BT, Sony Join to Gives PlayStation Wireless Video, Voice

While the first focus for gaming and video in the United States has focused on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and potential landline telco TV partners, rival gaming system maker Sony Corp., has been working across the Atlantic with BT on the broadband mobility front.

Generally viewed as a means to leverage the installed based of game consoles to receive TV and other communication services in the home, U.K. giant BT views Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) as a versatile communications device.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Microsoft announced plans to merge its telco IPTV software with its Xbox 360 gaming platform by the end of this year. While Microsoft is working with AT&T Inc. and other newer IPTV entrants on the middleware front, it has yet to announce telco plans to use the combined product.

In mid-June 2005, Microsoft made a big splash by announcing that BT would use its IPTV software for its eventual service test, gradual rollout and commercial video service. There was no mention of Sony in the network evolution commitment outlined in the telco’s press materials.

Microsoft’s January announcement fueled interest in gaming consoles and a video viewing device and raised questions, which went unanswered, as to whether Sony has any plans to address the perceived market opportunity, given its large installed game console base.

Last week BT and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) struck a four-year deal to add wireless broadband communications functions, including high-quality handheld video calls, voice calls and messaging to the PSP, which they claim has shipped more than 8 million in Europe and 24 million globally.

BT and SCEE will initially promote the offer in the United Kingdom, but BT will be SCEE's lead wireless communications partner across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceana and is already working with other communications providers to deliver PSP-related services.

The U.K. telco and networking pioneer said it has developed the ability to provide high- quality IP-based video and voice calls as part of its 21st Century Network (21CN) project.

The duo intends to integrate PSP with the BT Broadband video and voice softphone products already available in the market. In the coming months, they said, additional unspecified features will be launched to enable calls and messages to PCs, fixed lines and mobiles.

“The PSP is an excellent device for both gaming and communications, because of its high-quality screen and audio capabilities,” said Steve Andrews, BT chief, mobility and convergence, in a statement. “We are very excited by the opportunity to give customers a whole new communications experience, connecting and seeing friends across the world through BT’s technology.”

AT&T Inc. www.att.com
BT Group www.bt.com
Microsoft Corp. www.microsoft.com
Sony Corp. www.sony.com

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