Sony hasn't let it dominance of the Xbox One slow it down one bit. They have just revealed a Kinect-killer in Project Morpheus, a Matrix-sounding VR unit that sits atop your head like sunglasses. Some might remember the promise of VR that several video game companies made back in the 90's (like SEGA). But with the Morpheus and the Oculus Rift gearing up to hit stores by Christmas, that dream might finally become a literal, not virtual, reality.
From Mirror News
Codenamed Project Morpheus, the sci-fi device puts players into the heart of the action for the first time and has taken three years to develop
It's game on after Sony unveiled its revolutionary virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 4 today.
The sci-fi device which puts players into the heart of the action for the first time, is poised to take gaming to the next level as the electronics giant ramped up console wars.
Codenamed Project Morpheus, it has taken three years to develop and could be on shelves by Christmas .
Showcased by Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida at a trade event in San Francisco, the black and white headset - shaped like giant wraparound shades, uses a nine inch, 1080p LCD screen with a 90 degree field of vision.
Built in sensors track movement, so when the player's head moves, the image of the virtual reality world also shifts to give the feeling being in the game.
And Sony's 3D audio technology gives "stereoscopic" sound from all directions, so a combat game could have the sound of helicopters overhead while the sound of footsteps clanking on a metal staircase from below can also be heard.
Sony revealed it had wiped out queasy, motion sickness caused by head movement although Mr Yoshida admitted the futuristic headset still needed some tweaks before going on sale.
The prototype is being tested with four games - a diving cage simulator, medieval fighting game, an action adventure and a sci-fi thriller.
Sony refused to divulge details of price or launch date but Mr Yoshida said in a blog: "I have long dreamed about virtual reality and the possibilities it brings in regards to game development.
"This new technology will deliver a sense of presence, where you as the player actually feel like you're inside the game and your emotions feel that much more real."
Project Morpheus works with the PlayStation Camera and Dualshock 4 wireless controller for easy plug-and-play gaming, the Japanese electronics firm said.
Richard Marks, one of the headset's creators added: "Allowing people to experience what it's like to be somewhere else will impact many aspects of life.
"VR is going to be pervasive. It could even be used to pick out a hotel room for your next trip by visiting a virtual version of that room."
A rival headset - Oculus Rift made by American firm Oculus VR - is also expected to hit shelves by Christmas.
Will the Morpheus be a hit? Or will it land in our gallery of Massively Failed Technologies seen below?
Additional Resources
