Sony, the juggernauts behind the PlayStation brand, filed new patents using audio to create a more immersive experience. The patents are using multiple devices to signal audio cues when motion is detected in the room or something happens within the game. The way the patents are described and when the patents were filed point to a new attachment for the PlayStation VR2.
Application submitted on December 14, 2022, the patents from Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. emits audio from one of the four devices placed in configuration with the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation VR2. The four devices; labeled 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d, have the purpose of playing audio depending on what happens in the game and in the player’s surroundings.
200a is attached to a microphone and camera, labeled 120, to capture the room dimensions and the player. 200b is next to the PlayStation 5, labeled 110, and this audio device outputs sounds that are playing within the game. 200c and 200d play audio to help the user be more aware of their surroundings. 200c is placed on a seat or couch, labeled 210. When the player gets close enough to the seat/couch, 200c will play audio to help the player avoid bumping into the seat/couch. 200d does a similar role to 200c but for the door/exit in the room. Placed on the door frame, 200d will alert the player of anyone (person or pet) entering the room.
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Sony plans to integrate this software with VR.
This patent by Sony was published recently on July 6, 2023, about seven months after the application date. Virtual Reality (VR) Gaming is still within its early stages of adoption. As more and more gamers are finding interest within VR, Sony is taking advantage of being the only console on the market to support it.
Their newest VR headset, the PlayStation VR2, launched on February 22, 2023. The beauty of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 is only requiring a PlayStation 5 for it to perform, no need to upgrade or troubleshoot a PC to make VR games work. Also, Sony has their own library of exclusive VR games that may interest PlayStation fans such as Horizon Call of the Mountain.
With the timing of the patent and the release of the PlayStation VR2, about two months apart, Sony really wants to dive into the VR space and don’t plan on backing out. For Sony’s Business Segment Meeting on May 24, 2023, they revealed the six week launch of the PlayStation VR2 performed better than the original PlayStation VR’s launch at about 600,000 units worldwide, a 8% increase.
While the sales numbers are still not in the millions for Sony, it’s hard to get gamers invested into VR when it’s still relatively new. In addition, the price of the PlayStation VR2 retails at $549.99, more than the PlayStation 5 console’s $499.99 price tag. Regardless, Sony is investing more into the VR space if this patent becomes an attachment for the PlayStation VR2.
Adding an additional audio layer to let the player be more immersed into the experience while assisting them in being more aware of their surroundings will advance the VR Gaming space. People can’t surprise the player anymore if the patents actually work as described. Let’s hope these new audio devices cost less than a PlayStation 5 console. What do you think of Sony’s new audio patents? Do you think this will improve the PlayStation VR2 experience? Let us know in the comments!
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