Microsoft has shown off the Project Natal for the Xbox 360 at the All Things Digital conference, although they didn’t release much new information on Project Natal.
In the video below you can see Project Natal in action with a couple of different games, it looks pretty good from the video.
What is Project Natal?
Project Natal, later renamed Kinect, is a revolutionary motion-sensing input device by Microsoft for the Xbox 360. Unlike traditional gaming controllers, Project Natal uses a combination of cameras, depth sensors, and microphones to track the player’s movements and voice commands. This allows for a more immersive and interactive gaming experience, where players can control games using their body movements and voice without the need for a physical controller.
The technology behind Project Natal is quite advanced. It includes a RGB camera, depth sensor, and multi-array microphone running proprietary software. The depth sensor consists of an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, which helps in capturing 3D video data under any ambient light conditions. The multi-array microphone helps in isolating the player’s voice from the background noise, making voice commands more accurate.
Potential Impact on Gaming
The introduction of Project Natal has the potential to significantly impact the gaming industry. By removing the need for a traditional controller, it opens up gaming to a wider audience, including those who may find traditional controllers intimidating or difficult to use. This could lead to an increase in the number of casual gamers and make gaming more inclusive.
Moreover, the technology can be used in a variety of applications beyond gaming. For instance, it can be used for fitness programs, where players can follow along with on-screen trainers and have their movements tracked to ensure they are performing exercises correctly. It can also be used for educational purposes, such as interactive learning experiences where students can engage with the material in a hands-on way.
In the video demonstration, you can see Project Natal being used with a couple of different games. One of the games shown is a racing game where the player uses their hands to steer the car, and another is a sports game where the player uses their body to mimic the actions of a soccer player. The responsiveness and accuracy of the motion tracking are impressive, and it looks like it could provide a very engaging gaming experience.
Microsoft’s Project Natal is expected to go on sale in October 2010. We have also heard rumors that it may cost as much as $150 on top of the price of your Xbox console. This price point is relatively high, but considering the advanced technology and the potential for new gaming experiences, it may be worth the investment for many gamers.
In conclusion, Project Natal represents a significant step forward in gaming technology. By allowing players to interact with games using their body movements and voice, it provides a more immersive and interactive experience. While the price may be a barrier for some, the potential benefits and new gaming experiences it offers make it an exciting development in the gaming world.
via Cnet
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
