Consumer electronics giant Sony announced a new version of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld games console that can be used as a telephone, to go on sale in Europe and the US in mid-October.
The PSP 3000, which has been the subject of speculation on technology Web sites, will have a built-in microphone and a new screen which has more colours and is better suited for use outdoors, Sony said at a video games convention in Leipzig, Germany, on Wednesday.
The PSP already supports the software program Skype, which enables users to make free telephone calls over the Internet, but the new PSP, with built-in microphone, will make the process easier, Sony says.
"We believe this will establish the PSP as a viable communication device," said David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
The PSP 3000 will retail for 199 euros ($294), compared to 169 euros for the current slim version of the PSP, which will remain on sale.
Sony also said it would launch a version of its flagship PlayStation 3 console with a 160GB hard drive to store more downloaded content and video, to retail for 449 euros on 31 October including 70 euros credit for downloads.
A version of the PS3 with an 80GB hard-drive will go on sale for 399 euros later in August, Sony said.
Music videos streamed over the Internet would soon be available free to the PS3, while a music and video download service modelled on its US version should be available across Europe by the third quarter of 2009, the company added.
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