Sony Computer Entertainment today officially
revealed the next-generation equivalent of the original EyeToy aimed at PS2
software. The new hardware version drops the toy factor, adds USB 2.0 and is
simply dubbed the PlayStation Eye, scheduled for a summer release.
"With the release of PlayStation Eye we will be able to
dramatically enhance the consumer's PS3 experience," said Richard Marks,
research and development at Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Beyond
audio/video chat and the ability to save videos to your PS3 hard drive,
PlayStation Eye opens up a whole new world of entertainment options and adds a
new dimensions to games across multiple genres."
Designed specifically for PS3 and featuring huge advances in
USB camera and microphone technology, PlayStation Eye is an accessory for
voice, video chat and online gaming on the PlayStation Network. Key features of
the PlayStation Eye include a new camera capable of a frame rate of 120 frames
per second at 320 x 240, or 60 frames per second at 640 x 480, even in low-light conditions. The
adjustable zoom lens features a 56 degree field of view to capture head and
shoulders action for close-in audio-visual chat, and a 75 degree field of view
to capture the whole body.
On the audio side of things, the PlayStation Eye features a
four microphone array, incorporating multidirectional voice location tracking,
enhanced echo cancelling and background noise suppression for clear audio chat without
the need to wear a headset. Each of the four channels has is capable of 16 bits,
48kHz and SNR 90db.
Bundled with each PlayStation Eye will be the EyeCreate editing
software, which allows users to save photos, video and audio clips to your PS3
hard disk drive. Different capture modes like time-lapse and slow motion and
other visual effects will be at the user’s disposal. Files may be saved as uncompressed
video or using optional JPEG compression.
David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment
Europe adds, "PlayStation Eye is a great example of how we have moved
forward so significantly with our technology. PlayStation Eye has four times
the resolution, twice the framerate and double the sensitivity of its
predecessor EyeToy USB Camera. With the technology that we now have at our
disposal we will be able to dramatically improve the communications experience
enjoyed on PS3."
