Microsoft To Buy Motion-Sensing Company

[Isildur´s Heir]

From Kotaku...

Here we go again. Fresh off speculation Microsoft were working on a motion-sensing controller for current generation hardware, seems the company is now in talks to buy a firm specialising in motion-sensing tech.

Israeli site Haaretz reports that the makers of the Xbox console are in talks to buy locally-based company 3DV for $35 million. Why does this interest you, video game fan? Because 3DV have a product called the ZCam, which acts a lot like Sony's EyeToy motion-sensing camera, only much, much better.

Indeed, 3DV claim that the ZCam tech is so advanced it's better at sensing motion than the Wii Remote, with the added bonus that you wouldn't need to hold any controllers.

Interestingly, Haaretz's report says "Microsoft apparently plans to use 3DV Systems' technology in its own gaming technology, probably in the Xbox 360", meaning that while the advanced nature of the tech will have you thinking Xbox 720, it's handy to remember they could just as easily wheel the technology out for the current platform, perhaps as a replacement for the current 360 camera.

So, let´s think for a minute that the rumor is actually true (not the all Microsft plans on buying Logitech), and that the deal goes through, is it a good deal?
To have Microsoft enter the Wii territory?

 

[StrainedEyes]

It just says motion sensing technology, which could be anything from the wiimote to the six axis. The other big 2 tried it, I don't see it doing any real harm. I also don't see MS going full out motion control, probably an improved version of what the six axis wanted to be. (Though developers will probably still use it as a silly add on, and have to add a patch later because no one likes it)

At the very least, maybe this will give gamers a chance to play good motion sensing games. I think it's generally agreed that the Wii is a shovelware magnet and that motion control could be used for much more inventive things then point and click.

 

[GL1]

Hmmm...

They could possibly incorporate Wii and Sixxaxis style into their design and cherrypick the best of Wii's motion sensitive titles.

Or they could come up with a really epic franchise that utilizes the "Motion X" to a great degree, inspiring copycats and reinterpretation...

 

[Raiden]

If they can incorporate this technology to the current Xbox 360 console, then it could be a good news for us 360 owners. But they still need to develop great titles if it were to become a success like Wii.

 

[newmexneon]

Not sure I care all that much. I have a Wii and the motion controls really don't seem that ground breaking.

 

[Crook]

I don't really think we have the tech right now to take full advantage of the concept. Motion-sensing has limitless possibilities, but current-gen isn't doing it a favor. Look at the Wii, there are so few games that implement it's full capability, even less that make it a part of the gaming experience.

I personally think it's a good buy, but they'll have to really develop this product for the future to make any sort of gain.

 

[GL1]

Lol. What does groundbreaking "feel" like?

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Probably like the game actually following your movements rather than simply requiring you to waggle the remote in different ways for different effects.

I'm not too keen on motion technology, personally. I like my 360 controller just fine. But if Microsoft wants to enter that market, more power to 'em. Just as long as we still get the big, high-quality game releases alongside whatever shovelware they come up with to compete with the Wii's shovelware.

 

[Crook]

Lol. What does groundbreaking "feel" like?

I.e. something new and non-gimmicky. Are you not familiar with the feeling?

 

[Raiden]

Lol. What does groundbreaking "feel" like?

The first time I played Wii Sports, I really feel that it was quite groundbreaking, esp. since you can make the bowling ball to spin differently depending on how you twist your wrist with the Wiimote.