Sony and Sky plan summer release for video download scheme

Watch satellite telly on a PSP

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

24th April 2008 14:48 GMT

Sony and broadcaster Sky have confirmed that a video download service will be launched for the PSP during the ice-cream season, bringing satellite TV to the portable games console.

Go!View enables gamers to access a variety of Sky’s telly content, including films, which are downloaded onto the PSP through a PC. Users choose between a subscription package or a pay-per-view scheme, though pricing details haven’t been televised yet.

Although the service isn’t ground-breaking, it’ll help give the PSP another selling point.

Go!View’s launch expands Sony’s existing range of Go! branded services. Go!Explore was unveiled in January and consists of a GPS receiver for the PSP, and a UMD containing maps, which combine to turn the games console into a satnav. The Go!Messenger application also lets first-gen PSP owners use VoIP and IM services.

Sony and Sky are keeping mum on a specific release date for Go!View, but if you’re planning to watch telly outside then it would be a wise idea to invest in something like the LapDome to keep the bright sunshine from spoiling your PSP viewing pleasure.