Xbox to get motion-sensing controls from 3DV?
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Tue May 5, 2009
Xbox to get motion sensing
The rumor of Microsoft developing a motion-sensing system for its Xbox 360 gaming console has potentially been corroborated as the technology is reported to come from a third party. While this is not confirmed, Microsoft is likely to source the technology from a company called 3DV and its ZCam hardware and software. Reports of a possible purchase of 3DV by Microsoft were rampant in February.
The ZCam is capable of all the same features that the Microsoft interface is rumored to perform. These include recognizing minute movements such as pinching, grabbing and scrolling, video conferencing in the system menu and games with live video support. For example, online trivia games have live images of each player, with each buzzing in by clapping.
A demo of the set-up is expected to happen at E3, at which Microsoft says it will "transform how people think about home entertainment." Apart from obvious applications in games, the technology could also be used to control multimedia functions with gestures.
A representative from 3DV has said the company's product could be brought to market with a $100 price tag. Microsoft refused to comment on the rumors. [via ArsTechnica]
