In addition to anouncing multiple titles and improvements to their Xbox Live! lineup, including Last.fm implementation to allow easy music streaming to your home entertainment center, Microsoft revealed their newest endevour in the field of hands-free motion-sensitive control, the cleverly code-named, Project Natal. We imagine this could have endless new possibilities if placed in the hands of the right developers who expand away from typical gaming options into other interactive realms for the whole family: from virtual home decorating/painting, to home workout routines that build upon what the Wii has already offered (real weights, anyone?), to high-def cooking games (to practice BBQing before you burn your entire batch of pork chops)...the possibilities seem only limited to the amount of content Microsoft is willing to allow through their floodgates of their online marketplace. Watch the concept in action, after the jump.
Project Natal: Microsoft's Full Body Motion Sensing System
The technology, as demonstrated in the video below, appears geared toward allowing users to control games, but also movies and anything else on their Xbox 360 system using their hands without the need for controllers. A motion sensing camera not only captures movement, but is set to scan in real world objects to use in programmed situations and facial recognition offers customized possibilities and settings for each family member! One up for the Microsoft team.
Perhaps in due time, we could see this technology implemented to allow physical walk-thrus in real estate - allowing the potential buyer to "open the doors" and cabinets or even create a complete simulation to see what it'd be like to wake up everyday in their brand new home.
What do you guys think? Do you think Microsoft will follow through with this new vision of theirs and take it to a whole new level of human-computer interaction? Let us know in the comments.
Comments (3)
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This is not going to happen anytime soon. I think sony's version is much closer to implementation. I also agree with sony that sometimes you just need buttons. I think that sony also has demonstrated that they are much closer to production with their motion controls.
The facial recognition is very cool but not really a big deal to me as I am the only one who uses my consoles. I can see how it could be useful to some however.
I would love to see natal work as it is shown but I simply see too many issues to make it work. I think this will wind up another one of Microsofts pipe dreams.
Unfortunately!
view dmanciniaz's profile
Actually, the core technology behind this is pretty far along; MS had 3DV Systems further develop an already existing motion system specific to their console plans. I think Microsoft is seeing the bigger picture about home consoles, with growth in the industry dependent upon reaching out to casual gamers, expanding entertainment options beyond traditional titles and opening development to fields/interests that have yet to be taken advantage of. We can thank Nintendo's success for this push beyond single guy gamers.
view gregory's profile
Not everything shown in the video's or presentation is likely to make it into the product on day one; but if the hardware is right it might not matter. They'll have part of the solution, and they've proven with the NXE that they can successfully upgrade the experience over time. Even if half the scenarios work on day one and the other half arent' shipped...it's pretty sweet.
view RJHD3's profile