News | Akiba Today -Business & Culture News from Tokyo Akihabara-

Microsoft's Natal: Controller Revolution?

posted 09/06/03

After information had leaked about Microsoft registering patents for a "motion sensor that makes use of face recognition software and biometrics" there was much speculation about a new Xbox controller reminiscent of that of the Wii. Now with "Natal" officially being announced at the E3 it is clear that Microsoft wants to push out the new technology as soon as possible. Steven Spielberg, who attended the launch said: "The video games industry has not allowed us the opportunity to cry, because we were too busy putting our adrenalin rush into the controller" marking the release of the input device an evolutionary step for games.

While it seems understandable that a top notch mainstream movie director like him fancies the creative freedom during the development process, the question is: will this device really help video games evolve into something greater? So far a lack of precision has kept things like the eye toy or the Wii's motion controller from creating something gamers would fancy over a real piece of hardware that responds to actual touch and not just the notion of it.

On the other hand the market for casual games is growing and judging from the promotion material this might just be where Mircosoft is aiming at this time.

Via the BBC

This article has been created in collaboration with
Akiba Keizai Shimbun

Public Demo of Sega's Valkyria Chronicles in Akiba (Akiba Today)

Taito Retro Arcade in Akihabara (Akiba Today)

TrackBack

Track back to this article:

http://www.akibatoday.com/cgi-bin/mt/trackback/613

Latest article 20

Cross-Dressing Young Men Serve Patrons at Akihabara Bar: Restaurant and bar Newtype opened in Akihabara on May ...; posted 09/06/04

Microsoft's Natal: Controller Revolution?: After information had leaked a...; posted 09/06/03

"Angel Attack" on Boxers: Character goods maker Movic will begin selling the Eva...; posted 09/06/02

1/1 Scale Macross U.N. Helmets: 　Character toy designer and seller Yamato is now offer...; posted 09/06/01

Sonic Buzzer to Keep Young People Away: A Sonic device called "Mosquito&...; posted 09/05/29

Favorite Supporting Character Manga Ranking: According to a recent poll con...; posted 09/05/28

Shizuoka Hobby Show Private Photos: ☆Chikako-Jo writing☆ - I apologize my bad ...; posted 09/05/26

World's Only Gundam Plastic Model Factory Opened to the Public: In conjunction with the 48th Shizuoka Hobby Show, the ...; posted 09/05/25

Evangelion Mobile Phone: The never ending Evangelion craze is obviously f...; posted 09/05/22

Japanese Garden Decoration Shishiodoshi Now USB-Powered: 　　You can spot the “shishiodoshi” decorating Jap...; posted 09/05/21

Swine Flu hitting Japan: While the Governor of Osaka is calling for a more meas...; posted 09/05/20

48th Shizuoka Hobby Show - Photo Report 3: 48th Shizuoka Hobby Show Photo Report is be cont...; posted 09/05/20

48th Shizuoka Hobby Show - Photo Report 2: ☆Chikako-Jo writing☆48th Shizuoka Hobby Show Photo Rep...; posted 09/05/18

48th Shizuoka Hobby Show - Photo Report 1: ☆Chikako-jo Writing.☆Japan's largest model fair, the 4...; posted 09/05/16

Bra with a Timer: Japanese bra maker Thriumph International i...; posted 09/05/15

Claw Vending Machine at Kansai Int'l Airport for Foreign Travelers Returning Home: 　According to the Asahi Shimbun, a claw vending machin...; posted 09/05/14

Square Enix Pulls the Plug to Chrono Trigger Fan Project: It does not really come that surprising seeing Square ...; posted 09/05/13

Exercise with a 2-D Girl: 　　Training with Hinako, the animated weight training DVD, we...; posted 09/05/12

Kanda Festival in Akihabara: Once every 2 years Akihabara becomes the setting...; posted 09/05/11

Kyaba Kura, a Unique Part of Japanese Culture: That unique part of Japanese culture, the “kyaba...; posted 09/05/08