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Security Meets Gaming with SpyToy™

For immediate release

* New: Face recognition technology

* New: Video messaging and post recording edit capability

* Refine your spy skills with code-breaking interactive missions

London, 15th July 2005 - Watch out! Big brother may well be watching you with the first ever bedroom surveillance tool and spy game! Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today a host of new features and games for SpyToyTM on PlayStation®2 - allowing super spies of all ages to refine their secret agent skills.

Due for release in October 2005, SpyToy is more than just a game, it is a state of the art security system. It builds on the surveillance concept first introduced in 'EyeToy®: Play 2' with a package of new and improved security features, whilst the gameplay sees you become a member of the SIA [Strategic Intelligence Agency], tasked with bringing to justice a global network of master criminals.

SpyToy now offers two modes: Security and Gameplay. Surveillance mode is a fun security system that uses the EyeToy camera to secretly capture footage of unwanted intruders. It can be used to passively monitor a room, with the EyeToy camera triggering playback of a pre-recorded warning message on the TV screen or secretly recording the person from the moment they enter the area. Gameplay mode allows you to enrol at the SIA and put your secret agent skills to the test by undertaking a range of missions as you track down members of the criminal fraternity.

With the exclusive face recognition and tracking technology, SpyToy allows you to secure your system from unwanted viewers who will fail the face scan, and also to create unique profiles of your targets so that only identified intruders are recorded. Packed full of features, SpyToy offers:

New Technologies

  • Face Tracking enables SpyToyTM to recognise up to 10 faces
  • Video Messaging System - send secret messages to friends via a Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2)
  • Special 'background subtraction' facility used in spy games and Surveillance mode
  • Post-recording editing features to manipulate video capture
  • Print hi-resolution images on any Epson USB printer

Surveillance Mode

The ultimate in room security with motion and face-recognition triggered recordings or alert facilities:

  • Record digital, night vision or time lapse video, still digital images or sound clips
  • Improved video capture and compression system ensures high clarity footage - nearly doubling the EyeToy USB camera's photo resolution to 640x480 dpi
  • Zoom into specific areas of the live feed and set multiple alarm zones to trigger recordings or alerts
  • Editing and customisation options allow you to create your own personalised alarm systems and camera modes

Gameplay

The gameplay features challenging missions that include: Agent Capture, Code Breaking, Photo Fit and Sky Diving. Jump from a plane, zoom into locations via satellite technology and locate and ensnare other agents in this unique gaming espionage extravaganza.

  • Mix of 'player on screen' and avatar gameplay
  • Narrative gameplay experience
  • Work with Deputy Director Howard Stark and his assistant Alicia Rosen on hand to guide you from one game to the next
  • Eight fun spy games to play - Sky Diving, Code Breaking, Photo Fit, World Map, Nanobot, Nanotech, Geosphere and Laser Lock
  • Fully interactive Minority Report style on-screen play
  • Practice games
  • Unlockable content

Skydive into major international cities and take part in covert and daring assignments to defeat an organised network of master criminals... work against the clock to defuse mysterious gadgets... build photo-fits... gather intelligence... crack top secret codes...

Forget pens that take pictures and x-ray specs, if you are serious about surveillance then what you really need is SpyToy - just make sure you're the first one to have it!

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

Jennie Kong (jennie_kong@scee.net)

Tel: 020 7911 8176 Fax: 020 7734 4926

Sony Computer Entertainment UK Ltd

Notes to Editors

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PS one®, PlayStation®2 and PlayStation Portable® software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes games software for the three formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the PAL territories. At the end of March 2005, over 40 million PlayStation® units had been shipped across these PAL territories, over 102 million worldwide. Between its European debut on 24 November 2000 and the end of March 2005, over 31 million PlayStation®2 units have been shipped across the PAL territories, over 87 million world-wide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history.

PlayStation and the PlayStation logo, PS one and PS2 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at http://www.scee.com and www.playstation.com.

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