Old Discussion Thread for all 3 motion controllers

[Prophecy2k]

I don't think the point of the light ball on the end of the wand is to "light the player", rather to ensure the camera can see the wand regardless of the environment lighting conditions.

Not sure if you're confusing yourself there patsu... unless Sony have said something to that effect?

 

[patsu]

It's a light bulb/source.

So it's natural to think about its normal use cases.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

More likely a small LED than a light-bulb, so giving off as much light as that. Plus a moving lightsource is going to cast all sorts of crazy shadows that'd more likely confuse human image recognition than aid it. I doubt any peripheral will be able to aid optical human recognition, as you really want a powerful diffuse light-box for that!

 

[patsu]

That's entirely possible.

If it's getting used to help PSEye, it'd have to be set down (we talked about this a little a while ago). Am also curious whether it can be used as an AmBX gadget for the lighting effects.

In my experiences, PSEye may not like a strong light source (Probably wash out the picture). So a more soothing light source may be good (I don't know yet).

EDIT: The PSEye can "see" under poor lighting conditions, so just a little more light would help in dark areas. Trying to spotlight the player could be worse than low light.

 

[obonicus]

With AmBX and a vibration function, it'd be the perfect Rez device. As long as you have a controller as well.

 

[Arwin]

Anyone remember this? Makes some kind of sense for the ARC, right?

What platforms are supported?

The current amBX SDK supports Microsoft Windows platforms. SDK for Sony PLAYSTATION ®3 will be available to licensed Sony PS3 developers soon.

As for lighting, in my experience the PS Eye so far can handle moderate to good lighting conditions pretty well, but for instance Eye of Judgment hated to have more than one lightsource - say form a second light or from the TV (would typically choose an energy saving mode for it when playing that game)

 

[patsu]

I'd like to experiment with the Arc light more.

At this moment, I don't believe it will shine too brightly. I think the 2 light source problem you encountered could be a "too harsh/bright" problem. But I am not sure.

The inherent advantage for Arc light source is: PS3 knows what exactly it's outputing on Arc (shape, color, intensity, distance). So it should be very good for self-diagnose and self-adjustment to "understand" and quantify the environment.

May also help to lower customer support calls to see if Arc is working properly. Every PC comes with mic test. Every PS3 should come with Arc test. Same for 360.

EDIT: I am keen to have the Arc as a music visualizer though. I usually turn off my TV screen if I used the PS3 for playing music.

 

[patsu]

Shigeru says new hardware is on the way from Nintendo:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177860

The Mario creator didn't get down to specifics on the device, but this is still the first real acknowledgement of new hardware by one of the higher-ups at Nintendo. We'll have to wait and see whether he's referring to the rumored Wii HD, a successor to the DS, or something totally unexpected.

 

[obonicus]

3 years into the younger console's lifecycle, isn't that about as surprising as them saying "we're working on a new Zelda"?

 

[patsu]

If he's willing to acknowlege now, then may be the formal announcement will be soon-ish ?

 

[Prophecy2k]

Isn't this perhap's the wrong thread for that?

 

[patsu]

Yes, was looking for a place to post it. Since the new hardware confirmation is just a mention in passing, I did not want to start a new thread. The original article also mentioned a new Wiimote+ Zelda game though. It is unclear whether the new hardware will build on top of motion sensing.

 

[patsu]

Facial recognition on iPhone (We touched on this concept briefly):
http://gizmodo.com/5472251/the-faci...reality-app-that-could-revolutionize-stalking

An app demoed today at the MWC identifies individuals—and pulls up their profiles, with facial recognition—just by looking at them. That's some fancy futuristic stuff right there... although there may be darker side.

The Face.com-powered app from Comverse can recognize a friend or colleague and automatically show you links to their profile or pictures and let you message them without accessing your contact list. Great so far! But according to the press release, it's not just limited to the people you know:

# Acquaintances: The app has the potential to connect people before they even know each other's names. If you bump into someone who you met before and he or she looks familiar but you can't remember why, the app will locate that person's online profile to put a name to the face.

EDIT: pseudo-3D UI + gestures on Android:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/tat-home-the-gesture-powered-3d-home-screen-your-android-device/

 

[patsu]

Stolen from GAF:
https://www.cmpevents.com/GD10/a.asp?option=C&V=11&SessID=10534

... and a random rumor:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=19825148&postcount=256

Heard from Dev friend who has these at his work.

Was initially given the PSWand with big pink blob, looks like sex toy. Last few weeks wireless nunchuck arrived!

Has analog stick and square and circle on it and I think L1 and R1. I'll have to check the proper details but looks like the nunchuk will happen.

Wireless too, sweet.

Salt please ! The wand already has the ^[]OX buttons. If it's the nunchuck, I'd rather it is part of the splittable DS3.

 

[Silent_Buddha]

So, looks like the PS3 wand will be a relatively close clone of the Wii controls except more accurate, while MS went off in a completely different direction.

Really can't wait for E3 and hopefully get more information on what's coming out for everyone to push their motion control solutions.

Regards,
SB

 

[thop]

Last few weeks wireless nunchuck arrived!

I'm curious how Sony will sell this as innovation and new technology, like the SIXAXIS at E3

 

[DuckThor Evil]

Couldn't help but to notice that the latest Smallville episode had some Natal product placement going on.

 

[patsu]

PC and Mac have the same underlying hardware tech, but their software and marketing are what differentiate them.

In my view...
Hardware-wise, Arc suffers from the "me too" or better mouse trap issue. Sony is also pushing quite a few pieces (Arc controller, 3D, any chargeable PSN plan). They will need to think the hardest to figure out what exactly they are pitching (combined). Relying on their hardware marketing guys alone will likely fall flat (Think PSP Go, and earlier piecemeal PS3 marketing). Sadly, they only hold a partial picture of the final product.

Software-wise, if they can put more new ideas like the sketch recognition stuff to daily use, then it would appeal more to the end users. The overall software experience (e.g., Minority Report's controller-free UI, or Harry Porter style magical wand) will depend on how well they work, and how useful they are. In general, they both allow controller-free applications, but choosing the best tool for the job would be key in the long run. At this point, I think the no-remote pitch is great for home theater. OTOH, Arc has no signature software yet, except for WiiSports. So again, Sony needs to look for its own flagship software different from WiiSports (Preferably, serving a different need).

I'm curious how Sony will sell this as innovation and new technology, like the SIXAXIS at E3

SIXAXIS is great except that Sony didn't go far enough (No commitment => Didn't think through enough). Folklore and Flower justified for the existence of SIXAXIS. If they take the current hardware centric approach, then Arc will definitely suffer. So this time, hopefully they go deep.

The above are known issues and perception of SCE. Arc is more interesting to me as a way to see how Sony executes (and improves itself -- more than just talks). From the GT5 thread, I _think_ I can see marketing fighting/patching with the dev since they come in so late (You hear Kazunori say, "It's up to marketing now". Ideally a large part of it should happen at the beginning, not at the end).




Argh, that Smallville video is bad. The actor's action doesn't match up with the game at all.

 

[Nesh]

Couldn't help but to notice that the latest Smallville episode had some Natal product placement going on.

heh even in the video the response time is too high

 

[Toaddio]

In my view...
Hardware-wise, Arc suffers from the "me too" or better mouse trap issue.

The only benefit this will probably upon release is that Wii developers will be able to make quick ports of successful Wii games and add some control improvements. The "Arc", or whatever it will be called could be released with a dozen or more popular titles. Good initial sales would convince more developers to invest in more titles.