Sony is set to announce that a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) feature is coming to its leading gaming console the PSP.

Users of the console will be able to talk to online peers over the web using free internet communication programme Skype, enhancing the capabilities of the PSP.

The news was broken on the Consumer Electronic Show news section on Sony's website, which lists Skype as one of the latest version of the game console's top features.

Last year Sony announced that it would be partnering with BT to provide the PSP Go! Messenger service as of January this year.

It is currently unclear how these plans relate to Sony's latest announcement, with industry experts speculating that as the two applications offer similar features the services could be combined.

Potential benefits of the PSP's new VoIP capabilities for gamers include the ability to talk to opponents while playing and swap hints and tips with other users online.

In late 2007 Skype expanded its service further by entering into a partnership with mobile phone provider 3.

As part of the deal users of 3's Skype phone were given access to unlimited free VoIP calls to other Skype users worldwide.

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