Sony Rumored To Be Debuting Wiimote-Like Controller At E3

Anenome writes "Previously, we saw a Microsoft patent on a Wiimote-like device, and now rumors say that Sony too has a similar device in the works. This isn't surprising, given how dominant Nintendo's Wii has proved to be in this hardware generation. However, many gaming-geeks continue to lament the move away from plain old button-pressing. What is exciting is the prospect that all three companies may incorporate Johnny Lee-style head-tracking into the next console generation, which achieves a convincing 3D illusion on a regular vid-screen, leaving us just a few steps away from true positional 3D. Both the Microsoft and Sony patents incorporate a camera looking at the user, a required setup for achieving positional head-tracking."

It's been done

[Tar-Alcarin]

Why is it that no-one seems to remember the fabulous TrackIR (http://naturalpoint.com/trackir/ [naturalpoint.com]) when discussing Johnny Lee's headtracking gizmo? Is there any reason why this tried and true device couldn't or shouldn't be used in this application?

Re:Now to wait...

[jimicus]

Do you mean like this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_MotionPlus [wikipedia.org]

Re:This Is Sure To Be A Success If It's From Sony!

[Anonymous Coward]

walkman
3.5' floppy disk
CD
blu-ray

Re:Patentable?

[Sockatume]

Patent law in almost all countries only covers unique implimentations of an idea, not the idea itself. And in the few countries that are exceptions, you can only patent very particular ideas (e.g. "business methods"). So you can make something that's "Wiimote-like" in function, so long as its way of achieving that function does not infringe on Nintendo's patent and isn't covered by prior art. (Prior art objections are usually brought after-the-fact, mind you.)

Re:This Is Sure To Be A Success If It's From Sony!

[b1t r0t]

Sony Laserdisc

Actually, Sony had very little to do with the laserdisc format. They came out with some lame players (actually, any player but a post-digital-audio Pioneer or a high-priced Home Theatre brand player was lame), and they manufactured [wikipedia.org] discs. [lddb.com] Oh wait. Carry on.

But as it wasn't a Holy Sony Format, naturally they wouldn't care if their quality was crap.

Re:And the winner is ...

[internerdj]

Maybe my math is wrong, but I'm getting about 4.5MB per frame if the signal isn't compressed. Don't know about you but I'd definitely notice a drag like that over my wi-fi connection. Simple solution: Make a spare tin-foil hat and put it over the camera when you aren't playing your playstation.