A picture has been leaked of a prototype of the Microsoft Xbox 360 Project Natal, and as you can see from the photos, the prototype version looks smaller than the one that Microsoft [MSFT] showed off when Project Natal was announced.
As you can see in the first photo, the prototype Project Natal is mounted on a gorillapod, and it uses an RGB camera, a depth sensor, a custom processor, and a multi-array microphone.
Technical Specifications and Features
The RGB camera in Project Natal is designed to capture full-color images, which are essential for recognizing players and their movements. The depth sensor works in tandem with the RGB camera to create a 3D map of the environment, allowing the system to accurately track the position and movement of players in real-time. This combination of sensors enables a highly interactive gaming experience, where players can control games using their body movements without the need for a traditional controller.
The custom processor is another critical component of Project Natal. It handles the complex computations required to process the data from the sensors and translate it into in-game actions. This processor ensures that the system can respond quickly and accurately to player movements, providing a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
The multi-array microphone is designed to capture voice commands and sounds from different directions, allowing for voice control and interaction within games. This feature adds another layer of interactivity, enabling players to issue commands and interact with the game environment using their voice.
Anticipated Release and Market Impact
There are still no exact details on when we will be able to get our hands on the Microsoft Project Natal, although it looks like it is still on schedule for release just before Christmas 2010. This timing is strategic, as it positions Project Natal as a must-have holiday gift, potentially boosting sales for Microsoft during the critical holiday shopping season.
The release of Project Natal is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming industry. By eliminating the need for traditional controllers, Project Natal opens up new possibilities for game design and player interaction. Developers can create more immersive and intuitive gaming experiences that appeal to a broader audience, including those who may not be familiar with traditional gaming controls.
Moreover, Project Natal’s advanced technology could pave the way for new applications beyond gaming. For example, the system’s ability to track movements and recognize gestures could be used in fitness programs, virtual reality experiences, and even in professional training simulations. The potential applications are vast, and Project Natal could be a game-changer in multiple fields.
The leaked images of the Microsoft Xbox 360 Project Natal prototype provide an exciting glimpse into the future of gaming. With its advanced sensors, custom processor, and multi-array microphone, Project Natal promises to deliver a highly interactive and immersive gaming experience. As we await its anticipated release just before Christmas 2010, the gaming community is abuzz with excitement and speculation about the potential impact of this groundbreaking technology.
via Hardware Sphere
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