Now you can annoy your friends through IM on the PlayStation Portable, as Sony Computer Entertainment reveals that Go!Messenger is in the works for the handheld console. Developed by BT, Go!Messenger will be released as a downloadble update next January in Europe and is accessed in the PSP's XMB. Go!Messenger gives PSP users access to a revamped virtual keyboard which we assume should facilitate quick text entry, and it supports both voice and video chat thanks to the PSP's headset and Go!Cam.

The Go!Messenger suite of communications tools will become a key part of the PSP owner’s busy lifestyle, enabling a variety of communications options to help them stay in touch with their friends, and truly bringing the entertainment potential of PSP to life.

SCEE also announces Go!Explore for the PSP, also scheduled for launch next year. Go!Explore is a GPS navigation application developed in collaboration with TeleAtlas and NavNGo, and supports a proprietary a GPS receiver which apparently will be used in tandem with UMD software. Users can tap into Go!Explore for 3D city maps for "certain key cities", complete with audio in 11 European languages. Additional maps and "points of interest" (POI) can be purchased via PlayStation Network.

“Bringing GPS navigation to PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of PSP,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Developed in collaboration with key companies TeleAtlas and NavNGo, the market leaders in the map data and Navigation software industry, Go!Explore offers the best and most innovative In-Car and Pedestrian GPS navigation experience. With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience.”