Sony Computer Entertainment has revealed their latest expansion to the growing EyeToy series of products today, in the shape of EyeToy: Chat, developed by EyeToy creators London Studios. A public airing at this month's E3 expo is scheduled and 'Chat' will allow gamers to connect to each other and communicate through Online, offering live videochat between EyeToy owners. Not only will players be able to mail, chat and see others, up to sixteen players can communicate simultaneously via voice chat, and a huge 256 in chat rooms using text.

Chess, Draughts and Naval War mini-games will be playable via the new service, and 'Chat' will allow users to send each other 30-second video messages. Sony also assure us that privacy and security will be a priority, whilst children's welfare will be taken into account with parental lock features.

All in all, we think the sky could be the limit for EyeToy: Chat, however a lot does still depend on the success of PS2 Online, which is still in its infancy.

By Luke Guttridge