SCEA Announces Details of PS3 Bluetooth Headset

September 3, 2008

SCEA
Announces Details of PS3 Bluetooth Headset

Sony Computer Entertainment America
(SCEA) today announced that the Bluetooth® Headset for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™)
system will be available in North America beginning October 14. Designed
exclusively with the PS3 system experience in mind, the Headset leverages
superior voice technology and other advanced features to enhance voice chat
during intense online multiplayer gaming. The Bluetooth Headset will be
available initially as part of the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation bundle
for $59.99 (MSRP). It will be available as a standalone peripheral shortly
thereafter for $49.99 (MSRP).

Featuring innovative features and
advances in voice technology, the Headset brings next-generation voice chat
features to PS3 system and expands on SCEA’s legacy as one of the first
companies to popularize Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology within a console
videogame through SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation®2 system. With a
gamer-friendly design, the Headset is compact, sleek, and ergonomic, fitting
comfortably on each ear and featuring an easily accessible mute button. The
included charging cradle allows for convenient charging and storage of the
headset. The Headset also is compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones
and audio devices.

A PS3 system software update slated
for release this fall will unlock several advanced features that will
differentiate the Headset from any other products currently available.

The key feature enabled by the
firmware update is High-Quality (HQ) mode*, which utilizes advanced wireless
technologies and the Headset’s dual-microphone design to enable clear and
wide-band wireless voice communication with the PS3 system.

Following is a list of Headset
features that will be added following the PS3 firmware update.

  • High-Quality (HQ) mode – This
    delivers high quality online voice chat and high bandwidth voice recording and
    playback, which is currently not available with any other Bluetooth Headset.
    For future PS3 games, HQ Mode also can enable or enhance advanced in-game
    features: Voice command (the ability to direct AI characters using voice)
    Voice animation (your in-game character mimics you during voice chat)
    Proximity chat (high quality voice playback in full surround sound to match
    all of the sound effects and voiceovers in the game)

  • When docked in the supplied
    charging cradle, the Headset works as a desktop microphone while charging

  • Automatic pairing of the Headset
    with PS3 system via a USB cable

  • Exclusive PS3 on-screen indicator
    displays connection status, battery charge level, speaker volume level and
    microphone mute status at a push of a button

* High-Quality (HQ) mode is only
available on PS3 system, and not with other Bluetooth enabled cell phones or
devices. HQ mode may not be available for certain existing PS3 system software
titles at the time of the Headset’s release this fall.

About SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs
Confrontation

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
delivers the most intense and authentic high definition modern combat action.
The title’s focus is on online play and the global community and clans that
support it, with an emphasis on Tournaments, Clan Ladders and Leader Boards.
Delivering a global-scale combat experience that has been refined over four
generations of the SOCOM franchise, SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation gives
players the opportunity to battle against the best and brightest from the U.S.,
Europe and Asia. Players can also modify their appearance through facial and
physical customization. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation features seven
North African environments, including a 32-player version of the most popular
SOCOM map of all time “Crossroads.”