VentureBeat: Microsoft buying 3D camera company

by Justin McElroy { Feb 23rd 2009 at 10:10AM }

A story from Haaretz was circulating last week claiming that Microsoft was in talks to purchase 3DV, maker of a camera-based motion sensing technology. Now, VentureBeat has supported the claim, saying that its sources confirm that a deal is in the works.

Assuming Microsoft has gaming in mind and not creepy, Minority Report-style desktop navigation, our feelings are mixed on it. It could be a giant leap forward if 3DV's tech were bundled with a new console, but we're not sure we'll be ponying up for another stand-alone camera while still under the watchful, dusty eye of our Xbox Live Vision. What about you?

Tags: 3dv, microsoft, motion-sensing, wiimote, xbox-360, xbox-720

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Xera077 @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:19AM

.......

Wow MS. AN EYE TOY? Are you serious?

Talk about ripping off your competition.

Insight @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:28AM

...who cares? So long as they utilize this company and its products well, this can only be seen as good news for gamers.

Xera077 @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:32AM

Yes because copying your competition is always the easiest way to get money.

MS should came up with a different product instead of a MS Eye-Toy.

Insight @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:38AM

I'm not even going to bother explaining to you how different a product this company puts out than the eyetoy (you're obviously just going off the idea that its a camera to draw similarities). Instead, I'll ask you this.

What about this isn't good news for us?

'Ripping off', or taking an idea when it works, is smart, and in a case like this (or the hundreds of other times it's gone down in the world of gaming), it typically offers us new ways to experience a game.

Xera077 @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:47AM

Because I don't own a 360 anymore one.

Also this exact same thing as the Eyetoy previous on the PS2.

The PS3 eyetoy doesn't have functionality as for motion because there aren't any games for it.

The Eyetoy wasn't that successful on the PS2, what does this company or MS sees in the PS2 Eyetoy?

Insight @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:11AM

The fact that you think that this is 'the exact same thing as the Eyetoy' means that you don't know much about the company in question or the products they make.

Yeah, it's a camera, but the difference is that these are designed to understand three dimensions. That's a pretty huge difference because it opens up possibilities that couldn't have been realized on the Eyetoy

Rudolphe @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:21AM

Hey Fanboy, i guess you could jab at Sony for ripping analog sticks off of nintendo, or using CD's in the ps1 off of sega saturn?

Marty @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:25AM

The Eyetoy is a webcam. Not some sort of 3D camera, whatever that is.

Dave @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:04PM

The XBox Vision camera, which actually is just a camera, has been around for years. If you're going to accuse Microsoft of copying the EyeToy, you're more than two years too late. Just an FYI, though, I had a camera for my computer before the PS2 was out. Also, I had a camera before I had a computer. So did my grandfather.

Technology evolves. So should you.

Alex @ Feb 23rd 2009 1:56PM

Can anyone remember Sony's 'Nintendo rip-offing' of the Wii's Motion Sensitivity except they made a crappy version that couldn't hand the rumble feature?

I remember that.

E.J. @ Feb 23rd 2009 5:09PM

PS3 owner that has a motion controller?

The Wii says hello.

XenMaster4 @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:25AM

I thought for most people in the demographic who would be interested in this site "Minority Report-style Interface" == sexy (and not creepy).

mynk @ Feb 26th 2009 3:36PM

whenever someone said future,
i imagined that interface more than any amount of flying cars that run purely on solar and E85 ethanol.

but hey, we all know that joystiq loves it in their hearts too. otherwise why would they mention it in the first place. they're just that nerdy kid in school that never wants to admit it. :P

tmmoore_nc @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:28AM

He's knocking himself out. Hmm...

Jim Perry @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:35AM

The Xbox LIVE Vision camera has been largely underused.

I've used it and enjoyed it quite a bit in Burnout Paradise, and RB6 Vegas 2.

I wish more developers used it.

I hope this new acquisition by MS isn't just another accessory that is more of a gimmick than anything.

I like my Xbox Vision Cam... MS... have your own developers use it more effectively, how about. The cards in Viva Pinata are a good start.

I also like face mapping in games as well.

Mazrael @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:54AM

the Viva Pinata cards tempt me everytime to get the vision cam, although now I keep a usb stick in the rear usb port with a load of albums on, since streaming kills my NAT

Duke @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:15AM

I have barely used the camera since I got it, which was when it was released. The applications for it have been half assed in my view. Though I was interested in the VP card idea, I found it to be very finicky in practice. Often the camera would not detect the printouts easily.

In the end, I don't think camera's have much use for consoles in a way that will be taken seriously and enjoyed. Now, the idea that a camera can do more 3d immersive effects may sound interesting, but I doubt people will get behind it unless there are some major new developments in the software end to make it look fun for the long term.

Cal @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:59PM

I've only ever used mine for video chat and R6V2, the face mapping in the latter worked horribly for me though =( Although I'd love to see that feature get more attention and development, along with integration into more games, particularly sports games where you can make a player

VPhoenix @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:45AM

I think this is great news... I like the Vision Live camera and wish it were used more in games.

Spybreak @ Feb 23rd 2009 7:37PM

+ 1 man, agreed. It's nice to know Microsoft is looking in that general direction.

Brucie_K @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:48AM

That kid looks like as if he's got a dick in his mouth.

rNilla @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:08AM

Or miming "I just got caught blowing a horse."

Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Feb 23rd 2009 3:44PM

I was going to say invisible toothbrush.

Leave the penis jokes to rockstar.

Sean @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:49AM

Looking at the company's web site, this camera looks like it can do a whole lot more than gaming. MS might looking at the product and software to fill some gaps in its Live services as well.

Why not a new camera now? If it works and its fun then I'm all for it.

Lord Negatron @ Feb 23rd 2009 10:51AM

Jesus Krise, whether its for the next gen' or now, whats wrong with a controller?
If i want to work up a sweat from playing a game, i would go outside to do so...
Fucking innovation...

Insight @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:08AM

Yeah, fuck optional products! They totally have an effect on all of the other products on the console!

Hurr

MarkHawk @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:09AM

Think about a next gen camera and what it could bring to a game. Games like dead space or even rock band. I sure developers can think of some fun things that don't make you sweat fatty. If they are buying this company I doubt it's to continue to make web cam like cameras for your xbox. Have Hope my friend.

SPIDERMANMTL @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:03PM

if i wanted to sweat i'd go out and actually play the damn sport, but i don't wanna do physical activities
---Why i bought a conslole
1--- so i can be lazy and fat
2--- sit on my arse for long periods of time
3--- gaming

Lord Negatron @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:26PM

Oh boy, basically recovering from being sick all weekend and @ work, i didn't fine tune what i said.There is nothing wrong with the "camera" itself, but thanks for keeping me informed "Insight" :P
Its basically me taking a jab at the post pic's theme, the boxer guy and his game... Guess you can also drum up that i am not a big fan of the Wii mote or, Sixaxis...

So yeah, jump down my throat, when with the Wii's success, i can totally see MS trying to get in on the "movement", pun intended, with wonky games that have potential but somehow fall short, or just shovelware in general

At least there are 2 guaranteed customers.

Saria the Cat @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:58PM

Well, *I* got the joke, if that makes you feel any better.

Lord Negatron @ Feb 23rd 2009 1:28PM

Thanks Saria, but as i read my initial post, i can see why it would get those responses. You are the bestest.

*resumes one armed pinky push ups*
Don't want to waste my lunch break by only eating now would i?

MarkHawk @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:07AM

Sounds neat if it ships with the console. I am assuming this is for their next gen system. I expect to hear more at e3 2010.

Lord Negatron @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:45PM

Oh you are on a roll today aren't you! Fatty jokes now this?

"Ships with the system"... Classic!!

Oh ho ho, my sides hurt, sir please, you are too much.

MarkHawk @ Feb 23rd 2009 2:58PM

Hey it could happen... perhaps.

If they do want it to be integrated into games though they'd have to ship it with the console. But I agree, the chances are at best 50/50.

And your not fat...

Lord Negatron @ Feb 23rd 2009 5:24PM

Your right and i am only teasing. It would be nice, as long it doesn't dramatically affect the cost.

*Dr Evil Pinky* New system... "One Thhoousand dollerrs"

Bravo6 @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:21AM

I'd rather have the creepy, Minority Report-style desktop navigation!

R @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:24AM

I use my XBL vision cam as a webcam for my computer more than anything else.

Heres hoping that MS doesnt go the wii path with "cheap housewife friendly console" and includes some killer hardware next generation.

Mr Khan @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:43AM

Depends, really. Microsoft wants some of that money like anyone else, and if they want to remain relevant in the console space, they'll follow Nintendo's example

The question, however, is if they actually do want to remain relevant in the console space, or if they will pursue the more hardcore strategy to the hilt, in order to help cultivate their interests in PC gaming. It really depends on what they view the "purpose" of the Xbox brand to be in the light of their broader strategy

It will be interesting to see where all 3 companies go next time, now that the rules of the game have been completely changed

samfish @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:07PM

Microsoft was straight up said in the past that the whole reason the Xbox exists is because they want to use it to get into people's living rooms. It's a trojan horse. I will be STUNNED if MS doesn't have a Wiimote controller out of the box for next gen, if only because it makes navigating a media center that much easier.

Marty @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:26AM

Minority Report computers were creepy? No way!

I mean, aside from the fact that your arms would get tired really, really fast, I thought it was sweet.

Arnie @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:28AM

This is actually pretty sweet device. Cnet had a demo. It uses an infrared sensor along with a normal camera. It can detect gestures very easily. It so easily fits into gaming.

samfish @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:33AM

I hope all 3 incorporate cameras into their motion controllers next gen. It seems like it adds a lot of stability to the concept.

SPIDERMANMTL @ Feb 23rd 2009 11:54AM

again i agree with negatron have you ever played wii at like 3 or 4 in the morning. lets say marvel ult alliance ohhhh great fun i felt like throwing up but had no energy to do so after fighting loki...intense also for the camera i bought facebreaker and i think the principle behind the game is great the fact that i could punch my friends in the face was awesome unfortunatly the game sucks so MS give us more games for the camera (the one i already own)

vidGuy @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:04PM

I think the Wii has showed us how non-conventional controllers work and don't work. I could see this working really well for some games, but god I hope no company fully abandons a traditional pad.

GearSecond!! (Gamertag: xGearSecondx ) @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:07PM

Joystiq, you missed a great opportunity in your article image. Ya should've had Chris Brown in the pic instead of this unknown fo'

EndlessShadow @ Feb 23rd 2009 12:29PM

huh this worries me a bit but we will have to see what comes from it

Ogden2k @ Feb 23rd 2009 1:24PM

I personally just want to sit on my couch with a controller in my hand. I don't want a wii like controller...

required @ Feb 23rd 2009 2:56PM

I wonder how well these can work in low light conditions, are they like night time goggles?

Starcade @ Feb 23rd 2009 5:27PM

I'd have no problem if Microsoft released an improvement to their 360 Vision cam. I remember the Microsoft Life cam coming out around the same time, and thinking to myself, both these cams came from the same company? Why is the 360 cam so under-engineered? It even looks as if there was absolutely NO effort put into the design. It's the most basic you can get. There's no auto focus. And no microphone. Doesn't even have a nifty mount.

That being said, if a newer, better designed camera were to appear, I'd don't think it would be such a bad thing.