Posts Tagged ‘motion sensing’
Project Natal coming to PC as well?
If a recent interview with Bill Gates is anything to go by, the PC may be getting support for the Xbox 360’s Project Natal at some point in the future.
While he didn’t actually confirm that the technology would be used for the PC he said that it is not just for game buts “media consumption as a whole”. Furthermore, he talked about the possibility of using Project Natal in the the office which adds kindle to the fire because (besides pro-gamers and others) who uses Xbox 360 for their work machine?
Anyways, Project Natal is still a ways off which means that a PC adaptation is probably even farther off.
Read (CNET)
Sony’s new motion control makes coffee mugs into controllers
Sure, the Playstation Motion Control that made its debut at E3 ‘09 was cool, but what if you didn’t have to use that funny looking controller? What if you could pick up any object and have it mapped directly into the game?
Sony is looking to do just that if a recent patent filing is anything to go by. According to said patent, players will be able to pick up objects like “coffee mugs, drinking glasses, books, bottles, etc.” and have them mapped directly into the game for use as a motion controller.
To map the objects, players will hold it up to a camera and rotate it so it can be fully mapped and saved for later use. But wait, I thought that’s what Project Natal did? Oh well, here’s to hoping this technology gets implemented sooner rather than later.
Sony to show off Motion Controller further next month
Sure, Sony gave us a pretty good glimpse of what to expect when the Playstation Motion Controller inevitably drops back at E3 but was it enough information? I didn’t think so.
Luckily, Sony has announced that they will again put the new motion controller on display neext month during the Develop Conference which runs from July 14-16 and takes place in Brighton, UK.
Don’t fret, we’ll keep you posted.
Read (Kotaku)
Microsoft CEO apologizes for misleading Natal statement
Earlier this month Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was caught stating that a new Xbox 360 console will be released in 2010 sporting a built-in camera and a new interface. Shortly after, Microsoft proceeded to say that the executive was mistaken and that there will be no new console in 2010.
Well, it looks like Ballmer is back this time apologizing for his “misleading” statement saying, “I confused the issue with my poorly chosen words. There is no news in my comments. Things are as reported after E3. Sorry”.
Natal hopefuls need not be discouraged as the motion-sensing camera is still (presumably) slated for a release sometime in 2010. As for a new Xbox console? Probably not.
Read (Joystiq)
Sony responds to Project Natal with Playstation Motion Control
What, you didn’t think Sony let Microsoft take all the glory at E3, did you? Ok good because Sony has just responded with some motion sensing of their own introducing Playstation Motion Control.
Think of this as somewhat of a middle ground between Project Natal and the Wii because what it basically is, is a wand attached to a glowing ball that is then picked up by the Playstation Eye and rendered on screen in real time.
Doesn’t make sense? Check the above video for the tech demo from E3.
Microsoft laughs at Nintendo, showcases Project Natal
When the Wii was first revealed the world was amazed by its intuitive motion sensing Wiimote but how about removing the controller and instead using your whole body? That’s exactly what Microsoft has introduced to the gaming world with Project Natal.
Unveiled yesterday during their E3 conference, Project Natal utilizes a 3D camera placed under your TV to let you use your entire body to play games like featured in the above debut trailer. But it doesn’t stop there, Project Natal also features facial regonition so when you put your face in front of the camera you’ll be automatically signed in.
Sounds cool? That’s because it is, Project Natal will introduce a whole new way to play games and effectively blow Nintendo out of the water. That is, if it is priced so consumers can actually afford it.
E3: Microsoft Unveiling Motion-Sensing Camera
Rumors have been circulating for ages about Microsoft’s plans to create a motion-sensing controller to cash in on the huge casual gaming market. Pictures have occasionally surfaced showing a slim controller similar to the Wiimote, but it may be that these were created by Microsoft to throw people off the trail. It’s true, Microsoft does have plans for creating a motion-sensing peripheral for the Xbox 360, but it’ll be more along the lines of the Eyetoy from the PS2.
According to CNN it’s called the Xbox Fluid and it’s a camera that tracks the body movements of the user. This will of course lead to you and your friends flailing around like complete morons in front of your TV screens from time to time, since visual recognition software isn’t as advanced as some might hope.
There have been arcade games that combined camera technology with other controllers to create some rather interesting types of games though, so the potential for the controller can range a little beyond the expected casual games.
Microsoft to feature Xbox 360 motion sensing hardware at E3?
We last heard of Xbox 360 motion sensing hardware early this month but it only remained a rumor up until now. It seems the Wall Street Journal has stepped in to add some fuel to the fire stating that Microsoft will probably announce the project at this year’s E3.
The WSJ also says that the hardware will be a camera that senses body movements instead of a motion sensing remote a la the Wii.
While the Wall Street Journal is a credible source this still remains a rumor until we hear the official announcement, let’s see what happens at E3.
Razer and Valve Creating Game, Motion Controller
Gaming peripheral manufacturer Razer and Valve, the development studio who have created not only franchises but an entirely new distribution model are teaming up to bring their considerable talents to bear on a quite ambitious project. The vast majority of Valve’s efforts have been centered around the FPS genre and this new game seeks to break the mold while still being firmly ensconced in everything we love about the genre.
The title is planned as a first entry into a new permutation of the FPS genre as the press release calls HellRazer: Triple Helix the ‘debut title’. It’s a squad-based tactical FPS game, which on the surface doesn’t sound like anything impressive at all. Where the importance of the partnership comes in is the control scheme. Razer is developing a brand new peripheral dedicated specifically to this game and any developed after it. Ironically while many hardcore gamers are calling the Wii a gimmick, Razer’s new peripheral is going to be a motion sensing controller, which is currently under development in their Singapore labs and the company aims to make it the first true 1:1 motion sensing controller.
“Razer is extending its vision by partnering up with Valve on this exciting new collaborative project,” said Razer president Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff. “For the first time, PC gamers will be able to experience a more integrated, immersive gameplay in a first-person shooter game.”
Oh and by the way, April Fools. Check the website for the official press release, which is hilarious. It’s almost tragic that this is a joke, because there are certain features of the game that sound actually enjoyable, like multiplayer modes where certain events can cause players to change to a different team altogether.
Top Ten Reasons Why The Wii is Winning
Since we’ve discussed why the PS3 is foundering it’s only fair we point out what the Wii has been doing well.
10. Brand Loyalty.
When it comes to video game companies, Nintendo boasts an incredible amount of longevity. Their first console, the Nintendo Entertainment System almost singlehandedly made home gaming popular and they’ve been going strong ever since. People have been buying Nintendo products for years. Sony hasn’t been in the games industry for quite as long and Microsoft is a relative newcomer to the console game.
Xbox Motion Sensing On It’s way?
With both Nintendo and Sony in the motion sensing game, it was only a matter of time before Microsoft joined in. If recent rumors are any indication, this may happen sooner than later. Apparently, Microsoft is working with a company called Gyration to implement motion controls into a controller. Gyration previously worked with Nintendo to put motion controls into the Wii, maybe you have heard of it. Hopefully Microsoft keeps in mind that if it can’t be done well it shouldn’t be done at all.
As you probably know, this isn’t the first time news of a motion controller for the Xbox has popped up. It is however the first time we’ve had substantial evidence of a first party controller. One question that remains unanswered by this however. Would the motion controller be a late attempt to match up the Xbox 360 and PS3 for features, or is this motion sensor intended for the next generation Xbox. Is motion sensor functionality a good move for Microsoft? leave a comment to tell us what you think.