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
