skinner49 Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Sony did what? When Sony announced that PlayStation 4 would be priced at $399 to an uproar of applause from the audience at its E3 press conference, it secured a critical edge over the Xbox One. But the advantage came at a cost: the PlayStation 4 camera (formerly known as the PlayStation 4 Eye). According to multiple sources, in the months leading up to E3, Sony nixed plans to include the camera add-on with every system and shave $100 off its originally planned price of $499. Most importantly, it did so quietly, informing its retail partners only of the removal of the camera, not specifying the lower price so as not to tip its hand to Microsoft. But in its efforts to undercut the Xbox One, Sony has damned the accessory to a future of fragmented consumer adoption and inconsistent software support. The decision has also rendered a major design element of the DualShock 4 controller — the built-in LED Move tracker — largely useless. Microsoft's decision to bundle a Kinect with each Xbox One and require it for use may be unpopular, but it guarantees that every user will have the option to try Kinect-enabled games and experiences. For developers, it means that Kinect integration is no longer a costly gamble on a small subsection of Xbox owners — motion-detecting and voice-sensing elements can be anything from a small optional game enhancement or the primary control method. By relegating the camera to a $59.99 add-on, Sony has ensured the opposite — a climate of codependency wherein PlayStation 4 camera adoption will hinge upon compelling software, but compelling software will only arrive after PlayStation 4 camera adoption. What's worse, the DualShock 4's integrated LEDs are now good for little more than visual flair. Per Sony, the light-up panels will help indicate the player associated with each controller and, when supported, react to in-game cues, such as blinking red when a player is low on health. Ultimately, the limited functionality of the LEDs without the aid of the Eye won't impact the player experience or even drastically diminish the overall battery life of the controller, but it's a lingering reminder of Sony's failure to support the tech. It's possible that Sony has long-term aspirations for the PlayStation 4 camera and the DualShock 4's integrated Move technology — the PS4 is likely to be a 10 year console, after all — but launch window support is likely to be non-existent. The device was little more than a footnote at the console's debut in February and of the more than 40 demos Sony showcased at E3, Drive Club and a tech demo Playroom were the only PlayStation 4 titles were camera-enabled. At present, Sony's abandonment of the Eye in favor of a lower priced PlayStation 4 seems to be paying off — the company claims to be boosting internal sales estimates and online retailers are reporting record breaking pre-sales — but will it be able to incentivize consumers and developers to adopt the device in the future? The odds are seemingly stacked against it, but perhaps Sony has a killer app waiting in the wings. Update: An earlier version of this story stated that there were no camera-enabled games at E3. The copy has since been updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azaan60 Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 hmm,I guess it was a smart move Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myers Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I like the lower price but at the same time it'd be nice to see what developer could have done with the camera if every user had it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon-Archon Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Sony did what? I personally don't mind it. I got an Eye toy camera with my PS3, but I never used it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vacio_Luna Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I'm cool with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirbz Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Eh I don't mind. I wouldn't have anywhere to put the camera anyways. It's not like I ever used the PS eye anyways. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dj_illmatic Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Smart move by Sony. No need to hike up the price forcing consumers to pay for something they don't want. Who does that? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parker Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I'm very glad they made this decision, not only because the price is $100 cheaper but also because they aren't forcing every developer to include some sort of compatibility with the eye. I have no problem with motion control at all, as long as I can use it on my terms, I can't stand when it is force fed into games simply because the parent company wants it to be there and that is one thing I sill hate about the Xbone. Parker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndroidFox Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I remember hearing about this a few weeks ago, the only downside is that less developers will utilise the camera. I never plan on buying one so I don't care in all honesty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lporiginalg Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadowthecat2000 Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Rarely used mine, so a 100$ cut off is better for me if I decide to buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zorry777 Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 not bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew_Banfield Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 The ps4 camera is now priced at £45 on the Game UK website... which would still make the ps4 + camera cheaper than the Xbox 1... http://www.game.co.uk/en/playstation-4-camera-230620?pageSize=20&categoryIdentifier=414102 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiperzz Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 (edited) Got an PS Eye and have used only a handful of times, and never for proper gaming. Its a nice idea and good for gatherings, but can't even come close to an actual controller. I'm thankful that Sony isn't trying to force something on me that I'll more than likely never use, especially for an extra 50 odd quid. Now all they need to do is fix the exchange rate, we're going to have to pay an extra £42 than our cousins from across the pond. Edited July 3, 2013 by Shiperzz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurorac Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I'm very glad they made this decision, not only because the price is $100 cheaper but also because they aren't forcing every developer to include some sort of compatibility with the eye. I have no problem with motion control at all, as long as I can use it on my terms, I can't stand when it is force fed into games simply because the parent company wants it to be there and that is one thing I sill hate about the Xbone. Parker ^This I'd rather have a well thought-out game with the eye than functions being forced into a game. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nasty_Rory Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 I can't see the problem here. I have an eye for the PS3 and i use it very rarely, even tho i have move controllers. But let me take you back eight years... x360 needed batteries for its controller, wifi capability was a 50 quid extra.. all in all when you matched similar spec ps3, Sony was giving the consumer a bargain but the x360 sold far more machines as all mom or grandma seen waz the initial price tag in the shop. And the xmas prezzie leads to birthday prezzie etc. Sony are aiming for that market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chanchibar Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Most people probably don't care, myself included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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