JP
After being pulled last week, voice chat is coming back to PlayStation Home as of software version 1.05. The update, which is released today, will add the ability to use the voice chat within a users’ personal space and clubhouses to communicate and share with friends online.
The difference, then, is that voice chat will not be enabled in public spaces, meaning users can be more selective about who they speak to. Originally it was presumed that Sony pulled voice chat to save on bandwidth, as a way to increase Home capacity and address connection issues experienced after launch. Update 1.05 raises the possibility that in fact that was a peripheral benefit, the main reason being that Sony had received negative feedback over users shouting in public areas or playing loud music.
No specific time has been given for the new updates release. However it can be installed by clicking on the PlayStation Home icon on the PlayStation Network column of XMB. You will need to be logged out of the service at the time.
One Response to “PlayStation Home 1.05 reintroduces limited Voice Chat”
eanr December 28, 2008
Home is shaping up to be about as pleasant as a sandpaper condom. What is the purpose of public spaces if not to communicate with those you encounter? What next Sony?, a 10 to 20 foot private space around each avatar so no one can come closer than that to anyone else. Better still, program robotic police who will break up any gathering of two or more, and arrest offenders for repeat offenses.
Neutral