PS3's Eye-Toy to incorporate 3-D mapping?
by Nick Doerr 
{ Aug 15th 2006 at 11:00AM }
The Israeli company Prime Sense has been connected to Sony's upgraded EyeToy, boasting a new sensor and digital processor that provides real-time 3-D mapping. It essentially "perceives the world in 3D and derives an understanding of the world based on sight, in the same way that humans do." That's neat. You can read more about the link between Sony and Prime Sense at EETimes.The article goes on to explain how the EyeToy would see the user and the user can interact with things in the game without having to wear any equipment (pronounced: no Wiimote). Wouldn't it be neat to play a boxing game where your movements are monitored (juking and dodging) and you can physically (well, almost) punch your digital opposition? It's been kind of done at arcades -- you did have to wear sensor gloves, though. But the lack of equipment and using just a camera isn't all that great. The Wii does have a controller so you've got a little bit to work with. Which would you prefer: the Wii with a controller, or the EyeToy technology relying on a super-smart camera?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SPAM_A_LOT @ Aug 15th 2006 12:08PM
I would have to say that the Wiimote seems more intuitive to actual gameplay. I can not say for certain as I have not had the chance to try the Wiimote out. However having played with the Eyetoy for ps2 I was not all that impressed. It was fun for a few minutes. Also, I can't imagine playing a baseball or drumming game being as much fun simply waving your hands around as opposed to actually swinging or taping something physically in your grasp. I would say that this new and improved Eyetoy would have to be very very improved to be more than a gimick.
andrew @ Aug 15th 2006 12:21PM
eye-toy is awsome experience and this new version sounds great
bub @ Aug 15th 2006 3:38PM
Obviously you could still grasp something, as the eyetoy would read that: a gun, a bat, boxing gloves. If this thing actually works, it would be vastly superior to the wiimote. Hell, for you Nintendo fanboys you can even hold a wiimote if you want, and use that. Too bad Mario Galaxy isn't coming to ps3, though...
Silver R. Wolfe @ Aug 15th 2006 5:38PM
This could do everything the wiimote could do, without the actual wiimote. It's a good addition if it works how they say it will.
Fan @ Aug 15th 2006 8:02PM
This is really really old news, sorry.
I really am sceptical if they can deliver on their promise. Especially considering the original eye toy is near useless in non perfect conditions.
The new eye toy is rumoured to be able too:
- Model your face and body in 3d and put it inside a game.
- Be used as a control scheem for the PS3 ie use they eye toy to browse, navigate menues and so on.
- Also its rumoured that the eye toy will ship with the PS3.
A demo of what is expected to be possible can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58hfb9ZxzK8
Anyway, all these are just rumours so get your hopes up.
Allen @ Aug 15th 2006 11:06PM
3D? That must mean it's double lens, or at least a second motion sensor of some sort. The PS3 is said to have 1% efficiency of the human brain, and now it has 3D "eyes?" And like the last EyeToy, it will probably have a microphone, so it has "ears" too? What's next? Smell-o-vision?
Sponge @ Aug 17th 2006 10:39PM
Sony: No, we don't do gimmicks like our competition! Now I'd like to show you our new EyeToy and our Eye of Judgment. I'm sorry, but these gimmicks won't be in all games. Did I say gimmick? I meant innovation. These innovations will be "future-proofed" and Sony will maintain brand loyalty. No matter what.