Sony debuts DualShock 4 controller

Sony Computer Entertainment has provided full details about the wireless controller for PlayStation 4 - the DualShock 4 - and PlayStation 4 Eye, a new camera.

Utilizing a similar design as the popular Wireless Controller for PlayStation 3(DualShock 3), DualShock 4 incorporates a new highly sensitive six-axis sensor, as well as a touch pad located on the front of the controller.

DualShock 4 features a light bar on the top with three color LEDs that illuminate in various colors. The light bar illuminates to match the color of characters in a game to offer a simpler way to identify players, even when playing side by side. The light bar also changes patterns during gameplay to provide useful information to gamers, such as when a character is critically low on health or has taken major damage.

In addition, DS4 will come with a built-in speaker and stereo headset jack. Combined with the Mono Headset that will be bundled with PS4, gamers will also be able to chat with friends playing online, while hearing sound effects from the controller in hand.

While integrating the usual Select and Start buttons into a new Options button, DS4 is newly equipped with a Share button to further enhance PS4's social capabilities. The new Share button allows gamers to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to friends through internet streaming services such as Ustream. Users can also upload video gameplay to Facebook. Unlike streaming content via PC, users no longer have to convert data formats of their recorded gameplay, but can share it with ease.

Additionally, gamers can charge DS4 while PS4 is on standby or through a dedicated charging station. For convenience, the controller can also be charged with smartphone chargers via USB.

Finally, Sony Computer Entertainment worked with key partners in the development community to improve the feel of the left / right sticks and the trigger buttons, the result is a much tighter sense of control over in-game actions.

PlayStation 4 Eye, a newly developed camera for PS4 incorporates two sensitive cameras that have wide-angle lenses with 85-degree diagonal angle views which can recognize the depth of space. This enables PlayStation 4 Eye to cut out the image of the player from the background, or to grasp players' position in front and behind. Incorporated four microphones are also capable of accurate sound detection and source origination.

Users will be able to login to their PS4 with face recognition and are capable of using their own body movements or voices to play some games. PlayStation 4 Eye senses the color of DS4's light bar to judge the positions of multiple players, and set characters in the same positions or let a character talk to a particular player. PlayStation 4 Eye also supports PlayStation Move motion controller.

If you're interested in reading more about the PlayStation 4 itself, be sure to check out our complete PS4 coverage.

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