The PlayStation 3 is a very capable machine with a lot of features. And we've certainly seen that with some of the firmware updates Sony has put out. But there's one thing people want more than anything else added to the XMB. That something, is cross-game voice-chat.

We've all read the stories. We've all read the forums. Sony can't just add the feature to the PS3's OS. There are issues with patenting on Microsoft's part and all this other nonsense. How could Sony work their way around this?

Over the past few months, people have been talking about how Skype, currently on the PSP (2000 and 3000 models only), could also be added to the PS3's XMB and enabled for use in-game. In my opinion, this would blow away anything Microsoft currently has for voice-chatting cross-game - because that would allow us to make calls to friends who aren't even at their PS3s. For example, you have a clan battle in Killzone 2, your friend forgot and you need inform him before it begins. Why don't you just call him via Skype on the PS3? That's just one example of how this heavily requested feature could be used.

The PSP (2000 and 3000 models only) has had Skype on it for quite some time now. Even the PSP version of Skype allows you to call friends using the service and call their landline or cellphone. It's an incredibly useful feature that PSP owners are very fortunate of. And don't worry PSP owners, the games are coming! I'm certain if the PSP could handle Skype, then the PS3 is more than capable. What's the hold-up Sony?

Thanks for reading.