Sony Interactive Entertainment – Page 21 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

September 13, 2016

Godzilla VR Title Teased at Japanese PlayStation Conference

Blink and you may have missed some of the many titles shown during a sizzle reel for PlayStation VR at the 2016 PlayStation Conference in Japan earlier today. While some videogames such as Ubisoft’s Eagle Flight had significant screen time others made a far shorter appearance. One of them was a previously announced but barely mentioned project based on the city crushing lizard Godzilla.

Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia (SIEJA) and film studio Toho originally announced Shin Godzilla back in June, reported Gematsu, but little has been revealed about the title since then.

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And today’s video snippet – from which the above screenshot was taken – is pretty much all there is to go on. Players will be confronting the giant beast in some way although how remains to be seen. The creation of the videogame is to coincide with the revival of the Godzilla franchise in Japan, with a new movie due out next month called Shin Godzilla or Godzilla Resurgence.
The film will see a limited theatrical release between 11th – 18th October, with the virtual reality (VR) experience slated to appear on the same day as the PlayStation VR’s launch, 13th October 2016.

If and when any further details are released for Godzilla on PlayStation VR, VRFocus will keep you updated.

September 13, 2016

Sony Releases PlayStation VR Video Shown At Japanese PlayStation Conference

It’s been a busy morning for PlayStation VR news with Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) holding its 2016 PlayStation Press conference in Japan. There’s been more news on virtual reality (VR) titles Fly to Kuma, Summer Lesson, Cyber Danganronpa VR, VR Tennis Online and others. Now SIE has released the full show reel showcasing quite a few upcoming titles for the head-mounted display (HMD).

Videogames that SIE has decided to list in the video include: Eagle Flight, RIGS: Mechanized Combat League, Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live, VR Tennis Online, Godzilla, Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Playroom VR, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, Fly to Kuma, Summer Lesson, Farpoint, REZ Infinite, PlayStation VR Worlds; Ocean Descent, VR Luge, Scavanger’s Odyssey, The London Heist, Danger Ball, V! What Did I Do to Deserve This R and a few others.

The event also revealed a new pre-order window for Japanese consumers, enabling any that hadn’t managed to reserve a PlayStation VR to do so later this month. This gives customers one last chance to get hold of a HMD prior to the worldwide launch on 13th October. After which it looks like the headsets will be in short supply due to pre-order demand. SIE hasn’t stated how many, if any, PlayStation VR’s will be available to buy on launch day or in the weeks after.

It’s going to be a major festive season for SIE with three launches taking place. This month there’s PlayStation 4 Slim, next month PlayStation VR, and in November there’s the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro which should add extra graphical power to PlayStation VR alongside support for 4K and HDR TV’s.

Take a look at the VRFocus guide to the new consoles, and our rundown of some of the accessories available, and we’ll continue our coverage of PlayStation VR, reporting back with any further announcements.

September 13, 2016

Sony Opening Up PlayStation VR Pre-orders For the Last Time in Japan

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) held its 2016 Japanese PlayStation Press Conference this morning and the event held a few surprises in store for media and fans alike. Amongst all the PlayStation 4 videogames being revealed there was good new for Japanese fans of PlayStation VR, with details on new titles and one last opportunity to pre-order the head-mounted display (HMD).

Atsushi Morita, President, Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia (SIEJA), hosted the event, and announced that the company would be opening up additional reservations for PlayStation VR. The pre-orders will go live on 24th September 2016, and Morita pointed out that this would be the last opportunity for customers to secure a headset before launch on 13th October.

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The SIEJA President also said that the number of stores that’ll accept reservations has been increased to 200. He didn’t say how many PlayStation VR’s would be available, but with worldwide pre-orders selling out continuously there probably won’t be enough to satisfy demand.

There’s just over four weeks to go until the PlayStation VR HMD finally gets shipped to eager customers. Along with its launch next month, SIE recently announced two new consoles at its PlayStation Meeting in New York. Both the PlayStation 4 Slim and the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro were announced, giving customers even more choice and all compatible with PlayStation VR, and which VRFocus has created a guide to.

For all the latest news from SIE on PlayStation VR, keep reading VRFocus.

September 12, 2016

Best for PlayStation VR: A Guide to the PlayStation 4, Slim and Pro

The PlayStation 4 hardware line-up has just got a little bit more confusing. While keen videogame enthusiasts will easily be able to tell the differences in technology and value between the three different hardware configurations soon to be available, those coming to the PlayStation 4 for the first time might find it somewhat daunting, especially when concerned with the forthcoming PlayStation VR. VRFocus has dug in to deliver you a guide to your best purchase option for the forthcoming virtual reality (VR) debut on consoles.

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All PlayStation 4 Consoles are Compatible with PlayStation VR

The first thing that needs to be noted is that all PlayStation 4 consoles – existing and set for release this year – are compatible with the PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD). The device was created for existing PlayStation 4 consoles and has already been confirmed as compatible with the PlayStation 4 Slim. The PlayStation 4 Pro console has an upgraded hardware specification to make the most of VR, but isn’t essential. All currently announced PlayStation VR videogames and hardware will be compatible with all editions of the PlayStation 4 console.

It also should be noted that the PlayStation 4 Slim console is set to replace the existing model, though no discontinuation date has yet been announced so expect a price drop on remaining retail stock in the near future.

New PlayStation Camera

PlayStation VR Accessories

As with the PlayStation VR HMD and videogames stated above, all existing PlayStation 4 accessories will be compatible with all versions of the PlayStation 4 console. A redesigned PlayStation Camera has recently been revealed (and is now available to pre-order), but the changes here are merely cosmetic. VRFocus has already prepared a guide to the best accessories for PlayStation VR to make sure you’re up-to-speed in time for launch.

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PlayStation 4, Slim & Pro Specifications

VRFocus recently delivered a comparison of the specifications between the original PlayStation 4 console (which is mirrored by the PlayStation 4 Slim) and the forthcoming PlayStation 4 Pro. But what does this actually mean? In real terms, little is currently known. The only mention of a benefit to PlayStation VR has come in the form of Farpoint, for which the developers have reportedly been able to deliver twice the pixel density. Will other PlayStation VR titles benefit from the added horsepower of the PlayStation Pro? Almost certainly, but we’re yet to see evidence of which ones, and how.

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PlayStation 4 Slim vs. PlayStation Pro Price

Undeniably the deciding factor for many, the PlayStation 4 Slim will launch at a significantly lower price point than the PlayStation 4 Pro. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the PlayStation 4 Slim is $299 USD (currently bundled with Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End for free on Amazon), in line with the existing PlayStation 4 console. The PlayStation 4 Pro however, will arrive with an SRP of $399. While the core videogame demographic will have no second thoughts about paying that extra $100 for an upgraded experience, the mass market may wonder what they’re getting for their money.

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PlayStation 4 Slim & PlayStation 4 Pro Release Date

For those who can’t wait, the PlayStation 4 Slim console will launch on 15th September 2016; perfect to allow you time to become accustomed to the console prior to the launch of PlayStation VR. The PlayStation 4 Pro will arrive two months later, 10th November 2016, though is also available to pre-order now. This may well allow those who were unable to secure a PlayStation VR pre-order for launch day time to find a unit to purchase, but if you’re looking to upgrade for day one the PlayStation 4 Slim is currently your only choice.

September 9, 2016

Display Your PlayStation VR Whilst Charging Peripherals With New Accessories

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD) hasn’t even launched yet but accessory manufacturers are gearing up for the device to be popular. VRFocus has already seen two separate hard cases launch, the RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case and POWER A Storage Case for PlayStation VR, so we created a guide to the best accessories for PlayStation VR. Now more accessories have surfaced, two stands are now available to display the headset as well as charge controllers.

From POWER A again via Amazon is the POWER A Charge & Display Stand for PSVR. Retailing for $49.99 USD the product not only neatly displays the PlayStation VR but it also charges one DualShock 4 controller and two PlayStation Moves. The listing also notes the stand is officially licensed by Sony.

Power A Charge Stand PSVR

The other stand is listed at Gamestop and comes from Collective Minds. With another catchy name – PlayStation VR Showcase Rapid AC Charge & Display Stand – this product offers even more than the first. Alongside displaying your prized headset there’s charging space for two PlayStation Move controllers, two DualShock 4 controllers and a USB port to charge your Sony Gold gaming headphones. All the ports feature separate LEDs to indicate charge and the whole thing costs $34.99. There’s no indication that this is an officially licensed product though.

Collective Minds PSVR Charging Stand

With the PlayStation VR launch only a few weeks away there’s certainly plenty of accessories to already choose from to keep your headset safe, whether its inside a hard case or out on show. The abundance certainly shows the expected mass market appeal of PlayStation VR, as the same level of available accessories for rivals HTC Vive and Oculus Rift hasn’t been anywhere near the same.

As we approach the launch of PlayStation VR, VRFocus will bring you all the latest updates and announcements for the headset.

September 7, 2016

Full Spec List Revealed for PlayStation 4 Pro

Even though it was expected the big news from today’s PlayStation Meeting in New York City has been PlayStation 4 Pro. The new upgraded console has been beefed up for 4K and HDR output, given a release date of November and a price. While Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) gave details that the PlayStation 4 Pro has a boosted clock speed and more, now the company has unveiled the actual specs.

Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment made the announcement at the event then brought on Lead System Architect, Mark Cerny to explain further.

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But its the below spec list that’ll give customers a better, highly detailed understanding of what to expect from the upcoming console release.

Product name	PlayStation®4 Pro
Color	Jet Black
Product code	CUH-7000 series
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price	JP44,980yen, US$399, EU€399, and £349^*2
Main processor	Single-chip custom processor CPU: x86-64 AMD “Jaguar”, 8 cores GPU: 4.20 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon™ based graphics engine
Memory	GDDR5 8GB
Storage size^*4	1TB
External dimensions	Approx. 295×55×327 mm (width × height × length) (excludes largest projection)
Mass	Approx. 3.3 kg
BD/ DVD drive (read only)	BD × 6 CAV DVD × 8 CAV
Input/ Output	Super-Speed USB (USB 3.1 Gen.1) port × 3 AUX port × 1
Networking	Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)×1 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth® 4.0 (LE)
Power	AC 100V, 50/60Hz
Power consumption	Max. 310W
Operating temperature	5ºC – 35ºC
AV output	HDMI™ out port (supports 4K/HDR) DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port

*2 Prices in North America and Japan exclude tax. Prices in Europe and UK include tax.

“Today marks an exciting new milestone for PlayStation as we unveiled the high-end PS4 Pro in the midst of the console lifecycle, catering to gamers who are looking for a heightened PS4 experience,” said House. “By accelerating the innovation cadence at PlayStation, we’re introducing choice in the marketplace, enabling gamers to choose the PS4 model that meets their needs. Ultimately, with titles that leverage the potential of PS4 Pro – plus PlayStation VR launching soon – all PS4 owners continue to benefit from having the best place to play.”

For all the latest news from SIE, keep reading VRFocus.

September 7, 2016

New PlayStation 4 Camera Showcased at PlayStation Meeting

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation Meeting has just finished, and while it may have been short it was certainly packed with announcements. A new slimmer PlayStation 4 and the official unveiling of PlayStation 4 Pro – previously PlayStation Neo – were the highlights. Not shown at the event but on display afterwards, SIE has quietly displayed a new PlayStation Camera.

While no specs have yet been released from the image below it’s easy to see the redesign of the camera, going from a rectangular unit to a cylindrical device. And because of the new form factor the camera now has a stand.

PlayStation 4 Accessories

This new feature might just be to do with the PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD), for various reasons. The clips holding the PlayStation Camera are in the centre meaning that the camera could possibly twist. Having this ability would mean the device is more adaptable for standing or seated experiences. Having the stand also makes the camera easier for placement, the small footprint takes up far less space.

As SIE hasn’t made any official announcements on the new camera it’s unclear if it’ll keep the same price as the older model and when the company actually plans on releasing it.

With the smaller PlayStation 4 due out this month, PlayStation VR out next month, and PlayStation 4 Pro out in November, SIE have a hardware heavy line-up coming out in the latter half of 2016 and the camera is probably part of it.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of PlayStation VR, reporting back with all the latest announcements.

September 7, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro Revealed at PlayStation Meeting 2016, VR Could be More Immersive

Today Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is holding it PlayStation Meeting in New York City. The live-streamed event has been hotly anticipated with news expected on SIE’s latest PlayStation 4 hardware and software. Taking the stage, Mark Cerny, Lead System Architect has now announced the PlayStation 4 Pro the official name for PlayStation Neo. As well as the name reveal Cerny unveiled some of the upgrades and VR implementation.

The new PlayStation 4 Pro will be focused on delivering 4K and HDR content, through doubling the power of the GPU and boosting the CPU clock rate. The console will also come with a 1 TB hard drive as standard and forward compatibility. On the virtual reality (VR) front for PlayStation VR Cerny stated: “Developers can choose to increase the crispness of the VR scenes, make special effects richer, or to offer higher frame rates to make VR more immersive.” SIE hasn’t yet revealed when the PlayStation 4 Pro will launch or the price at the time of writing.

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The PlayStation VR headset is only a mere five weeks away from launch, its arrival makes it the last tethered headset to appear in 2016. As the only console-based HMD on the market all eyes will be looking to SIE and whether the launch will be a success. PC-based rivals HTC Vive and Oculus Rift were marred by inconsistent releases, with pre-order customers having to wait weeks or even months after their expected delivery date.

Its the cheapest headset out of the big three coming in at £349GBP / £399 USD, and retailers have reported quick sales of their allocated stock. There’s going to be plenty of launch titles available and SIE recently confirmed each PlayStation VR would come with a demo disc featuring eight titles.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of PlayStation VR at the PlayStation Meeting , reporting back with the latest announcements.

September 3, 2016

Check out VR Running on the PlayStation 3

The launch of the PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD) is rapidly approaching, exclusively for PlayStation 4 owners. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has made no secret of the device’s long gestation period, yet little is known about what existed outside of the company’s internal research teams. As it turns out, keen experimenters beat SIE to the punch by an entire console generation.

Datura VR on PlayStation 3

Through the use of popular PlayStation 3 videogame Datura, Plastic Studios made incorporated the Sony HMZ-T1 HMD with PlayStation Move tracking technology, as seen in early PlayStation VR prototype reveals, along with the PlayStation Eye camera, PlayStation Move controllers and PlayStation 3 itself to create a brand new version of the videogame. Here, movements were tracked in real-time and actions, such as cutting through handcuffs with a handsaw, called upon direct motion-tracked input.

Datura launched on PlayStation 3 as an exclusive release back in 2012 to decidedly mixed reviews. How would a virtual reality (VR) edition of the videogame have faired? Perhaps we’ll never know, but Plastic Studios has put together a video detailing their experiences, available below.

The PlayStation VR HMD is set to launch on 13th October 2016. To ensure you’re ready for launch check out VRFocus’ guide to the best accessories for PlayStation VR.

September 2, 2016

Officially Branded PlayStation VR Accessories Revealed

The PlayStation VR head-mounted display is mere weeks from consumer release, and with that comes both anticipation and preparation for the launch. Many readers will have already familiarised themselves with VRFocus’ guide to the best accessories for PlayStation VR, but today comes the reveal of something altogether different.

The success of modern virtual reality (VR) has often been said to hang on the idea of convincing people to try it: those who have a good experience in their first instance quickly become believers. So what better way to get people to experience VR than through their early-adopter friends? Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has already thought of this it seems, partnering with RDS Industries to manufacture the officially branded ‘RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case’.

RDS Industries PlayStation VR Case_1

The RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case features separate compartments for the PlayStation VR HMD with cable, processor unit and AC adaptor pockets. A removable mesh pocket holds PlayStation VR HMD Connection cable, HDMI cable and USB cable Hard Shell case for maximum protection.

Measuring 15 x 9 x 7.8 inches, the RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case is compact in design given the size of the HMD and necessary cables/processor unit, and has a top-mounted carrying handle for portability. It should be noted however, that there is no space within the RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case for software. Of course, it is generally expected that most PlayStation VR early adopters will purchase videogames and experiences for the HMD digitally, and thus can be accessed via any PlayStation 4 console upon which their PlayStation Network (PSN) account is installed.

Available to pre-order via Amazon, the RDS PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Deluxe Carrying Case is priced at $59.99 USD and set for release in North America on 31st October 2016. No UK or European release has yet been announced, but of course VRFocus will keep you updated with the latest details on this and other officially branded PlayStation VR accessories.