Virtual Reality

Sony reveals "Project Morpheus" VR headset for the PS4

Sony reveals "Project Morpheus" VR headset for the PS4
Project Morpheus tracks the user's head movement using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors (Image: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc)
Project Morpheus tracks the user's head movement using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors (Image: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc)
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Project Morpheus tracks the user's head movement using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors (Image: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc)
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Project Morpheus tracks the user's head movement using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors (Image: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc)

Sony has revealed its prototype virtual reality (VR) headset for the PlayStation 4 at the Games Developers Conference 2014, in San Francisco. Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida stated in a blog post that the Project Morpheus device has the potential to "shape the future of games."

The head-mounted display will boast a 90-degree field of view with 1080p resolution, accurately tracking the user's head movement in real time using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscopic sensors. The headset will be fully compatible with the PS4's DuelShock 4 wireless controller as well as PlayStation Move, to create an easy plug-in-and-go VR experience. The device will also utilize Sony's 3D audio technology designed to create stereoscopic directional sound, changing as the user moves their head.

The prototype is set to be used as an initial development kit for Sony console game developers. Mr Yoshida believes that the new system 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."

Sony has been working on the system for three years, with the announcement coming on the heels of the reveal of Oculus Rift's latest prototype dubbed Crystal Cove, which was showcased at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The full capabilities of the VR system are as of yet unknown, as Sony has only released the most basic of information. Neither pricing nor a release date have been announced.

Source: PlayStation.Blog

6 comments
6 comments
Joseph Oh
Why not just team up with Oculus Rift developers? How about that?
Boltac
That could be THE thing making me replace my PS3 by a PS4
dugnology
I can imagine a day where the whole family sits in the living room, all wearing VR glasses, watching different movies and playing video games together separately.
Cian Smith
More vapor ware? Oculus Rift would be awesome if it ever comes out. Going to be like everything else, amazing when unveiled, but takes so long to come to market that the hype is gone...
dink
"Why not just team up with Oculus Rift developers?
How about that? "
Glyphs are already supposed to outperform Rifts, and they include headphones.
Roomie
Well, Oculus has released the developer kit version and have just recently released the second version for pre-order, so in a sense they have come out. You might argue that you meant the consumer version but the developer kits at least show you it's not vapor ware. I have the Oculus Rift DK1 and even though the resolution isn't the best it's still freaking awesome!