Despite early worries by some gamers the Microsoft Kinect has proved to be a hugely successful product, and continues to evolve with the device now available for Windows PCs. Meanwhile Sony came up with the PlayStation Move, which is being outsold by the Kinect by a considerable margin. According to a report on PlayStation lifestyle are looking to their own version that can track movements as well as depth.

A recently published patent has revealed that Sony has started work on a new 3D camera, which has the potential of coming with the next PlayStation. The patent was originally filed back in October last year, which is around a year after the Microsoft Kinect smashed records regarding sales. Sony has said before that they had looked into 3D camera technology before the Kinect was launched, but decided on the PlayStation Move instead.

The patent has been published by Dr Richard Marks who was responsible for the creation of the PS Move and the PS Eye, and hints that the company is again looking at a system along the lines of the Kinect. In the description for the paten it lists an invention that offers a “real-time” 3D environment that uses a device that senses depth.

Similar to the Kinect the patent says the camera will use infrared to determine the depth. Sony producing a Kinect like system for the next PlayStaion makes sense, as Microsoft is thought to be bringing a new Kinect system with the next Xbox console.

Sony will have to be careful to offer something different to the Kinect though as it will be accused of copying Microsoft. The next gen hardware from both companies will hopefully bring some innovative ideas and technology to the table, which will only benefit the gamer. Would you like to see a Kinect type system on the PlayStation?

As reported from Engadget, the review unsurprisingly makes a lot of comparisons to Nintendo’s WiiMote controller, as iFixit explain how each console uses different methods of locating their respective motion controllers.

While the WiiMote makes use of Infra Red sensors and emitters to operate, Sony’s Playstation Move uses a collection of processors, accelerometers, a vibrating motor, bluetooth transmitter and also a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) compass.

Built in LED lights allow for the color-changing sphere located at the top of the controller and the pad can also move in 3D space as shown off at E3.

If you’re interested in hearing more on what makes the PS move controller tick, then head over to iFixit’s full teardown here.

Having played the Wii since release and knowing that it is the most successful games system to combine fitness and gaming, we knew the Wii system would be hard to beat. The PS3 has something for everyone, be it watching Blu-ray movies, playing the latest games, and now working out while gaming at the same time.

Sony had to bring something that could attract the hardcore gamer, and we believe PlayStation Move is that accessory. Our six hour hands-on was started with excitement and skepticism, Sony had a lot to live up to if this was the system to compete with Wii games that continue to top sales charts.

Our first game had to be ‘Start the Party’, this is something kids and adults can enjoy at the same time, one game that will bring all the family together including grandparents. The mini games vary, from cutting hair to painting and each has three settings for level difficulties.

PS3’s Move is great hardware, but you will need good software to back it up and ‘Start the Party’ is a launch title that does just that, watching my children and their grandparents play the game together was magic, and the best way to review this software, something other review sites forget to do in their tests for ‘family’ software. The smiles showed Sony knew what they were doing with ‘Move’. Technically the PS Move controller and camera combination lets the player do things the Wii could only dream about, it’s more sensitive and allows for added gameplay not possible on the Wii platform.

Sports Champions was the next game we tried and table tennis had to be the first game. After a tutorial and controller calibration we were ready to go, one motion controller each and one side of the screen each. Holding the table tennis bat was impressive, just moving it a centimeter was picked up by the game, and moving it in any direction slow or fast showed amazing response with no lag. Working out what way to stand for different hitting came after a few goes, natural table tennis players will feel right at home.

The second game we tried was archery, and having just played the real thing for a few hours a few weeks ago, I was not expecting great things. In this game we chose to use two motion controllers for one person (where the expense comes in). This allowed for true gameplay, just like the real thing. It was like I was standing in the field the other week, after taking an arrow from the bag on my shoulder with my right hand, I loaded it with two hands, pulled back the string for 100% power and took my time just as taught. After aiming with my left hand for a few moments I let go of the ‘T’ button in my right hand to send the arrow just off target. This game really shows you what’s possible with PS Move.

Other games played included ‘Kung Fu Rider’, which was too like an arcade game for my liking but will be loved by some people. Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition was much more involved and took some time to get used to the controls, and certainly not one for the kids. After some practice this showed a game with graphics not possible on a Wii, and controls that took things that much further. After an hour of game time I decided that a normal controller far suited this game, which may not be the case for everyone.

This is our first impressions of PS Move, the hardware has launch titles that offer something for everyone, but it’s still early days and we’re sure much better games are to come. Next game we’re playing is ‘Racquet Sports’.

Have you had time with PlayStation Move yet? What are your first impressions? If we had to rate PS Move overall, it would get 9/10. Lacking only in game choice at this time.

As reported from Engadget, Best Buy are infamous for leaking hardware early, and this particular incident is no different. A screenshot provided by Engadget shows the Playstation Move retail packaging at a Best Buy store in Michigan, US.

Playstation Move is not supposed to retail in the US until Friday, although it will be available in Europe on Wednesday. The Playstation Move Starter Pack as seen in the picture above consists of a PS Move controller, Playstation Eye Camera and a copy of Sports Champions – This will set you back $99.

You’ll have to buy a navigation controller separately, and there are also a variety of console + move bundles available, check out Amazon for the full list.

Are you planning to pick up Playstation Move this week? Maybe you already have it?