Skype Domination: Platform Agnostic Style

I never realized this but Skype is everywhere! Regardless if you are a PC, Mac or Linux user, you can grab a version at your convenience. In the smartphone world, Windows Mobile, iPhone/iPod Touch, and Android have their versions of Skype mobile; even non-officially supported phones has a solution. If you are still using your cordless home phone or going with dedicated WiFi or Skype Phone, there is a solution to Skype for you. Lets not forget the Sony PSP and Nokia N800/810 integration.

Now that I've made my point and spent last 15 minutes hyper linking the references above, what I am trying to get at is how easy Skype has made itself to users of all walks. Being that this company has made its service completely platform agnostic, it has tremendous power to reach a wide range of users and become the de facto internet-based communications tool. I can't think of another IM or VOIP application with this broad reach across various hardware and software.

As for my family, Skype has been an indispensable tool when traveling abroad. Given all the available Skype options, we can easily keep in touch so long as internet is available never having to worry about having pre-paid SIM or phone cards.

Skype, in my opinion, may be the best mobile communication provider for a non telecom operator. Of course, with Gmail's Video and VOIP support over browser recently launched, it can pose potential threat to Skype's territory as it would technically be platform agnostic. But until mobile browsers are powerful enough to take advantage, Skype is still much ahead of the game. Way to go Skype!

Pre-Order Resistance Retribution PSP and get Demo Early

If you pre-order a copy of Resistance: Retribution for your PSP (which I know I will) before Jan 12th, you can get your paws on an early demo of the game. No words on when the demo will be released, some folks are guessing Jan 15th is when the Demo can be downloaded over PS network. I made it easy for you to pre-order with the image-link to the left.

Dell Dumping PSP-2000 for $137 Shipped, Hurry!

Update 12/4/08: Dell is delaying shipment of my order. I got an email confirmation saying so and their customer service rep was telling me that too much demand is causing problems with their supplier. For me, in this economy, it is unacceptable to toy with a customer's expectation especially around Christmas time. Therefore, I have canceled my order with Dell. Consumers shouldn't have to put up with these vendors tricks. They always promise items to be in stock but once you place an order, its a whole different story. Few days ago I canceled my PSP-3000 with Amazon.com because of similar thing: they were holding my shipment because the free game from Cyber Monday offer wasn't in stock so they didn't bother to ship out the PSP itself. I have removed the reference links below.
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I am in the market for a PSP. I told my wife, officially, this is for more "mobile experience" research. Of course, my hidden agenda is to play games, espically with my addiction to Resistance franchise, the upcoming Retribution game is looking spectacular... so I digress.

If you are in the market for a PSP and can't decide between a PSP-2000 (core pack, piano-black finish, homebrew-able?, older screen) or new PSP-3000 ($$$ bundle, built-in mic, better LCD but has interlace problem, silver only for now, not hackable yet?), here is an offer that can help you narrow down your choice: Dell has stackable coupons 15% + 5% off of a Sony PSP 2000 core pack. Bringing total down to $137 with free shipping... tax in most states.

I found the offer here, and the coupons are:
15% Off expires: 12/27/08 (removed)
5% Off expires: 12/10/08 (removed)

Video Game Bug - PSP-3000

The world of gadgetry can be quite confusing as new devices are constantly crossing over to a new territory. For instance, the iPod Touch has been shifted from a PMP into a gaming device. Another example is the home gaming consoles such as the Wii and PS3. Both offer WiFi and amazing gaming ability. My PS3 even goes as far as reaching the media-center status with BluRay, MUSIC, PHOTO and VIDEO support, basically far too many features for me to actually absorb, with a new firmware update 2.50 just released, internet browsing would even be better with Flash 9 supported with the system browser. As is, I would say I have barely tapped into either system's full potential (online store, networking, etc...)

Same goes for mobile devices. Short while ago, my attention was hardcore focused on the convergence of smartphones, I bounced between WinMo devices, Nokia N95-3 and Apple iPhones because they are all packed with a whole lot of features (internet, wifi, gps, multimedia and even gaming - iPod touch). Today, Sony brought out their third revision of the PSP called PSP-3000. In this version, Sony even built in a microphone to further enhance its capabilities as a communication device (ie. Skype calls, etc.). Being a hardcore portable gamig device, internet browser, video player (both UMD and on Memory stick) and supposedly amazing improvements over its new LCD calibration, I am being very tempted to pick one up to complete off my PS3-PSP collection. I've always been on the Nintendo camp with my GBA and GBA DS Lite, with GBA DSi on the horizon, I better give this some good thoughts and decide what I would prefer the most. It will be hard choices indeed.

PS3 Update: BD-Live

Sony is expected to release a update for the PS3 later this month. It is said to add Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-Live capability), copy photos and music playlists onto their PSP, and even use it as a remote control for playing music and stream video files. Another special feature is "resume play", which will allow the user to begin playing at the last point of stoppage for Blu-ray discs and DVDs even when the disc is taken out of the drive. Additional Blu-ray players are slated for release with a ethernet port but not BD-Live, which may come in later software update.