Sony EyePet video demo after the cut

Announced back in August last year, EyePet uses the PlayStation Eye webcam to monitor the face and body of anyone in frame, using that knowledge to allow the monkey avatar to play with you.  That can range from rolling a ball and having him scamper after it, to waving your fingers to make him laugh, or even poking him with a stick to make him jump (one of the things SlashGear specifically recommends not doing to a real monkey).

You can also clothe the monkey, draw new toys for it to play with, and collect more than 250 different objects for it to interact with.  There are also mini-games and plenty of lifelike animations.  No word on when we can see EyePet for the PS3 released, unfortunately.

[via electro^plankton]

Video demo after the cut

The controller-stick also has a trigger and other buttons, though the full controls are unclear at present; still, the system is in prototype stage so all that could change by the time it hits the market.  Sony demonstrated a first-person shooter and a drawing app using the controller, which seems to offer above-Wii accuracy.

According to Sony, the PlayStation Motion Controller for PS3 will launch in Spring 2010, which is around about the same sort of timescale we’re expecting Project Natal for Xbox 360 to arrive.  No word on pricing as yet, though we reckon a stick with a bulb on the end is probably cheaper for Sony to produce than Microsoft’s complex camera, sensor and microphone array.

Videos after the cut

From this point on, PSP games will be launched in both UMD and digital formats, through a new desktop app called Media Go that will sync with the PlayStation Network, as well as directly to the PSP Go! itself.  Video will also be supported, with more than 9,400 TV shows and 1,900 movies on offer, together with an automatic music playlist borrowed from Sony Ericsson’s cellphones, called Sense Me.

The Sony PSP Go! will hit shelves in the US and Europe on October 1st, followed by a November 1st launch in Japan.  It’ll be priced at $249 and €249, and available in white and black.

Press Release:

PSP go® PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Evolves To Match the Digital Lifestyle

With an Ultra-Portable Design and Digital Content Focus, PSPgo to Hit the Worldwide Market This Fall, Further Enhancing the User Experience Along with PSP-3000

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 2, 2009 –Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today unveiled PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) go (PSP-N1000), a new evolution of PSP handheld entertainment system, specifically designed to suit the digital lifestyle of consumers who enjoy downloadable content on the go. PSPgo will become available in stores on October 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a recommended retail price (RRP) of US$249 and €249, and on November 1, 2009, in Japan at a RRP of 26,800 yen (including tax). With both the existing PSP-3000 and new PSPgo, the company will further enhance the ultimate gaming and entertainment experiences on the go while providing consumers with the opportunity to choose the PSP system that’s right for them.

PSPgo is ideal for today’s on-the move consumers who prefer not to carry around disc-based content and are looking for on-demand entertainment. With the steady expansion of broadband network infrastructure, the number of users who download and enjoy digital entertainment content has been increasing remarkably. To address this growing trend, PSPgo replaces the UMD drive*1 with 16GB of flash memory to store a variety of digital entertainment content, offering users unlimited possibilities of portable digital entertainment delivered through PlayStation®Network. PSPgo, smaller and lighter than ever with a sophisticated design featuring an easy sliding display panel, is truly pocket-sized and can be taken everywhere. PSPgo will be available in Piano Black and Pearl White*2, two of the most popular colors since the launch of the PSP system in 2004. Along with PSP-3000, PSPgo will further enhance the unmatched portable gaming and entertainment experience by offering users more opportunity to enjoy their favorite entertainment content such as games, videos, music and photos anytime, anywhere.

In order to meet the needs of the growing number of PlayStation®Network users looking for digital entertainment content, SCE along with third party developers and publishers will continue to enhance the content line-up within PlayStation®Store for the launch of PSPgo, scheduled this fall. More and more new and attractive titles will become available for download from PlayStation®Store as well as on UMD™. This broad content offering across all genres includes new games, free-demos, PS one® classics for PSP, add-on items for game titles, and trailers.

In addition to accessing PlayStation Store directly from PSP using the built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) feature or through the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system, users will also be able to access and download a variety of entertainment content via their PCs using Media Go*3, a new software application. Media Go will enable users to access and download entertainment content on PlayStation Store via their PCs as well to easily manage PSP content on PCs, including games, videos, photos, and music. This easy to use software application will be available on a CD-ROM bundled with PSPgo.

Also this fall, a new music application specific to PSP that uses the “SensMe™ channels”*4; music recommendation feature, developed by Sony, also becomes available for download on PSP. With this music application, users will be able to enjoy their favorite music stored on their PSP through a rich user interface, designed exclusively for PSP. “SensMe channels” is a mood based music recommendation system that categorizes music content into channels such as “Relax,” “Dance” and “Upbeat,” and recommends music playlists for users.

Other features are:

Easy Sliding Display Panel and Original Applications
PSPgo offers a variety of exciting entertainment options by taking advantage of the sliding panel. When the panel is open, users will be able to enjoy various entertainment content with the familiar button control as PSP-3000, when closed, original applications for PSPgo, such as a clock and calendar is displayed on the screen. Users can also enjoy video and music when the panel is closed.
Game sleep function
PSPgo has unique features such as game sleep function which enables users to operate XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) while pausing gameplay temporarily.
Bluetooth® function
Bluetooth function will also allow users to connect Bluetooth standard peripherals such as head-phones and head-set *5 as well as PS3 wireless controller (DUALSHOCK®3 and SIXAXIS®) *6 to be used when watching video content on TVs via PSP at home*7.
Peripheral line-up
One of the products within PSPgo’s peripheral line-up is a new Cradle (PSP-N340) *7 that will become available in stores worldwide concurrently with the release of PSPgo. This new Cradle enables users to charge the PSPgo battery and also enjoy watching video and listening to music. Also included in the peripheral line-up are video-out port cables that enable users to enjoy games and videos on their TVs at home.
With the introduction of PSPgo, SCEI will continue to vigorously expand PlayStation Network’s digital content and services and build a stronger software line-up along with various marketing measures that match each region, while creating the world of computer entertainment only available on the PlayStation platforms.

*1 Content on UMD cannot be played back on PSPgo.

*2 Color variations may differ by countries and regions.

*3 Media Go also supports PSP-1000/2000/3000. For those PSP users, the software is available for download from PlayStation Store official site (http://store.playstation.com)., “Media Manager for PSP” will not support access to PlayStation Store, and it is required to use “Media Go” for accessing PlayStation Store.

*4 SensMe channels also supports PSP-1000/2000/3000. Details will be announced at a later timing.

*5 Head-phone and head-set supporting A2DP, HSP, AVRCP profile can be used. Some head-phones and head-sets may not be supported.

*6 PS3 wireless controller can be used. To register PS3 wireless controller on PSPgo, PS3 is needed. Some buttons and rumble feature will not be supported.

*7 Video-out cables and Cradle are sold separately in stores. Details will be announced at a later timing. Video-out cable and cradle for PSP-2000/3000 cannot be used on PSPgo.

The Vitality Sensor hooks onto the Wii remote and then you just place your finger inside of it. The device then measures your pulse rate. The idea behind this gizmo is to keep track of your heart rate during exercise and help you attain a goal heart rate.

However, it can also be used to help you calm down and slow your heart rate. That’s all we know at this point. Pricing is still unavailable and a release date isn’t expected until next year.

The biggest update to the Wii Fit franchise here is that you can move in one more direction than you could on the old version. This way, you can make a workout program that suits your preferences and abilities.

You can pair up yoga and strength activities for a custom workout that achieves the goals you desire. This allows you to make routines that can last for 20, 30 and 40 minute intervals. 15 minigames will be added, some of which include skateboarding and juggling. There is also a minigame that uses Mario elements to create a platforming level where you are Mario himself.

The new game will be in the classic 2D style and will be a side-scroller. You will have the ability to play four-player co-op. New power-ups and game play features have bee added as well, which is pretty cool for those of us that enjoyed the original game.

Also included is an auto-zoom feature that pans around and zooms in to make it possible to keep all four players on the screen at once. That’s good news for those that tend to get lost in co-op mode, but might be a bit distracting–we’ll just have to wait and see. You can expect New Super Mario Bros. for the Wii to be released by Christmas.

The joystick gives directional, proportional feedback rather than merely vibrating or rumbling, and has a two-stage metal trigger, mini-stick and analog trim controls.  Meanwhile the dual throttle system can be locked into single-throttle mode depending on aircraft and comes with 80 pre-designed button legends for different titles.

Finally, the pedals have a four-bar mechanism, open frame design and feature rudder controls and toe brakes.  Pedal-force adjustment lets gamers tailor resistance to their preferred level.

The Logitech Flight System G940 will land in Europe this September, with an MRSP of £279 ($457) plus VAT.  It’ll launch at the same time in the US, priced at $299.99.

Press Release:

The Sky’s the Limit: Logitech Introduces Its First Force-Feedback Flight Simulation Controller

Logitech Flight System G940 Delivers Simulator-Grade Flying Experience, Authentic Controls, Realistic Force Feedback

Los Angeles – E3 — Jun. 2, 2009 — To provide flight simulation enthusiasts with a realistic experience, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today unveiled the Logitech® Flight System G940. The latest addition to the acclaimed Logitech G-series line of gaming peripherals and the company’s first force-feedback flight simulation controller, the design and controls of the Flight System G940 were inspired by military and commercial planes and helicopters.

“There’s nothing ordinary about a G-series gaming peripheral, and the G940 is no different,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “We approached this project with the goal of redefining the flight sim experience. Whether you’re flying an A380, an F/A-18 Hornet or a Comanche helicopter, when you want to feel the wind on your wings, control engines together or independently or master tricky manoeuvres, the G940 behaves and feels like the real thing – from takeoff to landing.”

For an immersive experience, the three-component Logitech Flight System G940 features a force feedback joystick, dual throttle and rudder pedals. And, with more than 250 programmable button options integrated into a fully featured HOTAS (or Hands On Throttle-and-Stick) design, you’re able to access critical aircraft systems without taking your hands off the controls.

The system is also easy to set up; just connect the throttle and the pedals to the joystick cable, and plug the USB connector into your computer. And all components feature mounting hard points, making it easy to secure them to a surface. The Flight System G940 is compatible with most popular PC flight simulators, including Microsoft® Flight Simulator X, IL-2 Sturmovik™: 1946 and Lock On: Modern Air Combat X-Plane 9.

Force Feedback Joystick

For added realism, the Flight System G940 joystick features Logitech’s award-winning force feedback technology, which allows you to control your aircraft with confidence as you feel its movement as well as its reaction to air, turbulence and g-forces. Unlike vibration feedback or rumble technology, force feedback is directionally precise and tactile, so you get an accurate simulation of the forces experienced in the game.

Featuring a two-stage metal trigger, six programmable buttons, mini-stick, 8-way hat and three analog trim controls, the Flight System G940 joystick is designed to put you in complete control of your aircraft. And to ensure comfort during long flights, the joystick has a wide, solid base, a palm rest, a slight forward tilt of the stick and soft touch surface.

Programmable Dual Throttle

To give you realistic control over any aircraft, the Flight System G940 features a split throttle design, for easy control of multi-engine aircraft. When flying a single engine aircraft, a push-button interlocks the throttles for a more comfortable experience.

The interactive, programmable throttle-base buttons integrate with your favourite flight simulation software and illuminate red, green, amber or off to indicate the status of critical aircraft systems – just like they would in a real cockpit. For your convenience, Logitech includes 80 pre-designed legend inserts that slip into the buttons, making it easy to create an authentic switch panel with, for example, GPS, autopilot and landing-gear controls.

In addition to the eight programmable base-buttons, the Flight System G940 provides two eight-way hat switches, four programmable grip buttons and two rotary analog-controls. The included Logitech® Gaming Software allows you to assign virtually every possible control to the G940 in just a few steps.

Authentic Pedals

The pedals – the four-bar mechanism, inspired by the designs of current jet fighters – feature an open frame design with rudder controls and toe brakes, giving you true-to-life control, especially when performing defensive manoeuvres or crosswind landings, or piloting helicopters. An adjustable pedal-force knob lets you change the resistance to fit your flying style. And for added comfort, the pedal base has carpet grips and heel rests to keep the pedals and your feet in place even during the most difficult manoeuvres.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Flight System G940 is expected to be available in Europe in September for a suggested retail price of £279 plus VAT.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Each of the titles will be digital copies of the full, retail game, as if you’d queued up in the rain waiting for your local store to open on launch day.  New games will be added weekly, and the pricing will be the same as for a boxed, physical copy.

As for game rentals, an unnamed Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that they won’t be available in August but that it “sounds great for the future”.  Whether that pans out to an actual launch remains to be seen, of course.

Update: Video after the cut

Unlike rival systems, Natal can track full 3D movement rather than 2D, and requires no controller to be held (as the Wii demands).  It relies on proprietary recognition software rather than simple light tracking, allowing it to log into an Xbox LIVE account through facial recognition as well as tracking several limbs independently.

Similarly, the voice recognition apparently has some degree of comprehension, rather than just picking out key-words.  It can even discriminate intonation and emotion.  Unfortunately Microsoft don’t intend Natal to reach the market anytime in 2009 

Press Release:

“Project Natal”: No Strings (or Controllers) Attached

Unveiled for the first time to the public was “Project Natal,” pronounced “nuh-tall” and a code name for a revolutionary new way to play, no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak, you and your friends can jump into the fun. The only experience needed is life experience.

Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the “Project Natal” sensor is the world’s first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, “Project Natal” tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.

In addition, unlike other devices, the “Project Natal” sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn’t just react to key words but understands what you’re saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox LIVE? Simply step in front of the sensor.

“The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear,” said Steven Spielberg, visionary director and producer. “With ‘Project Natal,’ we’ll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us.”

The HD video downloads service now gets Zune branding, and thanks to some nifty buffering technology title playback is now “nearly instantaneous”.  Various bitrates will be offered, ranging from low quality for speedy downloads, and all the way up to 1080p with 5.1 surround sound.  Microsoft also promise a “disc in the drive” user experience, with glitch-free fast forward and rewind.  The US, UK and Ireland get full Netflix access or on-demand Sky TV, region permitting, while general movie and TV downloads are available in the existing eight countries together with ten new: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

As for Facebook integration, not only will Xbox 360 users be able to access their profiles, update statuses, view pictures and leave comments, the system will integrate with Facebook Connect to share updates, achievements and even screenshots from games.  The first title to support the functionality will be Tiger Woods PGA TOUR.  Finally, Last.fm will deliver streaming music through free, personalized radio stations, and share them with other contacts.  Users will require Xbox LIVE Gold membership to access it.