Despite being released in less than a year, the PS5 is a completely black box with few, if any, features officially released by Sony to the public. But that has led some very resourceful people to raid the US Patent Office for all traces of information about the next-gen console, and has already returned a potentially huge discovery in an Alexa-style virtual assistant on PlayStation. 5. US Patent 20200139245 describes an “in-game information platform” that can not only provide hints and tips for particularly difficult game sections, but can also tell you how long chapters in a video game can take to beat. also.
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(Image credit: N/A) The image above, filed alongside the patent, shows a TV connected to a PS4 console, asking the player if they want to continue the level for 45 more minutes, or if they want to switch to another game. with a possible shorter completion time. Although it can give you a direct estimate of the time required to complete a level, other images show that the wizard takes into account game data and play style to reach this number. Another image shows the wizard saying that the completion time can be reduced if the player switches to another item or changes their strategy.
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(Image credit: N / A)
Is this part of a complete virtual assistant?
While the patent really only talks about in-game apps to offer tips and time management, it sounds like this idea could be part of a larger and more encompassing virtual assistant like Alexa or Siri, and to a lesser extent. Cut measurements. We've heard PS5 rumors suggesting that Sony is developing a Cortana rival for its new console, and this new patent certainly lends these reports more credibility. Unfortunately, Sony has been pretty quiet on the console and its capabilities outside of the very technical PS5 specs we were given back in March. This could finally change during an upcoming virtual unveiling event that would happen in early June. Either way, we'll keep you posted on Sony's PS5 plans as announced.