Microsoft Unveils Kinect: A Revolutionary Motion-Sensing Controller for Xbox 360

Microsoft recently showcased its highly-anticipated motion-sensing controller, rebranded as "Kinect," to an exclusive audience in Los Angeles. This technology, previously known as Project Natal, utilizes a 3-D camera and gesture recognition software to enable players to control on-screen characters with natural body movements, eliminating the need for traditional hand-held controllers. The demonstration featured Cirque du Soleil performers showcasing how Kinect allows users to play video games using natural gestures, such as moving their hands as if turning a car steering wheel in driving games or mimicking body movements in sports or dance titles.

Key Takeaways:

• Kinect uses a 3-D camera and gesture recognition software to enable players to control on-screen characters with natural body movements.
• The technology allows users to play video games without traditional hand-held controllers, using gestures such as moving their hands as if turning a car steering wheel in driving games.
• Kinect is set to compete with Sony's motion-sensing Move controller and Nintendo's Wii consoles, marking a significant battleground in the gaming industry.
• Game publishers use downloadable content to deliver gaming software as well as virtual items to consoles via the internet, but this trend also raises concerns about holding back original content.
• Top-shelf blockbuster video games on the horizon include 'Rage,' sequels to popular franchises such as Halo, Call of Duty, and Little Big Planet, and titles like 'Killzone 3' which will be playable in 3-D on PS3 consoles.
• The E3 conference will feature demonstrations of coming titles, and models dressed as popular in-game characters, with Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo showcasing their respective motion control systems.

Statistics:

• Kinect technology will be available in time for the year-end holiday shopping season.
• The technology will compete with Sony's motion-sensing Move controller and Nintendo's Wii consoles.
• 2009 will be a pivotal year for video game releases, including titles like 'Rage' and sequels to popular franchises.
• Sony's pre-E3 peek at 'Killzone 3' highlighted the importance of software in the gaming industry.
• Kinect is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry toward motion-sensing controls and downloadable content.

Sources:

• Game Trailers editor-in-chief Shane Satterfield
• E3 conference
• Sony's game developers conference in San Francisco (March)
• Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company (2009 Al Sidra Media LLC)