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?
Reader Comments (53)
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:19AM (Unverified) said
.......
Wow MS. AN EYE TOY? Are you serious?
Talk about ripping off your competition.
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Wow MS. AN EYE TOY? Are you serious?
Talk about ripping off your competition.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:28AM Da Largest said
...who cares? So long as they utilize this company and its products well, this can only be seen as good news for gamers.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:32AM (Unverified) said
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.
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MS should came up with a different product instead of a MS Eye-Toy.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:38AM Da Largest said
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.
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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.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:47AM (Unverified) said
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?
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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?
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:11AM Da Largest said
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
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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
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:21AM (Unverified) said
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?
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:25AM FredFredrickson said
The Eyetoy is a webcam. Not some sort of 3D camera, whatever that is.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:04PM (Unverified) said
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.
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Technology evolves. So should you.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:25AM (Unverified) said
I thought for most people in the demographic who would be interested in this site "Minority Report-style Interface" == sexy (and not creepy).
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Posted: Feb 26th 2009 3:36PM mynk said
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
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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
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:35AM OS Perry said
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.
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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.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:15AM Duke said
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.
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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.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:59PM Cal said
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
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:45AM (Unverified) said
I think this is great news... I like the Vision Live camera and wish it were used more in games.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 7:37PM (Unverified) said
+ 1 man, agreed. It's nice to know Microsoft is looking in that general direction.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:48AM (Unverified) said
That kid looks like as if he's got a dick in his mouth.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 3:44PM (Unverified) said
I was going to say invisible toothbrush.
Leave the penis jokes to rockstar.
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Leave the penis jokes to rockstar.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 10:49AM Clatu6 said
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.
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Why not a new camera now? If it works and its fun then I'm all for it.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:08AM Da Largest said
Yeah, fuck optional products! They totally have an effect on all of the other products on the console!
Hurr
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Hurr
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:09AM MarkHawk said
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.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:03PM (Unverified) said
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
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---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
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:26PM Negatron said
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.
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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.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:58PM Saria the Cat said
Well, *I* got the joke, if that makes you feel any better.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:24AM R Planteer said
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.
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Heres hoping that MS doesnt go the wii path with "cheap housewife friendly console" and includes some killer hardware next generation.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:43AM Mr Khan said
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
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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
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:07PM samfish said
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.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:26AM FredFredrickson said
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.
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I mean, aside from the fact that your arms would get tired really, really fast, I thought it was sweet.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:28AM arnavdesai said
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.
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 11:54AM (Unverified) said
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)
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:07PM xGearSecondx said
Joystiq, you missed a great opportunity in your article image. Ya should've had Chris Brown in the pic instead of this unknown fo'
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 12:29PM (Unverified) said
huh this worries me a bit but we will have to see what comes from it
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 2:56PM (Unverified) said
I wonder how well these can work in low light conditions, are they like night time goggles?
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Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 5:27PM Starcade said
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.
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That being said, if a newer, better designed camera were to appear, I'd don't think it would be such a bad thing.
Posted: Feb 23rd 2009 7:37PM (Unverified) said
I bought the vision camera for an online class because it said it was pc compatible and then I found out it didn't have a microphone! >
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