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.

"Both truly mobile and with a best in class high-quality screen, PSP delivers a great on-the-move video experience. Working with such a well known content brand, we will be able to offer PSP owners access to the best in cross-genre Sky content, available through the first official video download service. This really will make PSP the standout all-in-one portable gaming, video and music device", commented David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

James Murdoch, Chief Executive Officer, BSkyB, adds: “Sky and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have complementary strengths in content, marketing and technology. Together, we’re ideally placed to make portable, on-demand TV a reality. Alongside our existing services for PCs and mobile phones, this is another example of how we’re working to give more choice, flexibility and control to customers. The quality of the PSP's screen and its substantial reach among 2 million users in the UK and Ireland makes it a natural extension to our multi-platform strategy.”

Go!Explore

Collaborating with market leaders TeleAtlas and NavNGo and utilising the very latest in map data and navigation software, Go!Explore is a state of the art, combined In-car and Pedestrian GPS navigation application for PSP. Incorporating a GPS receiver and the software UMD software containing your chosen maps, Go!Explore will offer a top quality Satellite Navigation system at an affordable price.

“Bringing GPS navigation to PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of PSP,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Developed in collaboration with key companies TeleAtlas and NavNGo, the market leaders in the map data and Navigation software industry, Go!Explore offers the best and most innovative In-Car and Pedestrian GPS navigation experience. With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience.”

Go!Explore supports 11 unique audio languages on every geographic version; English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish. Keeping up with the flexibility and future proof nature of PSP, Go!Explore has access to upgradeable Maps & Points of Interest (POI) that can be purchased via the PLAYSTATION®Network, and to additional maps, POI, downloads and other exciting WiFi features that will be made available in the future.

• Main Product Features:
  • Multiple Languages 11 languages
  • Find & Go Easy Search & Smart Keyboard
  • Smart Zoom Automatic Zooming & Tilting
  • Explore Map Search & Explore the map
  • Points Of Interest 100 categories, with thousands of locations
  • My Data Favourites, Home, History
  • Route Settings Fastest/Shortest; Day/Night Mode;
  • Improved Graphics 3D city maps & 3D landmarks;
  • Customizable settings Customizable Route Settings & Visuals
  • Itinerary Mode Turn-by-turn overview
• 7 geographic versions confirmed (with country maps, hundreds of 3D landmarks and thousands of POIs available) :
  • UK/Ireland; Iberia; France; Germany/Austria/Switzerland; Italy; Benelux; Scandinavia

GO!MESSENGER

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.

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