“Project Natal" is Microsoft's no-controller 3D motion and voice recognition technology for Xbox 360. Photo by David Sprague shows Kudo Tsunoda, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios, demonstrating the new motion-sensing technology for controlling games called Project Natal. Sources say that Natal will be sold as a “stand alone” peripheral. This means you can use it with your existing Xbox 360.
According to a Microsoft story, the user is the “controller.” What does this mean? No cables. No joysticks. Only your body and your voice. The new Xbox 360 has a motion-sensing device that follows or mimics your movements and actions. It’s camera and sound sensors can detect a players movements as well as voice commands.
"We want Xbox to be the next-generation social and entertainment network," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of strategy and business development for interactive entertainment. This new technology was unveiled this month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, in Los Angeles
One of my favorite directors, Steven Spielberg, who also attended the E3 Event said, "This is a pivotal moment that will carry with it a wave of change, the ripples of which will reach far beyond video games." Photo by David Sprague shows Don Matrick, senior vice president of entertainment and devices, with Steven Spielberg.
Coming from Spielberg, then, must admit, this new technology would get most kids and gamers like me excited.
This is proof that technology works as it definitely takes games to a totally new level of experience.
Here's a video courtesy of YouTube:
Until this technology comes out in 2010, the gun controllers for my Sony PlayStation's Time Crisis will continue to be a part of my gaming experience Soon, they would be jurassic.
wow I think that's awesome! Imagine playing without any Joystick or whatever stuff! Really cool! However considering the current or the future economy if it get worse, this new product might not get a blockbuster record assuming it costs a lot. Still, what a milestone for technology, I'm sure the next generation of kids which is their target, would be ecstatic to have this kind of technology (Especially if they look on what we used to play in the past). Another thing, I think Philippines is one those last nations who will get to experience this thing (Again the economy). Still I wanna try it! (And PlayStation should start creating something better!)
ReplyDeleteWell its great. I think microsoft Xbox will hit the market having this "virtual reality-ish" technology. I think its a plus for Xbox. And considering the success of the Nintendo Wii. And the fact that this innovation is a step ahead from the ones that Nintendo Wii has, because you need not to use the remote and the nunchuk, right? So, I think its cool.
ReplyDeleteThis technology is definitely very advanced. I would be speaking for all the gamers out there by saying this is a must-try.
ReplyDeleteThis technology can be very successful though. Considering how Nintendo Wii became a hit even during these economic times. This could be Microsoft's answer to the Wii-mote, and even beyond that.
They have taken everything to another level, and I'm sure it won't stop here.
Although how much it's going to cost would determine its sellability, because no one's complaining with the Wii's remote. Contesting with Wii's price could be a little hard because of its affordability.
But then again, who knows how much people will be willing to pay for such technology? I for one wouldn't want to miss it (that is, if i would have the money by 2010).
This reminds me of Sony's EyeToy for the Playstation 2 but with more advance technology (facial and voice recognition). I think Microsoft would be much more successful considering the popularity of the Xbox consoles.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the Project Natal Video, I learned that it is not only for games but also for playing movies and video conferencing, thus widening the potential target market. Also, in the video, it showed a girl trying on clothes off a virtual rack and I think that it would probably be a great opportunity for brands and retailers to sell or promote their products in a different and advanced approach.
The Project Natal is amazing, almost impossible. I personally think that it does not need so much marketing though. Other game consoles are no match to what the Xbox360 can do. The only thing that can be more advanced than playing with using only your body is playing with just thinking.
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised that Microsoft had invented this controller free gaming experience.
ReplyDeleteEver since people are interested with “what’s next?”, from old school family computers to playstations and to portable ones and the palpable success of Nintendo Wii could determine the success of this Project Natal because of its advancement.
Nevertheless, since its new and fresh not all could afford the satisfaction and luxury that this Project Natal experience could bring especially if this product would come in our country.
Technology is not additively rather it is exponentially growing. Maybe in upcoming years it is not just any controller 3D motion and voice recognition but also, who knows we could be able to lift ourselves in an interactive game using the call it zero gravity power that might be invented.
Amazing. I think Project Natal will be by the market here in the Philippines because of those people who enjoy gaming and moving at the same time, like me for example. Also it is good to experience things like being in a game or moving like the characters in the game. Plus no cords attached. How cool is that. Also it is praised by the amazing Steven Spielberg,. How cool is that?
ReplyDelete- Joseph Galan (3-7)
Poof! There goes the day when people are asking, while holding their atari joysticks, "I wish there are more buttons." There goes the day when gamers cheated on the mario pipes to go directly to the final level.
ReplyDeleteFirst comes the wifi, now comes this new technology.
In this new peripheral we might be asking "Where'd all the wires go?"
This is surely a big leap from the button smashing days.
In this note, I surely would be glad to have my hands on it, or better yet my voice be heard by it.
- Joseph Maquirang (3Ad2)
It's unbelievable! This is what it really means to BE IN THE GAME! I love the concept. Although it sounds expensive (with all those tech-y voice & motion recognition..).
ReplyDeleteEverybody here is worried about the costs cause they want to have one too! But I don't think money will be a problem. People are attracted to NEW things or fads, if I may, and they will find ways to get their hands on this (no matter what the cost).
- Crystal Whang of 3ad7 -
I was in awe when I first read about this. A really great news to all gamers and techies out there. This is another inch up to the virtual world, having a gaming console minus the controller.
ReplyDeleteI can say that there is no doubt that this would be the "next big thing", witnessing the huge success of Nintendo Wii despite all the economic crisis we are experiencing nowadays.. Marla Sabio (3ad7)
"Project Natal” will beyond doubt make Xbox 360 a superb gaming console in our generation today. Anyone who loves to play games will say “I want that controller-free gaming and entertainment experience!” but I think it’s going to cost pretty expensive than the other 7th generation video games. Moreover, combining an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone, and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device is truly remarkable.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, we have economical crisis today this will not stop people who has money to buy this kind of technology. Just like other video game consoles, such as Wii and PS3, the new Xbox 360 with the “standalone” peripheral device will also be successful and popular to the market.
Therefore, new Xbox 360 has the possibility to surpass the other video game consoles sales in the market worldwide.
Project Natal really creates a whole new level to gaming!Even a non-gamer like me was amazed as I was reading about this technology.
ReplyDeleteFilipinos are a big market in the gaming business so Project Natal would likely make it big in our country.Why? Because we love convenience, we always want the easy way.We also have an eye for entertainment,a sense of enjoyment that makes us crave for more.This new technology might as well be what all Filipino gamers are craving for.These characteristics will fit Project Natal's market.
Though the Philippines have always been experiencing recession, this won't hinder Filipinos to experience this new technology for entertainment and gaming's sake.
Marketing Project Natal in the Philippines needs to be strategized in a way that not only the target market would appreciate the technology considering that it has other functions that might be helpful to even the non-gamers.
_Elaine Tiu 3AD2
Honestly, i’m not one of those people who really spend most of their free times playing computer games and the like but once I watched the video of Project Natal, I was definitely in awe and shifted to the up-to-the-minute perspective!
ReplyDeleteThe thought of Project Natal is truly a great mark of advanced technology today. Microsoft’s use of technology and innovation definitely leads to satisfaction of a larger target market. This no-controller technolgy, as seen in Project Natal Video, definitely caters not only the kids but also the whole family, meaning a wider age range of market. This step is a great strength to the brand. Thinking that this technology will cost pretty high, which is somewhat its weakness, I still believe that the product will be affordable in a way to many of the target market, considering the value of the satisfying benefits provided.
It is a great thing that Microsoft was able to effectively inform to their market the benefits and features of their product and continues to build a totally positive image.
I do hope that this new technology will be conveniently available here in the Philippines because this is such a technology craze!
-Belle Gutierrez(3ad2)
I think Project Natal is a great idea, taking the gaming world two giant leaps into the future. The concept of the product will surely appeal to kids and kids at heart, imagine yourself being truly a part the game, plus I think that this also good for a gamer's health, it's nothing like the usual consoles gamers are into, they won't be bumming around the couch anymore.. they're gonna get excellent gaming plus a little exercise. But too bad the product seems expensive with its advancement and all. I still wanna try it anyway.
ReplyDelete-Claudine Velasco 3AD7