Highlights
- Sony has filed a patent for a camera to be included in the charging case of its earbuds, allowing for mobile streaming and tracking body movements.
- The camera would be part of a multi-camera setup when used with a mobile device or computer and a Wi-Fi connection, and could be positioned and moved for the ideal angle.
- This patent suggests that Sony may be incorporating its VR peripherals, such as the PS VR2, with the camera-enabled earbud charging case for immersive gaming experiences.
A new patent from Sony suggests a plan to include a camera in the charging cases for its earbuds in the future. It is worth noting this would not be the first earbud-related patent that Sony has filed.
One of the things Sony is best known for is the PlayStation line of video game consoles, but the tech giant also has a history of producing other forms of technology such as Television monitors and digital cameras, as well as accessories for its various electronic devices, such as earbuds. Over the years, the company has also filed numerous patents to streamline the user experience with various Sony devices. This time, if a more recent patent is anything to go by, then it seems Sony is planning to innovate in a rather unexpected area, specifically an accessory of an accessory.
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The official patent, published on October 26, 2023, details plans to incorporate a camera into the charging case for Sony's wireless earbuds. This camera would most likely be a video camera that functions much like the ones on a smartphone, allowing for mobile streaming, and would track body movements for XR. The abstract explains that it's intended to be part of an easy, miniature multi-camera setup when utilized alongside either a mobile device or computer and a Wi-Fi connection. The camera would be positioned on either the base or the lid of the case, presumably powered by the battery inside, and could theoretically be moved to get the ideal angle thanks to a movable arm.
One of the images that accompany this patent details an example of how this product could be used. It shows a player setting up a connection between this charging case camera and a computer, with the latter receiving information from the user's movements, which the camera is able to track. Notably, the image is being sent back to the player's eyes through a visor they have on, suggesting that an intended use for this product would involve some of Sony's VR peripherals such as the PS VR2.
This is not the first time a patent has been filed for a Sony product that would track body movements in some way. Regardless, this new concept is certainly interesting, and should it come to fruition and see an official release at some point, it should be neat to see what nifty things players will be able to do with it.