PlayStation VR

© 2014 Sony Computer Entertainment America
$400500, PlayStation 4
Teaches: augmented reality, 3D goggles, peripheral

CTR Review

PlayStation VR (formerly called "Project Morpheus" is a 3D augmented reality system that works along with the PlayStation 4 Camera and PlayStation Move controllers to let you put your head and your hands into a digital experience. The system is integrated with the other parts of the PS4, giving Sony VR a unique experience. According to Sony, the objective is to deliver "a sense of presence" to video games... so you feel as if you are physically inside the virtual world to heighten emotions. For most experiences, you also must wear headphones that block external sounds. This lack of sight and sound intensifies the experience. It's like being alone in a pitch black 3D theatre.... It's both isolating and "intense." Such hardware raises some interesting research and design questions. We've had an excellent experience with the PlayStation VR system in our library. We keep cleaning wipes nearby for each new user, and have discovered some interesting software that has been very appealing to children. The system has a very high novelty effect, but most players only want to spend a few minutes with each game because it feels so isolating. Here's how it works: motion sensors are built into the head mount unit and the PlayStation Camera uses LEDs on the outside of the goggles to track head orientation and movement. As a result, when you turn your head, your world responds instantly, in real-time. The PlayStation Move controllers can also function as objects, like swords or tools. PlayStation VR incorporates 3D audio technology as well, so sounds might come from the front, behind, left and right. You might hear footsteps coming from behind, or the engine noises of a helicopter flying overhead. These sounds adapt to the position of your head as part of the immersive 360-degree virtual world. It's both 3D sound as well as 3D sight. See also the Valve-HTC’s Vive headset and Facebook’s Oculus Rift. We had a chance to test the system (http://youtu.be/n9qRMLHL8Zg).