Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the imminent arrival of the PlayStation Eye camera. Not to be confused with a toy -- or an EyeToy, for that matter, because such sophistication shouldn't be referred to as a toy -- PlayStation Eye is scheduled for release this summer. It's touted as an essential accessory for voice, video chat and online gaming that will enable gamers to enjoy their PlayStation3 (PS3) experiences like never before.

Designed specifically for PS3 and featuring advances in USB camera and microphone technology, PlayStation Eye hopes to revolutionize the experience of both interactive gaming and online communication on the PlayStation Network.

PlayStation Eye looks to work with the next generation of social gaming titles and new services being developed for PS3. It's key features of the PlayStation Eye include:

• A sophisticated microphone with the ability to reduce background noise and focus on spoken word for smoother, more accurate speech recognition (than...?)


• The ability to perform in low-light conditions


• Faster frame rate for improved tracking, responsiveness and smoothness


• Two position zoom lens for close-up and full body options


• Free EyeCreate editing software, which allows users to save, edit and add cool visual effects to photos, video and audio clips. EyeCreate also enables user to capture videos and audio clips directly to the PS3's hard disk drive and access a range of different capturing modes, including slow motion and time-lapse.

One has to wonder about the possibility of EyeTube or something like it... and all sorts of, uh, "home made" content.