By Craig Zammit

SYDNEY: Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) has announced the release of a new peripheral device for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), a detachable camera known as Go!Cam, as well as a reduced price-point for the popular handheld gaming system.

To be released on 21 June 2007, Go!Cam will bring the creativity of film and photos to the PSP in a camera designed for all ages and occasions. The Go!Cam lens housing plugs directly in to the USB port on the PSP and will be sold for recommended retail price of $79.95.

“Go!Cam is an exciting product for PSP owners looking for something new, fun and creative,” said Sony Computer Entertainment Australia senior product manager – Go!Cam, Patrick Lagana.

“Go!Cam quickly converts your PSP in a mini camcorder, allowing you to shoot stills or video quality that’s perfectly suited for email, upload or video editing or even playback on your PlayStation 3. It demonstrates yet again the potential, versatility and fun nature of PSP.”

Go!Cam features up to two and a half hours video recording time, storage for over 40,000 photos, a built-in microphone and the ability to change the direction of the camera lens vertically by 180 degrees. It also includes the Go!Edit editing software package which allows users to save and edit photos, video and audio clips.

From today onwards, the PSP will also enjoy a new, lower price point in Australia of $279.95 RRP.

“The combined impact of today’s price reductions and imminent launch of the Go!Cam will further unleash PSP, making it a ‘must have’ portable system for all entertainment enthusiasts,” he said.

Communications solutions and services provider, BT, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) also recently signed a groundbreaking deal to add wireless broadband communications functionality to the PSP, with features such as high quality handheld video calls, voice calls and messaging on the drawing board.

The two companies signed a four-year contract to develop the new functions for the PSP, which has already shipped over 24 million units globally.

“The combination of SCEE and BT working together is a natural fit,” said BT chief – mobility and convergence, Steve Andrews. |

“Sony is a world-class company producing some of the world’s most innovative electronic devices and BT is at the forefront of communications with the 21CN global platform.

“The PSP is an excellent device for both gaming and communications, because of its high quality screen and audio capabilities. With over 8 million PSPs shipped across Europe, 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,” he said.