What Everybody Ought to Know About Project Natal
by Alex Vermeule posted June 3rd, 2009 at 11:46
Yesterday during the E3 game expo, Microsoft announced their latest innovation that will likely change the world of gaming forever. The solution dubbed Project Natal, allows you to control a game with without the need for the usual game controller. Or as the Senior VP of Xbox likes to put it:
We are using the best controller ever invented: You!
Natal, a rectangular bar that sits on your TV, tracks your body’s movements and recognizes what you say to it. It also understands your tone of voice, allowing you to truly interact with a game and enter the virtual world. No announcements were made on when the solution will be available or how much it will cost, however it will be compatible with every Xbox 360 system.
To get a good impression on what’s possible, checkout the Milo video here:
For me, it is one of those innovative solutions were you think “yes, I’m living in the 21st century”. With it, we are quickly approaching a future where you can take part in a virtual experience that is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Perhaps this technology is bringing the Holodeck from Star Trek a step closer to reality…
There is another great video that shows how much fun it can be to play using the technology in a game called Ricochet.
It is clear that Project Natal is Microsoft answer to Nintendo’s motion controlled gaming solution you see in the Wii today.
Want to see more action? Checkout the official Project Natal video:
There are some intriguing questions arising though: if a tennis video game requires the same body movements as actually playing tennis, why not go to the tennis court and play the game? What will be the impact on real life relationships, if you can have authentic conversations with a virtual person? What do you think of Natal? Please share your thoughts in the comments area below!
Tags: Fun, Gaming, Inventions, Xbox
Categories: Innovative Lifestyle, Technology Innovation
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