Xbox 360 motion-sensing camera add-on talk gets serious
We all knew the day would come when, sick of playing second (and third) fiddle to the Nintendo, Wii, the Xbox 360 (and PS3) would be given motion-sensing devices of their own. Along with rumors of Sony being due to unveil its effort at the forthcoming E3, there is now evidence to suggest Microsoft will do likewise. And the concept looks ambitious.
The month of May began with an anonymous tipster claiming to have inside knowledge of Microsoft’s next big move with the Xbox 360 – a Wii-like motion-sensing peripheral which would enable games to be controlled by the body. It may still be just an unproven rumor but with The Wall Street Journal now claiming similar, there may be some truth in it.
Engadget was the source for the original Xbox 360 motion-sensor speculation a couple of weeks ago. A tipster not only passed on details of what he believes is Microsoft’s next move to counter the Wii’s dominance, they provided photographic evidence of the device. In essence, the use of a sensor bar with depth perception capabilities could allow games to be controlled by the body alone, with no Wii-remote style controller necessary.
Fast-forward to today and The Wall Street Journal has an in-depth report on the rumored device. Microsoft has, of course, declined to comment, but the fact that such an esteemed publication has published suggests there is at least some evidence to suggest the device is real and could be unveiled at E3 2009 in June.
The device is due to be released next year and will take the form of a 3D camera which can capture movements of any body parts and translate them onto the screen. There are no details on pricing yet but in order to capture the casual market Microsoft is clearly aiming for the peripheral would have to be relatively cheap.
The technology is a combination of Microsoft’s own design and patents held by 3DV Systems, an Israeli company Microsoft just happened to recently acquire. Handy eh? E3 should be very interesting this year.
Related Posts:
26 Responses to “Xbox 360 motion-sensing camera add-on talk gets serious”
Leave a Reply:
You must be logged in to post a comment. Don't have an account? Register today!
May 13th, 2009
So in a complete reversal, I’m predicting that Microsoft’s E3 will be the one to watch this year, and Ballmer’s talking it up as well so it should be good.
And so when their conference blows Sony and Nintendo out of the water, I can look smug….and then when it tanks, I look clean for predicting otherwise
May 13th, 2009
So full body control? I wonder how long it will take before someone in Japan makes a sex game…
May 13th, 2009
Shame they didn’t sell the peripheral with the machine when it was first released.
I don’t know if I’m going to predict an utter flop, but I just can’t see this thing selling well. The wii is just so small, and simple to use (the interface with the ‘channels’ is perfect for thier target audience imo – not saying the 360 is complex by any means tho).
A little too late me thinks.
May 13th, 2009
I have a wii and don’t need it for the PS3.
Also it would have to be bundled in order to sell to the non gamers. And it would have to have a lower price then the Wii.
No one wants to buy a consol for the stupid motion and have to buy it extra when it comes with the wii already.
And they need a killer game to bundle with it.
I admit I liked it at first but now I only play the PS3. Motion is over rated.
May 13th, 2009
But people will buy a Wii and then go buy Wii Fit which is useless because most people buy it and use it a few times and that is it. Everyone of the people I know who own the Wii say they don’t even play it. It’s more for parties and when people are over. I suspect it might get bundled with the Arcade.
May 13th, 2009
Motion control isn’t such a bad thing. It works well for mini games and as minor control mechanics. Full body control definitely ups the anti.
If M$ and Sony release new motion controls and it helps chip away at the Wii – I am all for it.
May 13th, 2009
My PLAYSTATION Eye can do that already. Microsoft doesn’t have a clue what they doing they all over the place. Sony knows make crap like Microsoft and Nintendo so STF^.
May 13th, 2009
Hmmm, first MS gets the Miitoos….now, the new…Wii360mote….no? how about the MiitooWiimote???still a no go….damn i should stop…
..so should MS with the lame motion sensing attempt….
Although, i can see this being bundled in with the Arcade along with another price drop ?
May 13th, 2009
JoJo you act like the Avtars in HOME are not a rip off of the Mii”s and the Siaxis with it’s motion control. Microsoft was the last one to do it.
May 13th, 2009
I can’t believe how blatant of a rip off this device is of the Playstation Eye.
May 13th, 2009
That’s actually a good point. The PS Eye can already do this. There’s only a few virtual art type things that really use it though. The Eye Pet looks interesting, but they should really plan on doing more with it.
May 13th, 2009
The Wii mote is NOTHING like the eye toy.
May 13th, 2009
Well if it’s like the eye toy how come there are no good games for it and how come we never hear about it. If Sony has got this amazing tech, why are they not using it’s potential?
May 13th, 2009
CAD:
A bunch of people buy PLAYSTATION Eye games.
And no the SixAxis is not a Wii rip off they are not %100 the same. You need a PS3 and to search for PLAYSTATION Eye to read about it and to know it. Sony has has created PLAYSTATION Eye video creator call Eye Create that let’s you make video with like infinite cool things just check YouTube and see how cool the PLAYSTATION Eye already. Plus the camera has a built in Microphone too.
Features
Camera
The PlayStation Eye is capable of capturing standard video with frame rates of 60 hertz at a 640×480 pixel resolution, and 120 hertz at 320×240 pixels, which is “four times the resolution” and “two times the frame-rate” of the EyeToy, according to Sony.
The PlayStation Eye also has “two times the sensitivity” of the EyeToy, with Sony collaborating with sensor chip partner OmniVision Technologies on a sensor chip design using larger sensor pixels, allowing for more effective low-light operation. Sony states that the PlayStation Eye can produce “reasonable quality video” under the illumination provided by a television set.
The camera features a two-setting adjustable fixed focus zoom lens. Selected manually by rotating the lens barrel, the PlayStation Eye can be set to a 56-degree field of view similar to that of the EyeToy,[10] for close-up framing in chat applications, or a 75-degree field of view for long shot framing in interactive physical gaming applications.
The PlayStation Eye is capable of outputting video to the console uncompressed, with “no compression artifacts” or with optional JPEG compression.
Microphone
The PlayStation Eye features a built-in four-capsule microphone array, with which the PlayStation 3 can employ technologies for multi-directional voice location tracking, echo cancellation, and background noise suppression. This allows the peripheral to be used for speech recognition and audio chat in noisy environments without the use of a headset. The PlayStation Eye microphone array operates with each channel processing 16-bit samples at a sampling rate of 48 kilohertz, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 decibels.
Software
In addition to gaming-oriented uses, Sony has stated that the PlayStation Eye will also feature applications for tasks such as interactive communication and content creation (e.g. movie-making and video blogging). An AV Chat feature has been revealed which allows for audio-visual chat with anyone on a user’s PlayStation Network friends list (up to six at once. Additional free content and activities are planned for release via the PlayStation Network.
EyeCreate
The PlayStation Eye features free EyeCreate video editing software, which enables users to capture pictures, video, and audio clips directly to the memory unit of the PlayStation 3 console. EyeCreate features a variety of different capturing modes, including stop motion and time-lapse. Through the software, users can edit, save, and share their own custom images, movies, and audio content.
Video and audio files produced on the PlayStation 3 with the PlayStation Eye are written in a proprietary format which is currently user-accessible only through EyeCreate. When questioned about support for other formats, Marks stated in April 2007 that “future formats are still being discussed.” In the release version of EyeCreate, videos created using the program can be exported as MPEG-4 files for use outside PlayStation 3 consoles.
Compatible games
The following are some PlayStation 3 games with camera functionality, some of which may not be specifically developed for the PlayStation Eye. The PlayStation Eye does not support EyeToy compatible PlayStation 2 games
2009
* Eyedentify
* EyePet
2008
* Buzz!: Quiz TV (compatible with Playstation 2 EyeToy)
* Burnout Paradise (compatible with Playstation 2 EyeToy)
* Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 (Used to upload personal image for the character)
* High Stakes Poker (used to see others)
* LittleBigPlanet (Used to create levels, also compatible with PlayStation 2 EyeToy)
* FaceBreaker (Used to upload personal image for the character)
* PES 2009 (Used to upload personal image for the character, ‘Become a Legend’ mode)
2007
* Aqua Vita/Aquatopia
* Ember
* Mesmerize – January 17, 2008 (North America)
* Operation Creature Feature – October 25, 2007
* The Eye of Judgment
* The Trials of Topoq
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
* Tori-Emaki
* SingStar
* Sky Blue
* Snakeball
* PES 2008
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/20223.html?type=flv
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23912.html?type=flv
Add Me PLAYSTATION Network ID: Ivan-
May 13th, 2009
Good point, CAD.
May 13th, 2009
#
Well if it’s like the eye toy how come there are no good games for it and how come we never hear about it. If Sony has got this amazing tech, why are they not using it’s potential?
# Ivan_PSP:
May 13th, 2009 Your comment is awaiting moderation.
CAD:
A bunch of people buy PLAYSTATION Eye games.
And no the SixAxis is not a Wii rip off they are not %100 the same. You need a PS3 and to search for PLAYSTATION Eye to read about it and to know it. Sony has has created PLAYSTATION Eye video creator call Eye Create that let’s you make video with like infinite cool things just check YouTube and see how cool the PLAYSTATION Eye already. Plus the camera has a built in Microphone too.
Features
Camera
The PlayStation Eye is capable of capturing standard video with frame rates of 60 hertz at a 640×480 pixel resolution, and 120 hertz at 320×240 pixels, which is “four times the resolution” and “two times the frame-rate” of the EyeToy, according to Sony.
The PlayStation Eye also has “two times the sensitivity” of the EyeToy, with Sony collaborating with sensor chip partner OmniVision Technologies on a sensor chip design using larger sensor pixels, allowing for more effective low-light operation. Sony states that the PlayStation Eye can produce “reasonable quality video” under the illumination provided by a television set.
The camera features a two-setting adjustable fixed focus zoom lens. Selected manually by rotating the lens barrel, the PlayStation Eye can be set to a 56-degree field of view similar to that of the EyeToy,[10] for close-up framing in chat applications, or a 75-degree field of view for long shot framing in interactive physical gaming applications.
The PlayStation Eye is capable of outputting video to the console uncompressed, with “no compression artifacts” or with optional JPEG compression.
Microphone
The PlayStation Eye features a built-in four-capsule microphone array, with which the PlayStation 3 can employ technologies for multi-directional voice location tracking, echo cancellation, and background noise suppression. This allows the peripheral to be used for speech recognition and audio chat in noisy environments without the use of a headset. The PlayStation Eye microphone array operates with each channel processing 16-bit samples at a sampling rate of 48 kilohertz, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 decibels.
Software
In addition to gaming-oriented uses, Sony has stated that the PlayStation Eye will also feature applications for tasks such as interactive communication and content creation (e.g. movie-making and video blogging). An AV Chat feature has been revealed which allows for audio-visual chat with anyone on a user’s PlayStation Network friends list (up to six at once. Additional free content and activities are planned for release via the PlayStation Network.
EyeCreate
The PlayStation Eye features free EyeCreate video editing software, which enables users to capture pictures, video, and audio clips directly to the memory unit of the PlayStation 3 console. EyeCreate features a variety of different capturing modes, including stop motion and time-lapse. Through the software, users can edit, save, and share their own custom images, movies, and audio content.
Video and audio files produced on the PlayStation 3 with the PlayStation Eye are written in a proprietary format which is currently user-accessible only through EyeCreate. When questioned about support for other formats, Marks stated in April 2007 that “future formats are still being discussed.” In the release version of EyeCreate, videos created using the program can be exported as MPEG-4 files for use outside PlayStation 3 consoles.
Compatible games
The following are some PlayStation 3 games with camera functionality, some of which may not be specifically developed for the PlayStation Eye. The PlayStation Eye does not support EyeToy compatible PlayStation 2 games
2009
* Eyedentify
* EyePet
2008
* Buzz!: Quiz TV (compatible with Playstation 2 EyeToy)
* Burnout Paradise (compatible with Playstation 2 EyeToy)
* Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 (Used to upload personal image for the character)
* High Stakes Poker (used to see others)
* LittleBigPlanet (Used to create levels, also compatible with PlayStation 2 EyeToy)
* FaceBreaker (Used to upload personal image for the character)
* PES 2009 (Used to upload personal image for the character, ‘Become a Legend’ mode)
2007
* Aqua Vita/Aquatopia
* Ember
* Mesmerize – January 17, 2008 (North America)
* Operation Creature Feature – October 25, 2007
* The Eye of Judgment
* The Trials of Topoq
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
* Tori-Emaki
* SingStar
* Sky Blue
* Snakeball
* PES 2008
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/20223.html?type=flv
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23912.html?type=flv
Add Me PLAYSTATION Network ID: Ivan-
.
May 14th, 2009
There were plenty of good eye toy games on ps2, they just haven’t tapped into the ps3 yet.
Why ?? I don’t know.
May 14th, 2009
i remember boxing on the eye toy. lots of fun with drunk mates.
May 14th, 2009
Cad, Not the Eye Toy (PS2) the PS Eye (PS3). There are a few games that can be controlled using full body movements. And that’s just it, there are literally a few virtual art type games that utilize it. It’s not really used as much as it could be.
May 14th, 2009
I use my PS eye for communication, and about 15 minutes of trying out Mesmerize. I have shown off mesmerize just as a tech demo to some friends who were intrigued by the device.
It is severely underutilized, especially considering it is half the price of a DS3 (got mine for 25 bucks brand new) and very high quality for a webcam.
May 14th, 2009
Fuck this website they don’t fucking ever moderate the damn fucking post. So I’m outer here for good and FUCK all you Xbox 360 fags i hope you all die mother fuckers.
Dave Parrack:
Mike Ferro:
Why do you people need to moderate this shit you don’t even care about your community which is fucking sad.
You know where to find me…
PSN ID: Ivan-
YouTube: IvanPlayStation4LiFe
http://home.earthlink.net/~ivan-playstation/id28.html
All you PLAYSTATION 3 owners good luck and if you own a Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 you not a fag. Also if you a Xbox 360 only hack it don’t buy games for it.
PLAYSTATION Eye is the greatest gaming camera will never be beat.
http://www.scea.com
http://www.sony.com
http://www.ioffer.com
May 14th, 2009
@Jofamang: What is a DS3?
May 14th, 2009
DualShock3
-Arvis
May 14th, 2009
JofaMang – I managed to pick mine up for $20 when Amazon had them on sale. The chat feature on the XMB is great. It’s a really nice interface for a video conference.
As you said it’s “severely underutilized” by developers. Maybe if M$ launches this new camera, Sony will start to use there’s more.
May 15th, 2009
Chr!st on a bike.
Ivan’s now calling people ‘fags’ for the game console they own.
Wow, how stunningly hetrosexual of you Ivan, no question marks over you sexuality there at all, no sireee.
May 16th, 2009
Don’t feed the troll Happy.