Sony patents may hint at PlayStation 4 VR headset

Two new patents imply that Sony could be working on a gaming headset similar to the Oculus Rift.

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It seems that Sony may have plans to introduce its own virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 4. A few different patents filed by the company recently could hint at larger plans for the future of the console.

A NeoGAF user (via Push Square) noticed the patents. One is for an audio system that could alert you to things happening out in the real world when wearing a full immersion headset. That way, you wouldn't sit idly by with your noise-canceling headphones while your fire alarm blares. The other patent is for a headset with motion sensing features, similar to the Oculus Rift.

Both patents were filed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and specifically by former Evolution Studios employees Simon Benson and Ian Bickerstaff. That studio is currently at work on Driveclub, which has been persistently tied to rumors regarding Sony's headset plans. Of course, Sony patents new technologies at a fairly regular pace, and sometimes nothing comes of it, so we'll have to wait to see how these pan out.

Driveclub was recently delayed into 2014 to grant more time for the team to deliver on its vision. A free version of the game will be available to PlayStation Plus members at launch.

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  • reply
    November 11, 2013 10:45 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Sony patents may hint at PlayStation 4 VR headset.

    Two new patents imply that Sony could be working on a gaming headset similar to the Oculus Rift.

    • reply
      November 11, 2013 6:10 PM

      Sony is actively working on something in this area and is already working with developers/outside companies to create games for it. I've spoken with recruiters a couple of times about working on games/technology for Sony VR headsets for the PS4.

      Seems like a weird strategy to me, though, for a company in such financial straits. Fully immersive VR headsets are an expensive niche curiosity at this point, and I can't imagine them gaining any greater mainstream acceptance than at home 3d movies did/have.

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