Vonage prepping VoIP solutions for DS and PSP?

Although neither device has a true VoIP option yet, UK tech site T3 is reporting that "a source close to...Vonage" (i.e. a friend of a friend of a friend) has confirmed that the VoIP provider is developing WiFi calling solutions for both the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. We've known for awhile that both systems were capable of implementing the ol' VoIP, but other than a random blog musing we reported on last year, this is the first indication we've seen of a major player making moves in this direction. Even for a rumor, the details here are pretty thin, such as how Vonage plans to actually implement VoIP in the disparate devices -- the possibilities include a firmware update for the PSP, and either DSpeak-like software or an Opera-like cartridge for the DS -- or even a hint of when we can expect to see any products come to market. As you might expect, Vonage itself declined to comment on the matter when contacted by T3.

[Ken C @ May 4th 2006 3:30PM]

That makes perfect sense and seems very do-able. VOIP is currently doable on Metroid Prime Hunters for the DS. If you have a game going with someone on your friend list and your in the lobby you can chat with your friends (and clearly might I add)

[Snoop @ May 4th 2006 3:30PM]

What ringtone would you have?

[Evan K @ May 4th 2006 3:36PM]

It's about time they implement a VOIP feature on the PSP. For awhile now, the PSP has had VOIP capabilities, which are used in SOCOM FTB multiplayer via a headset. They really need to step up to the plate and include the feature in an upcoming firmware update.

Thats my 2�

[smudley @ May 4th 2006 4:02PM]

now i dont own a psp so this might seem remedial but whats the range on this?? or do psp's access the net and im just not aware of it? i guess what im gettin at is if its wireless chat with someone that has to be within sight...

[PEZ @ May 4th 2006 4:05PM]

The PSP supopsedly has the capabilities of a wifi phone, so was this it all along? I dont think so. Though, whats stopping Vonage from making such soft/harware? How about FW upgrade 2.75

[Frankenstein Black @ May 4th 2006 4:14PM]

Meh! Vonage will cost you coinage. I�d rather see a Skype solution with VoiP and video. Just think how cool it would be to not only receive and terminate calls to regular and mobile phones via Skype In/Out (which is cheap), but you would be able to do FREE video calls to anyone with a PC, MAC, Laptop, DS and other PSP�s. Did I mention FREE?! So eBay (who owns Skype), If you are listening, get on that will ya!

[Kamalot @ May 4th 2006 4:32PM]

With the PSP you have to use a microphone.

The DS has a microphone built right into the system.

[Korey @ May 4th 2006 5:03PM]

Im a not-so-proud owner of a psp becuz there arent many good games and becuz sonys developing voip when they could be doin better firmware then 2.7 which is a f***** joke I like the Gps and EYe toy and keybord things what i wanna see is me get rid of my jornada 720 and pick up my psp to browse the web listen to tunes and do homework on it needs PDA functionality because then sony would also have Buisnessmn picking them up and dropping crappy palms in the nearest eco frendly place to ditch em
GOD D**** SONY get with the effing program already

[Korey @ May 4th 2006 5:05PM]

whos with me on that last comment??

[soopergooman @ May 4th 2006 5:10PM]

http://pspupdates.qj.net/netlib-v1-2-Released-Dial-Phone-Numbers-From-Your-PSP-/pg/49/aid/31931

if you follow the preceeding link, it will take you to THE TOP website for psp info. Yes someone has made a home"brew" psp phone. You can dial out(stateside only) but cannot talk yet. so voip on the psp is very close, usually when someone releases their b3t1, it is improved upon faster than any other project, i would say IMO that wii (psp users) will have voip by summers end, maybe the guys a Vonage will give the dev some support, maybe they'll rip his idea, either way I'm STOKED!!!!

[bluetrane @ May 4th 2006 5:34PM]

and the silence is broken by rustling of a tumble weed pleasently bouncing across a dusty road

[weatherman @ May 4th 2006 5:46PM]

Well korey, I might be with you if I could understand what you said... :)

Seriously though - the PSP would be a pretty cool VOIP device, though it is a bit of a bummer to have to add the microphone. I imagine that Vonage (or Skype) could release the program as either a UMD bundled with a mic or as a downloadable program and let people use the SOCOM headset.

As for 2.7 being 'teh sux0r5' I don't agree. It could definitely be more (PIM and email with keyboard) but the browser's working very nicely with all the websites I visit, the RSS podcatcher is nicely done, and the upcoming GPS looks pretty cool.

[Trevor @ May 4th 2006 6:29PM]

woots, i have vonage already, i wonder if i could get some free deal? like if you already own vonage you get psp/ds vonage free?

[Silver R. Wolfe @ May 4th 2006 8:32PM]

Yeah Trevor, it should work that way. You should be able to just connect under your existing service. At least I hope it works this way. ^-^;

I have it too.

I think that it would be a pretty spiffy new feature since it would mean I am two phones richer. =D

[Noah @ May 4th 2006 8:36PM]

I would get a DS in a hurry if Skype were made for it. The games look fun, and if the DS had Skype (via GB card I guess), plus some other light multimedia functions, PSP might have a problem.

[tc @ May 4th 2006 10:58PM]

korey needs to type shorter sentences

[Oddmanout @ May 5th 2006 4:36AM]

" you would be able to do FREE video calls "

I'm not so sure about that. I think skype recomends that you have at least 400mhz of power under the hood for video on PocketPC's, and I think the PSP's proc only runs at 333mhz.

Not that that would make it impossible...just jerky as heck.

Very ironic, I posted yesterday that I'd definitely buy a DS Lite if I could use Skype with it.

Nice to know it's looking like a real possibility...

[raindog @ May 6th 2006 12:50AM]

I'd definitely prefer real SIP over Skype, whether it's through Vonage or some homebrew thing.

Without a GBA port hardware dongle, though (as speculated in the article), I'm thinking the DS doesn't have the kick to get either SIP or Skype going.

[thats nice @ Nov 6th 2006 9:08AM]

hey koreyif you want all that crap go gat a sony mylo

[Vinay @ May 28th 2007 2:25AM]

aint they trying to achieve something which Jajah did a few months back?? Vonage needs some shakeup at their Research and development team, who needs to me more creative than offering petty services.

read my story about jajah on PSP:

http://voipguides.blogspot.com/2007/04/jajah-power-gamers-through-psp.html