Sony has announced a range of add-ons that will turn its Playstation 3 (PS3) and Playstation Portable (PSP) games consoles into new multimedia devices.

From 2008, PSP users will be able to buy add-on devices to give them access to features such as satellite navigation, on-demand video and a messaging service.

The Go! Explore satellite navigation system uses technology from Teleatlas and Navngo, and converts the PSP into a navigation system suitable for use when driving or walking.

It will include standard GPS functions such as points of interest, favourite places, a home function and a turn-by-turn overview of the current route. It will also allow users to update these features online via Sony's online Playstation Network service.

Go! Video will be provided through Sony's recently announced joint venture with Sky, and will allow PSP owners in the UK and Ireland access to video-on-demand. Users will be able access the Go! Video homepage on their PSP, or download videos on a PC and transfer them to the PSP via a USB cable.

Go! Messenger will turn the PSP into a wireless phone. This service will be run in collaboration with BT, and will allow users to make calls using a wireless internet connection. Calls between two PSP consoles will be free, but calls to landlines or mobile phones will incur a charge. Users will also need to pay for the internet connect to use the service.

In addition, Sony also has plans for its PS3 games console. Next year it will release a plug-in device that will turn European editions of the PS3 into a personal video recorder. The Freeview PlayTV device will have two TV tuners and software that allows users to record programmes to the PS3's hard disk.

The PlayTV will connect to the PS3 via a USB cable and include a seven day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Users will be able to schedule recordings using the standard PS3 controller or Blu-ray remote control.

The company also plans to cater for those who want to use their PS3 for gaming. Buzz! Quiz TV, also due out next year, will use the Playstation Network to allow gamers to compete against one another online.

It will include 5,000 questions divided into music, movies, sports, knowledge and lifestyle categories and will also be supported with extra downloadable content. Sony also outlined future plans to create leagues and tournaments for all Buzz! fans.

Sony has yet to announce prices for any of the new applications.