Sony launches PLAYSTATION Eye cam for PS3

Sony today brought its PlayStation camera into the current generation with the PLAYSTATION Eye. A match for the PS3, the Eye is a near-complete overhaul of the PS2's EyeToy. A newer sensor helps lower-light scenes and dramatically improves the frame rate for improved tracking in motion-sensitive games: a VGA-resolution image runs at a game-friendly 60 frames per second, while a smaller QVGA image runs faster still at 120 frames per second. The camera's microphone is also a major improvement that adapts specifically to voices and filters background noise for chats and voice commands.

Software is just as important to the new camera, according to Sony. A new program dubbed EyeCreate allows owners to record audio and video to the PS3's hard drive and apply effects; the exceptionally fast frame rate further helps by allowing slow-motion video modes and more precise time-lapse photography.

PS3 owners will find the USB-based Eye available sometime this summer. Pricing and a specific release date will be announced closer to the actual launch.