Tech at E3: from virtual reality to Mario toys
Video games and tech are inseparably entwined, and though manufacturers tend to focus on selling software, these are our picks of tech developments showcased at the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Project Morpheus - 3D headsets are viewed as being increasingly attainable consumer-grade devices. Sony's Project Morpheus had its gut-churning Street Luge demo available, while Facebook-owned, Samsung-partnered Oculus VR could show off an ever-expanding catalogue of supported titles, from horror show "Alien: Isolation" to the cuteness overload of "Lucky's Tale."
PlayStation TV - A little black box that can download and play games from the Vita, PSP and original PlayStation catalogue, with online PS3 game streaming and local streaming from a PS4. But it does conventional media too: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon etc. $99 for the device, or $139 with "The Lego Movie Videogame" and a PS3 controller? Now it's a serious competitor for Apple and Amazon's streaming boxes.
Just Dance Now - Not a gadget in itself, but indicative of the gaming industry's desire to connect with the widest audience. There's no console required for one of Ubisoft's biggest franchises: Take a smartphone with a wifi or data connection, add the "Just Dance Now" app, and dance along to pop hits for high scores or just for fun, whether at home or in a 20,000 capacity concert venue.
Nintendo's Amiibos - The Japanese console company comes up with its answer to Activision's Skylanders toys and the Disney Infinity line. Mario and co become collectable figurines that can interact with games, store custom data, and unlock extra content.
