Microsoft reveals 'Project Natal': Sensor-based Xbox 360 control |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Startup of the Week: LocalBonus aims at 'buy local' movement
- Seattle webcomic The Oatmeal generates Tesla-Edison controversy
- Amazon falls on world's most valuable brand list; Microsoft at No. 5
- Former Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson resigns from F5 board
- 350 million Windows 7 devices to be sold this year: Microsoft
- Microsoft rolls out facial recognition for Windows Kinect
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft reveals 'Project Natal': Sensor-based Xbox 360 control
Microsoft demos Project Natal at E3. (Credit: GameTrailers.com)
At the E3 video-game convention in Los Angeles just now, Microsoft confirmed plans for a sensor-based Xbox 360 control system being developed under the "Project Natal" code name. The system uses full-body motion sensing and voice commands to let people control the action on screen, without requiring traditional video-game controllers.
"What Microsoft is doing is not about reinventing the wheel -- it's about no wheel at all," said producer Steven Spielberg, who appeared on stage to promote the technology.
Such a system has been rumored since Microsoft was reported to be in talks to acquire 3DV Systems, a startup that specializes in three-dimensional gesture recognition. Intuitive video-game control systems have been the hot trend in the game industry since Nintendo introduced its Wii video-game console with a motion-sensitive controller.
Microsoft demonstrated the system live on stage at E3. We watched via the GameTrailers.com video stream, and the full-body action looked impressive, but it will be interesting to hear the reaction from people who were there. The company says it's making the technology available to video-game developers to incorporate into games.
Stay tuned for more details as they're available.
Follow-up: Video: Microsoft 'Natal' in action
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Follow, like, and connect to a broader audience for your company!
The Puget Sound Business Journal announces Social Madness: A Corporate Social Media Challenge, presented by Capital One Spark Business. This a local and national challenge that will spotlight the best social media programs of companies in 43 cities. The local challenge begins (following the nomination period) on June 1, 2012. The promotion will culminate in a national bracket challenge that will crown Social Madness champions in 3 categories based on company size. To see the official rules, visit http://www.socialmadness.com/rules.
For more information on how your company can participate, visit the nomination page here. Nominations are due May 15th.
BizDev Seminar Series - Leadership: Rallying People to a Brighter Future
Join us for this one-of-a-kind seminar series where you hear directly from the experts about hot topics to grow your business.
The skills to be effective as a leader can be learned. What are the skills and attributes needed to be effective top leaders? How do you tell what level your people are at, and what development skills each person needs? Workshop attendees will learn the answers to these questions and more.
Tuesday, May 17, 2012
8:30am - 10:30am
The Harbor Club, Seattle
Register here.
