Sony has issued three press releases. The first confirms that the PSP Slim will launch across Europe on September 5th with its official name being confirmed as PSP SLIM & LITE, which we confirmed exactly one month ago (Further to this Sony rolled out details on its PSP download service and GO! Messenger (voice, video and instant messager for PSP).

PRESS RELEASE: New Look PSP Brings Hollywood To Europe

Leipzig, 22 August 2007. At its Press Conference at Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) unveiled the new PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) Slim and Lite, available across the SCEE territories from 5th September 2007 at €169.

Introduced to the world at E3 in Santa Monica in July, the new PSP is 33% lighter and 19% thinner than its predecessor, and is equipped with a video-out port, allowing users to view their PSP content on their home TV. The new PSP will be available as standard in the three colours announced at E3; Piano Black, Ceramic White and Ice Silver.

Exclusive to the SCEE region and for a limited time, two Limited Edition PSP bundles will also be available. Featuring a PSP in Spiderman Red and Black, the Spiderman bundle will come with Activision®’s Spider-Man 2™ and the Blu-Ray movie, Spiderman 3. Also available, in a fetching shade of Simpsons Yellow, the Simpsons bundle will come with Electronic Arts’ The Simpsons Game. Both bundles will be available for €199.99.

“We are delighted to announce the arrival of the newly designed PSP to the SCEE region, whilst also providing something unique and special for our consumers.” said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “With the addition of two limited edition colour bundles, inspired by the blockbuster Spider-Man and Simpsons Hollywood movies, together with the new video-out port, which gives consumers the option to enjoy PSP content on the big screen, we are confident that this now brings a whole new dimension to the PSP entertainment experience.”

PSPTM (PlayStation® Portable) Video Download Service

Leipzig, 22 August 2007. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today provided more information on its joint venture with British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) to offer PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) owners in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to watch video on demand and on the move.

The Go! branded Video Download Service will launch in early 2008, and will be the first official PSP video download service anywhere in Europe. It will allow millions of PSP owners to turn their device into a personalised library of programmes to enjoy whenever and wherever they choose.

Unlike other services, the Video Download Service will launch with a rich selection of high quality entertainment. The choice of programmes available will include a diverse mix of Sky content, spanning sports, entertainment, movies, music and animation. In addition to a selection of some of the best content from its own channels, Sky plans to work with third-party channel brands and content owners to create an even more comprehensive service. This is the first time Sky will offer video content through a non-Sky branded service.

The very latest premier movies and high profile sporting events, normally only available to Sky subscribers will be available on a pay per view basis, allowing users to choose their preferred way of using the download service.

Customers will be able to download their choice of programmes direct to their PSP via a Wi-Fi connection or, alternatively, transfer content that they've downloaded to their PC.

As the content and technology partner in the venture, Sky will provide content and develop a user interface which is specifically tailored for the PSP's broad audience. This content will also draw upon the high-quality screen experience offered by the portable device. In building on this tailored content, SCEE will use its marketing expertise to reach out to PSP owners and launch the new brand.

Bring Friends Closer Together With Go!Messenger

Leipzig, 22 August 2007. At its Press Conference at Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) unveiled Go!Messenger, the wireless communications package for PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable), due for release in January 2008 in the SCEE territories (?).

Utilising the very latest in VOIP technology, PSP users can now keep in touch with each other, for free, from any wireless internet connection. As part of a future firmware upgrade, Go! Messenger places a small application on PSP’s XMB™ (XrossMediaBar), which can be downloaded separately from the web and installed to the Memory Stick™ *, and PSP owners will be able to instant message (IM) each other when connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot, using a new and intuitive on-screen keyboard. By adding a headset, voice chat and voice messaging becomes possible, and by connecting Go!Cam, the attachable video camera for PSP, users also have the ability to make video calls to their friends and leave fun video and voice messages.

The Go!Messenger suite of communications tools will become a key part of the PSP owner’s busy lifestyle, enabling a variety of communications options to help them stay in touch with their friends, and truly bringing the entertainment potential of PSP to life.

“With Go!Messenger, PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication functionalities to all the existing multimedia experiences,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP."

Go!Messenger has been developed in partnership with BT, one of the world’s leading telecoms providers and along with other new products such as Go!Explore, Go!Cam and the Go! branded Video Download Service, highlight PSP’s commitment to communications, community and entertainment through the new Go! Brand.

*1) To enjoy Go! Messenger, Memory Stick with the application needs to be inserted into the PSP hardware.