PlayStation 3 Motion Controller

[Gonzo]

Sony debuted an impressive device, the PlayStation Motion Controller which works in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye during its E3 press conference.E3 is shaping up to be the battle of the motion controllers, and Sony debuted it.The controller actually consists of two wands, which the user holds in their hands, while the PS3 camera tracks the movement and translates it into on-screen movement. The setup seems to be an evolution of the Sony waggle controller patent that surface last October.

Sony also confirmed speculation about the release of a new, 50% smaller version of its PSP handheld, the PSP Go, which will go on sale for $250.Although it seems similar to what Microsoft is attempting with Project Natal, Sony makes the point that there are some gameplay experiences that only work well when you have a button to press. And it’s always nice to have something in your hand.

Rather prosaically named the PlayStation Motion Control, it’s still in prototype, but was demonstrated by its creators, Dr Richard Marx and Dr Antony Mikhaeloff.The motions that are made with the controller are detected by the PlayStation Eye then depicted on screen.The motions that are made with the controller are detected by the PlayStation Eye then depicted on screen.

Two years seems like a long time to wait, so it would have been easy to assume that Sony just scrapped the idea. But if the motion sensing is more accurate than the Wii, and they're giving developers some time with the controller to make polished titles, the wait could end up paying off.Some Sony technology bods were pushed out on stage to demonstrate the possibilites of this new control scheme.

Firstly, were shown that the bobble on the end can change colour, for example to red to indicate the selection of a fireball spell in an rpg.It’s essentially a wireless wand topped by a plastic ball that changes colors, and it can be tracked by the PlayStation Eye.

[Pugsly]

The device will do away with Sony's proprietary UMD disc format in favor of digital distribution of games the PSP Go will also be able to access video content from partners including Showtime, Starz and E! Entertainment.In conjuction with the camera, the motion controllers can be replaced with other items, such as guns, displaying the player on the screen holding all sorts of items.FPS and torch control were also shown, and both appeared to follow the players movements exactly. Two controllers were then used to demonstrate using a sword and shield, as well as a bow and arrow.

Its most distinctive feature is the glowing eye that the PS Eye can track. When you're playing RPG, for an example, you can choose fireball, and you throw to cast spell.Jack Tretton, head of Sony Computer Entertainment said,"This is a technology that's much closer to real life than anything you’ve ever seen.This is going to be very exciting, and you're going to be hearing a lot more about PlayStation Motion Control."

[Steinbach]

The system is said to be "sub-millimeter" precise, and it was demoed drawing and playing a shooter, it's sort of the middle ground between Natal and Wii Motion Plus.PlayStation Motion Control - which is still at the prototype stage - is a wireless wand topped with a colour-changing orb that can be tracked by the PS3's EyeToy camera.Its camera handles communication with the wand-like controller, turning the wand into any number of virtual devices with impressively accurate tracking.

Equipped with 16 GB of internal storage expandable with m2 memory, no optical drive, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it bears a staggering resemblance to Sony's Mylo in size and form.

Live tech demos on stage showed sophisticated control through a gamut of archery, tennis, and swordplay minigames.Sony has select developers already on the case to develop early software for it, and the new device will be revealed in some form at E3.

[Shikhar]

Sony's prototype motion sensor is by far the most sophisticated yet. With 1:1 tracking, the motion controller showed a fluid and pixel-accurate method of control through a series of demos such as archery, tennis, swordplay, on-screen handwriting, and painting.