Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PrimeSense 3D-sensing tech licensed for Project Natal [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/primesense-3d-sensing-technology-licensed-for-project-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/primesense-3d-sensing-technology-licensed-for-project-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/primesense-3d-sensing-technology-licensed-for-project-natal/#comments In February of 2009, it was revealed that Microsoft had purchased a 3D motion-sensing camera company called 3DV. In June, the company showed off Project Natal, leading most to assume the two were connected, though Microsoft countered, saying "we built [Natal] in house." That brings us to today, as (a company you probably haven't heard of) PrimeSense has announced that its 3D motion-sensing tech is being utilized for Project Natal.

"Xbox 360 Hardware Engineering teams developed the 'Project Natal' sensor based on the PrimeSensor reference design to support the special requirements of Project Natal," said Aviad Maizels, PrimeSense president and founder.

What we don't know at the moment is just how much Microsoft's baby relies on PrimeSense. As you can see in the video after the jump (which had to have been directed by Tommy Wiseau) and in Engadget's demonstration, the company's focus has been on gesture control for UI navigation, so it's possible PrimeSense could just be supplying a way for users to interact with the Xbox Dashboard and Guide with motion commands. We'll let you know what we can find out.

Update: Microsoft's product manager for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, Aaron Greenberg, dropped us a line to further explain the Microsoft-PrimeSense partnership where Project Natal is concerned. "Regarding your question, this was primarily a hardware partner announce," Greenberg said. "Bottom line, we've worked closely with PrimeSense to design the best 3D-sensing technology component for 'Project Natal.' Microsoft is fully responsible for the design and development of the 'Project Natal' sensor, including its depth sensor, RGB camera, multi-array microphone and software."

Continue reading PrimeSense 3D-sensing tech licensed for Project Natal [update]

JoystiqPrimeSense 3D-sensing tech licensed for Project Natal [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvmicrosoftprimesenseproject-natalXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms acquisition of 3DV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/microsoft-confirms-acquisition-of-3dv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/microsoft-confirms-acquisition-of-3dv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/microsoft-confirms-acquisition-of-3dv/#comments
Speaking during an annual conference at Microsoft's Israeli research and development center, the head of Israel R&D and corporate VP Moshe Lichtman openly confirmed the acquisition of 3DV's motion technology -- the same motion technology speculated as being used in the company's ambitious Project Natal. "The R&D center helped Microsoft in buying the intellectual property of 3DV Systems, and in the wake of that, dozens of the company's employees were recruited to work at the development center," Globes reports Lichtman said.

Though we still don't know the amount Microsoft spent acquiring 3DV, considering the amount of marketing muscle "the big M" is putting behind Project Natal, we're guessing it wasn't exactly a pittance. Now, to arrange for a few sneaky Joystiq operatives in Israel to find out exactly what's happening inside the company's clandestine research and development offices.

Gallery: Project Natal


[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqMicrosoft confirms acquisition of 3DV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvacquisitionedge-onlineglobesisraelmarketingmicrosoftmoshe-lichtmanproject-natalXbox-360Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal video features smack talking, scruffy teenagers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/project-natal-video-features-smack-talking-scruffy-teenagers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/project-natal-video-features-smack-talking-scruffy-teenagers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/project-natal-video-features-smack-talking-scruffy-teenagers/#comments One of the biggest announcements at Microsoft's E3 keynote was Project Natal, an ambitious project using camera tech developed by 3DV. The keynote promo video shows off many planned uses for the new peripheral, running the gamut from something as simple as beating up an old, feeble man, to complex voice recognition and scanning features. It's ambitious, to say the least, and only time will tell if the company can pull it off.

JoystiqProject Natal video features smack talking, scruffy teenagers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dve3-2009Microsoftnatalproject-natalXbox-360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VentureBeat: Microsoft buying 3D camera company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/venturebeat-microsoft-buying-3d-camera-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/venturebeat-microsoft-buying-3d-camera-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/venturebeat-microsoft-buying-3d-camera-company/#comments
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?

JoystiqVentureBeat: Microsoft buying 3D camera company originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvmicrosoftmotion-sensingwiimotexbox-360xbox-720Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[3D camera aims to offer Wii-like gameplay [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/3d-camera-aims-to-offer-wii-like-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/3d-camera-aims-to-offer-wii-like-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/3d-camera-aims-to-offer-wii-like-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wii's success was bound to cause a few imitators to emerge from the deep, dark crevices below the earth and embrace the light of the surface. The most popular one that seems to keep coming up is the Vii, but now a new camera from a company called 3DV Systems out of Israel has become the latest. Called the ZCam, it's a 3D camera for your PC that will pick up motion much in the way the Wiimote senses your actions and translates them into in-game movements.

During a recent demonstration of the device, 3DV Chief Executive Zvika Klier said "The Wii has shown us the way, but this device can take things so much farther." The camera isn't limited to two dimensions of movement, however, as it can also track depth. Klier demonstrated both an airplane game where movement of the aircraft was controlled by his arms, using his thumbs to activate machine games and drop bombs, and a boxing game. As you can imagine, the boxing game had him throwing punches and bobbing and weaving as he played. "The Wii has shown us the way, but this device can take things so much farther," he commented. "With this, we can really put you into the game," he said.

So, do we have a Wii killer on our hand, folks? Would you like to know more?

Update: Sorry folks, I didn't mean to use the same line twice in one paragraph (obviously) and the post has been fixed.

Joystiq3D camera aims to offer Wii-like gameplay [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvmotion-controlzcamFri, 14 Dec 2007 22:58:00 EST