Project Natal

[Melbosa]

No controllers, no gamer abilities needed.

http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6210641/microsofts-project-natal-3-d-camera-system?tag=top_stories;story;2

Can it deliver as Microsoft Promises?

At E3 2009, Microsoft unveiled Project Natal, the codename for a new 3-D camera and mic peripheral. The company showed off various tech demos using the device. Notably, the controller was used to paint by using hand gestures and voice commands. In a second demo created by Lionhead Studios, Peter Molyneux demonstrated the camera’s use by playing back a video that showed a woman interacting with an onscreen character named Milo by talking to him and using motion based gestures.

During the demos, the peripheral was used to capture images, control onscreen avatars, and interact with onscreen environments.

The device seems to use dual cameras to detect motion in three dimensions. A built-in mic detects sounds as well as record audio for interpretation by games that will use it. Outside of that, little else is known about the specifications of the product in terms of connectivity and even the resolution of the cameras.

Earlier this year, Microsoft completed the acquisition 3DV Systems, a small startup dedicated to 3D imaging technology. In addition to gaming applications, the company’s systems have been used in advanced defense systems. The company demonstrated its ZCam at CES 2008. 3DV’s technology lets cameras ”sense distance in real-time between an imaging sensor and the objects in its field of view (i.e. the objects' depth), at high speed and high resolution.” It’s not known whether Microsoft is currently using 3DV’s technology, or plans to use it for future products.

Microsoft didn’t reveal the final product name for Project Natal, the pricing, or an arrival date.

[Melbosa]

More in Microsoft's Press Release: http://forums.righteouswrath.com/index.php/topic,7059.msg45581.html#msg45581

"Project Natal": No Strings (or Controllers) Attached

Unveiled for the first time to the public was "Project Natal," pronounced "nuh-tall" and a code name for a revolutionary new way to play, no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak, you and your friends can jump into the fun. The only experience needed is life experience.

Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the "Project Natal" sensor is the world's first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, "Project Natal" tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.

In addition, unlike other devices, the "Project Natal" sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn't just react to key words but understands what you're saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox LIVE? Simply step in front of the sensor.

"The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear," said Steven Spielberg, visionary director and producer. "With 'Project Natal,' we'll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us."

[Lazybones]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_txF7iETX0

YouTube Techdemo / Concept video.

Multi user motion capture with facial / voice recognition only requiring 1 accessory for the whole family to play.

If it works decent it could kill the wii and its expensive, Wiimote, nunchuck, WiiFit board, Movtion Plus addons.

[Lazybones]

Demo video, appears to be a real time demo http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58910