^ They could have just made a deal with skype

I'm sure they have something big planned for 3.0, to coincide with the launch of the Slim. 3.0 will probably have cross game chat (finally), a few small improvements here and there, and then something else special. There has to be a reason they've waited so long to do another major update (the last was 2.5 with in-game XMB last July).

I'm thinking they're going to try and "relaunch" the ps3 with the Slim. New form, new logo, new features, etc. They're going to try and capitalize on this move as best as possible. I also think Gran Turismo 5 (the biggest franchise that will ever hit the system, now that GTA is multiplat) will tie into this, and that's why they're keeping silent on its release date.

I'm sure all will be revealed at the abnormally long GamesCom conference.

i still think skype it's a great idea.

not only u could call PSN friends but also landslines and other skype users not in the PSN.

I agree with you makingmusic. Hopefully it'll come to pass. My 40GB needs to go, a sexy new Slim is waiting for me. :)