Sony Computer Entertainment has officially revealed the next-generation equivalent of the original EyeToy for the PS2. The new hardware version adds USB 2.0 and is simply dubbed the PlayStation Eye, scheduled for a summer release. Designed specifically for the PS3, the PlayStation Eye includes a new camera capable of capturing video at 120FPS at 320 x 240, or 60 FPS at 640 x 480, even in low-light conditions. The adjustable zoom lens features a 56 degree field of view to capture head and shoulders action for close-in audio-visual chat, and a 75 degree field of view to capture the whole body. On the audio side of things, the PlayStation Eye features a four microphone array, incorporating multidirectional voice location tracking, enhanced echo cancelling and background noise suppression for clear audio chat without the need to wear a headset. Each of the four channels has is capable of 16 bits, 48kHz and SNR 90db.
Bundled with each PlayStation Eye will be the EyeCreate editing software, which allows users to save photos, video and audio clips to the PS3 hard disk drive. Different capture modes like time-lapse and slow motion and other visual effects will be at the user"s disposal. David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe adds, "PlayStation Eye has four times the resolution, twice the framerate and double the sensitivity of its predecessor EyeToy USB Camera. With the technology that we now have at our disposal we will be able to dramatically improve the communications experience enjoyed on PS3."