloading service, which will offer a variety of news, sports, and entertainment clips. You'll be able to download the clips directly over Wi-Fi or on your desktop for transfer to your PSP. Look for launch in early 2008.

So, will Go!Messenger, Go!Explore or the on-demand PSP videos make it to the U.S.? Sony America is coyly saying that it's "exploring" the possibility for now, but I don't see why not. Unlike the just-unveiled PlayTV for the PS3, which relies on the European DVB-T digital broadcast standard, there's no reason that these chat, GPS, and video download services couldn't come to North American PSPs with a minimum of fuss.

Related:
Go!Messenger press release
Go!Explore press release
Video download press release