Sony Working On Controller With Built-In Earphones

Rundown:

• Sony Interactive Entertainment has recently patented a controller with integrated storage slots for wireless earbuds, eliminating the need for separate earbud charging cases.
• The controller automatically pairs with both a gaming device and the stored earbuds, streamlining the pairing process for a seamless gaming experience.
• The controller features traditional buttons, touch-sensitive input zones, and intelligent audio management, allowing players to interact with the video game and control audio settings easily.
• The earbuds are equipped with a microphone that captures the player’s voice, transmitting it to the controller, which then forwards it to the gaming device for in-game voice chat.
• This innovation simplifies and enhances the gaming experience by consolidating multiple functions within a single controller and potentially improving audio quality and communication with other players.

Earlier today, we discovered a newly issued patent by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which is titled “INTEGRATED HEADSET CONTROLLER STORAGE AND CONNECTION” and was filed in April 2022. This patent, published earlier this month, outlines a controller that not only offers gaming inputs but also doubles as a charging case for wireless earbuds.

“A controller for providing inputs to an interactive application includes a first surface with a pair of slots to store earbuds, a plurality of control buttons and touch input surfaces defined on one or more surfaces including the first surface,” reads the patent’s abstract.

“A processor is configured to pair the controller to a computing device executing the interactive application and is coupled to each of the slots so as to pair the earbuds received therein to the controller and to share the pairing between the controller and the computing device with the earbuds received in the pair of slots.”

What sets this controller apart is its distinctive capability: it includes compartments for storing wireless earbuds, specifically in-ear headphones. Alongside traditional buttons and touch-sensitive input zones, the controller has the ability to automatically pair itself with both a gaming device, such as a console or computer and the earbuds housed within its storage slots. This eliminates the need for players to undergo a separate pairing procedure to connect the earbuds to the gaming device.

The new controller features a pair of slots on its surface, specially designed to store wireless earbuds. These slots are connected to the controller’s power source, allowing players to charge their earbuds while they are securely stored in the controller. No more worrying about finding and managing separate charging cases for your earbuds.

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s patent outlines a controller that simplifies the pairing process. It pairs not only with the gaming device but also with the earbuds themselves. This eliminates the need for a separate and often cumbersome pairing process for the earbuds, ensuring they work seamlessly with the gaming device.

Additionally, the controller is equipped with a multitude of control buttons and touch-sensitive areas that enable players to interact with the video game. These touch areas can also detect player input, allowing players to perform various actions related to their earbuds, such as pairing, charging, or directing audio content.

The patent also suggests that the controller can intelligently manage in-game audio and voice inputs. Players can choose to direct specific audio to one or both earbuds, the controller, or the gaming device, providing a highly personalised and immersive audio experience.

Additionally, the earbuds are equipped with a microphone for capturing your voice and transmitting it to the controller, which subsequently forwards it to the gaming device as input. The controller’s slots and various components are positioned either at the rear or on the sides, and there’s also an option to connect the earphones through a wired source.

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s patent harmonises seamlessly with the increasing desire for simplified and user-centric gaming encounters. It tackles the prevalent issues associated with juggling multiple devices, guaranteeing that players have all the necessary elements consolidated within a single controller.

Furthermore, the suggested innovation holds the potential to elevate the audio quality in gaming by harnessing the synergy between the earbuds and the controller’s integrated microphones and speakers. This audio enhancement will not only enhance the gaming experience but also enable clear communication with fellow players.

While the patent is certainly exciting, it’s essential to remember that the granting of a patent does not necessarily guarantee the immediate development and release of a commercial product. However, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s dedication to innovation and its history of bringing groundbreaking technology to the gaming community leave us eager to see how this patent will shape the future of gaming.

What do you think about this? Do tell us your opinions in the comments below!

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Huzaifa Khan

Started out penning short stories in my room, then stumbled upon my real passion for video game and technology journalism. Now, I’m all about playing and writing about them. With experience from VeryAliGaming, eXputer.com, and TheNerdMag, I’m currently dishing out news on Gamesual from my place.