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Sony Unveils PS3 Motion Controller
Sony confirmed rumors at E3 yesterday by debuting their take on a motion-based input device, set to be released for use with the PS3 in the spring of 2010. The BBC has some entertaining video of the demonstration. "A sensor sits on top of the TV and detects the position, distance and movement of two controllers held in a user's hand. The device can not only measure where the controllers are in relation to each other, but also how close they are to the sensor, meaning you can create true 3D movement within a game. ... During the demonstration, the developers showed what the Sony PlayStation Controller was capable of, enabling users to wield weapons, fire a bow and arrow, write on screen and manipulate objects in a virtual environment. 'One thing that is really difficult to do in a virtual world is drawing,' said Mr Marks. 'And in particular, writing requires extreme precision. [The controller can be measured] to sub-millimetre accuracy.'"
This looks like it is all done with software which runs on the PS3. The cost of the controller should be no more than $5 but Sony will find a way to charge you $60 or $100 for it.
Also, expect it to be full of DRM so you can't make your own. Afterall, its probably just a specially shaped object with some IR or something, easy to duplicate.... so pack it full of DRM and pass the cost onto the customers.
Screw Sony... where is my NetFlix on PS3?
Have you used the Wiimote to play Wii games? In the form it's in, it is a gimmick. It's basically a tacked on feature to most games outside of those made by Nintendo themselves and has poor sensitivity and tracking.
Hahahaha their ideas!? Are you serious!? Patenting is not about whos idea it is, it's about who claims it first. You think this is fair? Not to mention all the obvious, general patents that stretch from right click menus to any other ridiculous patents. How the hell can you defend this? Is this nurturing business to you? What happens in a year in development took ages when patenting was created. Do you understand the difference? It's not about protecting your business, it's about grabbing the allowance to do even to most basic functions, leaving anybody that want to build on that idea, not even necessarily yours to fucking begin with, to improve development, forced to pay you royalties. This renders only the wealthy, such as corporations, to be able to continue such development. I don't think you quite understand what patenting has become. You're just standing there clapping your hands to this ridiculous circus.
I am the lawn!