PS2 VIRTUAL REALITY
July 25, 2000

At Siggraph 2000, InterSense is demonstrating InterTrax2, a new head-tracking system. InterTrax2 runs on the PlayStation2 (as well as PC's and workstations) and will allow users to upgrade their consoles to VR systems for a new 3D game experience.

"As soon as we heard that the PlayStation2 would support USB, we started to re-design InterTrax to reduce its size and weight, and improve its performance," said Charlie Miller, InterSense's CEO. "The combination of using a games console as the host platform for a VR experience and the additional compatibility afforded by USB, greatly improves the potential for both the VR industry and our products. Now, with advances in computer processing power, display technology and 3D graphics, InterSense technology can truly bring 3D to life."

Blake Bisson, vice president of worldwide sales, added: "The power of PlayStation2 is perfect for immersive VR applications that require consistent frame rates of more than 30Hz and we are seeing a great deal of interest in the middleware, headsets and InterTrax2. This combination is proving very attractive to game developers and publishers and our system has been designed to meet this market demand."

Working with its Japanese partner, AiCube Co. Ltd, InterSense has developed middleware that enables InterTrax2, a 3-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) head-tracking system to work with Sony's new system. Weighing half as much as its predecessor, Intertrax2 offers greater functionality and accuracy and easily attaches to all known Personal Display Devices.

InterTrax2 will be available from InterSense and its partners at the end of July 2000 as either a standalone product or bundled with a range of headsets. The USB middleware and demonstration software is available free to licensed Sony application developers. The middleware is also available for license or sale to other peripheral manufacturers that want to develop PlayStation2-compatible products and require an early time to market. Pricing will be determined according to volume and bundling configurations.