With so many tech brands having their own AI-powered digital assistant, it looks like Sony may be getting its own. But rather than one for general use, the Japanese company’s digital assistant may be used exclusively by it’s gaming arm. Aptly, it is known as PlayStation Assist.
Games industry analyst Daniel Ahmed tweeted the patent that was granted to Sony by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). It works just like you’d expect of a digital assistant, but focused within the realm of video games instead. You can ask the digital assistant for information about a certain game, or what games your friends are playing. You can even get it to schedule a gaming session with friends.
In addition to the general stuff you’d expect from digital assistants described above, you could also ask for in-game help. For example, you can ask it to tell you where the nearest health pack is, or for tips on clearing the current platforming puzzle you’re facing. The patent also describes a companion mobile device, suggesting there may be a mobile app that you can use.
Of course, as is the nature of patents, there’s no guarantee that such a thing will end up in the consumer market. If it does, it will be interesting to see if this PlayStation Assist can really help with such context-sensitive queries, like the nearest health pack relative to your in-game position.
(Source: WIPO via Eurogamer, @ZhugeEX / Twitter)
