Sony drops VoIP Go!Messenger service on PSP

Sony drops VoIP Go!Messenger service on PSP

By Doug Mohney

Sony is going to shut down its VoIP Go!Messenger service for the PSP March 31. Sony launched the free service in Europe last year. Go!Messenger was supposed to be a four-year partnership between Sony and wireless network operator BT. PSP users were able to talk directly via video chat, as well as send videos, voice recordings and text messages; video was enabled through a PSP Go!Cam add-on. Why pull the plug? "Although Go!Messenger brought innovative communications features to the PSP community, the service has not developed the base of users that we were hoping for," Sony is quoted as saying. Sony Europe says there no direct jobs to Go!Messenger linked to the service, so there aren't any downsizing measures (at Sony) taking place from the shutdown. It's not clear if Sony is thinking about developing other applications for the Go!Cam or it has more apps in the pipeline; there's no direct quotes either way floating around.