Video camera for PSP?

[MrMeatshake]

Seems that Sony is planning a video camera for the PSP, in order to enable video-messaging / video-chat type applications, according to an article (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=60490) on EuroGamer (http://www.eurogamer.net).

SCE software platform development boss Izumi Kawanishi revealed that he is currently planning a new style of messaging application for the PSP.

"We're currently considering [the implementation of an e-mail system], but we want to think over the fundamental concept behind e-mail," he commented. "We think it would be great if people could communicate together with the use of video and voice."

IMO Video messaging is rubbish, and my mobe (or cell to those across the pond) should soon be able to sort me out with some email. The obvious eye-toy applications are more exciting, though.

[TrackZero]

"We're currently considering [the implementation of an e-mail system], but we want to think over the fundamental concept behind e-mail,"

Or, you can't really type, nor is there a touch screen, so you're stuck using alternate methods.

Though, IMHO if they do pull off good quality video and voice, props to Sony, I'll buy a PSP if they get it working well enough.

[Adam Blue]

That's neat and all, but I can do all that plus some with my cell phone, and it's soooo much smaller. Let's just get some good games, shall we?

[Intruder]

I agree, GAMES first, then video conferencing :)

And in reallity, the cellphone style typing system of the PSP is functional once you get the hang of it. The possible keyboard add-on would solve that problem quickly.

It looks as if Sony wants to make the PSP the TRUE Multimedia device on the market. That may be asking too much in reallity, but if they attempt it at least that is something. Better to attempt to make it that than ignore the potential.

Here's hoping everthing works out. But we all know how well peripherials tend to work in the gaming market.

[IndependentGMR]

Games? I've never heard of such a thing on the PSP.

[Heretic Machine]

...I know this may sound a immature, but the only use that I can find for video conferencing involves taking off clothes. I don't think a portable device with this feature will be very useful for me <.<

[LilAbner]

I play my PSP every day between Lumines and Midnight Club 3. Now give me my built-in web browser, damn it. It's August 12th!

[agentgray]

Yeah, isn't the update planned for today?

[Intruder]

Should be. The browser is great but don't expect it to be the be-all end-all brwoser. It is severely hampered by lack of functions.

[Mr.Green]

Speaking about the PSP... Today's the 12th, where's the new firmware Sony? HUNH!

[TheEpicOfTyler]

The Eye-Toy is dead. I wouldn't expect much Eye-Toy esque applications with this, it would just be plain awkward to use with the PSP.

[Rangoth]

Sony Exec: What stupid non gaming crap have we put out for the PSP?

Peon: A Camera Sir?

Sony Exec: BRILLIANT! A camera! Instead of putting out brilliant games we can create a crappy camera and irritate our users! What a great idea! After all, no one REALLY bought a PSP to play games!

>everyone claps<