E3 2009: Microsoft finally unveils motion-sensing device, Project Natal

Posted Jun 1, 2009 at 5:14PM by Glenn M. Listed in: Xbox 360 Tags: Microsoft, Project Natal
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This one certainly got some serious air time in the rumorama, but now that Microsoft has finally made the announcement, the Xbox 360 motion-sensor levels up from rumor to legit, with a video to boot. Here it is, after weeks of brewing speculation, Microsoft's Project Natal.


Strange name, yes? And by the way, you don't pronounce it like natal, like you're referring to childbirth. It's Natal like Rafael Nadal only with a T. Say it with me - Natal. So anyway, you're probably as curious as I was about the name, so here's how they explain it:

Alex Kipman, who incubated the project and is from Brazil, chose Natal, a city along the northeastern coast of Brazil, as a tribute to his country. In addition, he knew that Natal also means "to be born" in Latin. Given the new audiences "Project Natal" will bring to Xbox 360, this felt right.


Like the rumored specs have told us, Project Natal won't have you holding any controller, so the magic wand controller rumors are still drawing blanks, and might be released eventually as an accessory for the accessory. Come to think of it, having a second motion-sensor for a motion-sensor might actually feel magic-wandy, or too redundant to make you buy both.

As it is, Project Natal's spec sheet tells us that it's got an RGB sensor, a depth sensor, a multiarray microphone and a special processor.

So there it is - say it again, Natal, with cool Brazilian origin too! Sure is an impressive sight to behold, but let's reserve judgment until we actually play with the super EyeToy.




Rumor review for Project Natal:




 
 
 

Comments [refresh]

by narutosaiyan - 2009-06-01 13:34
» EPIC FAIL

not revolutionary and not going to sell. leave wii stuff for the wii. idk what 360 wants, they wanna be a console for pro gamers or a bad ripoff of the wii. they didnt announce one good game for 09 and spent 1 hr talking about this lame camera. if 360 wants to be a console they should stick to ripping off one console not 2 because its not working out

by balkanboy - 2009-06-01 13:46
» lol

maybe but i think they just wanna kill other consoles i wouldnt surprise if ps3 will do the same with the wii looking stick....why have 2 consoles (wii + PS3/360) when u can just have one...lol

by crait - 2009-06-01 14:02
» OMG.

This this is sooooo F-ing cool!!!!!1111

Really, it is-

by N56 - 2009-06-01 14:03
» Retard!

Dude are you retarded? from this post the answer has to be yes, whats wrong with a multi purpose gaming device? can a console only have one specific market? obviously not, the technology thats behind this is phenominal and will easily change the future of the video gaming industry a controller less console and how can u say they rip off the wii and ps3? the 360 demoilishes them both sure ideas are the same but microsoft has killed the stupid japs!!



its idiots like you that stop the gaming industry progressing cause ur scared of change!

by crait - 2009-06-01 14:05
» I can't believe...

I can't believe that they didn't show Milo!! That's the most important part about it! These games they show are dumb compared to it!

As soon as it's online, you'll see how awesome this thing is!

by Master Chef - 2009-06-01 14:15
» ya

If this actually works as it does in the Milo demo, then this is the most amazing thing for gaming in decades.



Seriously, anyone doubting this, watch the Milo tech demo. It's crazy

by phiyuku - 2009-06-01 14:27
» Basically an advanced eye toy.

I can see that it is pretty responsive in the live presentations but if you look closely at the pre made presentation you can see varying delay times and even some times where the action is already produced on screen before the person produces the motion. While I think this can do a little more than the eye toy, what they showed at the pre made trailer is kind of far away.

by nuffsaid - 2009-06-01 14:29
» hmm...

waving ur hands in the air to drive, no thanks.

i would rather have a force feedback wheel any day.



i would like the gadget 2 work like in the vid but i know it wont. i bet it will make mistakes on ur movement and voice and will end up being frustrating.

by phiyuku - 2009-06-01 14:32
» Milo was scripted...

Who out of the blue would say Milo you didn't do your homework did you? There are things you can say and then there are pre-made responses. And as much as I would want to believe "This was not acted and Claire had the urge to catch the goggles."(or something similar) the fact is its most likely pre made responses. A true AI can't just pop out of nowhere especially magically out of nowhere when MS announces Natala.

by narutosaiyan - 2009-06-01 14:35
» same tech was used for ps2

the ps toy had the same thing and it failed what makes you think this will work? and that milo thing is for pedofiles, id tell him to jump off a cliff and see how he feels. who gives a *****, its like your personal psychiatrist whom you can share feelings with. lol are people so alone that they need a computer to cry to. i play videogames to entertain myself no to slosh paint on a canvas with my hands.

by phiyuku - 2009-06-01 14:42
» correction

Natal. Don't know why I said Natala, I guess I think it's a better name since natal is kind of a weird name. Maybe cause it's they gave birth to it, only reasonable reason I can think of why they would name it something like that even though PS Eye Toy is basically a more basic version of this.

by narutosaiyan - 2009-06-01 15:09
» also here is 1 pr ps3

http://ps3.ign.com/objects/748/748484.html

announced in 2005 on top of that

by sony_player - 2009-06-01 15:09
» ^

I was going to say exactly what phi said, and if that actually does turn into a game, it's going to be the most boring game ever

by papakep - 2009-06-01 15:10
» im not a fan of the 360

but this looks pretty neat. isnt this what sony wanted for the ps3 too? they wanted the camera built into the ps3 so you could navigate menus with a wave of the hand or something.



also, i think this is as close as you can get to doing those things, than actually doing them. like for the soccer thing why not just go and play soccer, it would be more satisfying.

by Miclowgunman - 2009-06-01 16:46
» wow...

if it works as well as the video shows, then it will be awesome. But i doubt it will. They said the ps eye would be this responsive, and i have one and it's not. I love the way they cut the video though. Showing the camera in just the right place to have the tv object move right with the hand, and the blue light on the skateboard when it was scanning...lol. It's a brilliant idea, but until i see it in action, i'll be skeptical. And the Milo demo would be more believable if it showed multiple people who had never dealt with it before interacting with it. Well see if this will be worth the price tag with time...Definitely not buying it right when it comes out though.

by crait - 2009-06-01 17:04
» I can..

I could only see this is this video from GameTrailers. That actually seems logical because commercials now-a-days don't have the TV really playing because they wouldn't get a that good of a picture so they use computers to add the images in later. Kinda like a green screen but just for the television screen. They have the actors act out the stuff and fit the games to it. Like how they have to have voice actors for cartoons before they start drawing them so that the mouth matches the words.

Some delays are probably because it's still very young. Did you see the guy trying to show the bottom of the Avatar's foot? It glitched up a lot doing a simple action and lagged tremendously afterwards but corrected itself later and didn't miss a beat. Just something to think about.

by Digitus - 2009-06-01 17:05
» Well

All the people who complained about tired arms when the Wii's controller was first shown will either have to get their complain gear back on or finally sit quiet and let new people complain. I think this Natal can go either way. It would be really great to see this in arcades and things like that where people are already going to be up and active but I don't see it doing very well on a home console. Let alone doing well outside of parties. The Milo thing was impressive but seemed really scripted as was said. Not to mention incredibly creepy. I don't know about you but I don't think virtual "companions" should be minors...or even humans.



As a tech demo its interesting. Kind of like the next step in computer technology going to voice and facial recognition and stuff like that. But again, on a home video game console I'm sure even grandmothers and milfs would rather like the feel of an actual control in their hands rather than an advanced eye toy.



I will tip my hat to Microsoft though. They can now call themselves a real video game company. When they first started out it was all the same just on their console. Now they truly have a unique setup with their own approach and thats very good for them. Just not interesting to me. I wont buy Natal or use it. Its impressive but I don't see it too viable is all. Also was anyone else worried when they guy said something along the lines of Microsoft not needing to release any new systems because of that controller being so "good"? If they expect that thing to last for 6 more years then that is not a good sign

by crait - 2009-06-01 17:09
» I think..

I think the point of these kinds of games and games like Nintendogs is so that people can do them without sacrificing things. Someone may live in a small apartment and can't get a puppy so they get Nintendogs. People want to play soccer but they live in a heavily populated area without a field anywhere nearby so they get the soccer game. If someone only has a prosthetic leg or arm but still wants to try boxing out, they could through video games.

All these and more reasons why a lot of people buy these games. Oh, and because you don't need to practice countless hours on something to be good at it. Learning how to get good at soccer is boring! Let's get to the good stuff!

by Kotto7Vmouth - 2009-06-01 17:34
» you're such a fan boy.stfu!

Watch now! The 360 will dominate the Wii son. Quit being such a PS3 fanboy and face the music!

by Kotto7Vmouth - 2009-06-01 17:42
» To: Narutosaiyan

That's link there for back in 2005 is nothing like what they just showed yesterday at E3 2009 MS...not even close. Natal is going to dominate...they were doing it right on the freaking stage for god sakes, looks like it worked pretty dame well to me.

by Kotto7Vmouth - 2009-06-01 17:50
» This is going...

to dominate the Wii...

no controller and they demonstrated it right in front of the audience live on the stage, so i think it's going to be pretty good...and lets face it the Wii's motion sensoring games only work good for the Nintendo developed games not the 3rd...they straight sucks balls.

I know cause i own all 3 consoles. 360-PS3-& a Wii.

by sony_player - 2009-06-01 17:51
» ^

Actually ps3 has Eye pet coming out sometime, which is pretty similar to milo, except for the talking part. Anyone remember that tech demo for that tank game? that was so frigen sweet, i wish that actually made it into a game

by Master Chef - 2009-06-01 18:15
» You're dumb lol

Please tell me where I said I believe the Milo vid is 100% real and made completely with the tech? I said "If it actually works as it does in the Milo demo, this is amazing". As in if the final product does what they show. Understand?



I have no doubt it was scripted, that came into my mind as soon as I started playing the vid and heard the responses. But they don't make tech demos for no reason, and MS payed a lot for the company that is making this tech. It's not just smoke and mirrors, the video means this is what they are working on. Whether or not it'll work that well remains to be seen. The cam is coming out in fall with some simple games you can play but stuff like Milo won't happen for at least a year or two



sony player, do you know what a tech demo is?

by Xis - 2009-06-01 18:20
» I'm not X360 fan at all

But I respect it (its just not for me) I love to see what Sony is going to do to try and compete with this maybe that patent will come to a reality. Anyway This is a great concept I'de rather see 360 lead the VG industry than Wii honestly. It sounds expensive too anyone else think so? Lest see what "shockers" our friends at Sony have to say about this you know theres going to be a cople cheap shots...

by CloudX - 2009-06-01 18:58
» Kotto7Vmouth

aww the little boys are defending there machine like it gave birth to them..



look you say that he is a fan boy and you instiantly do the F{ucking same?



kid grow the F up already.

by CloudX - 2009-06-01 19:32
» milo

well. if it works the way they said it works then man i can really see some people opening up to this AI. and if you go, "you have to be really lonely to do that" well, some gamers don't see the light of day. again weird tech. i really think they are starting to cross the line between reality and fantasy.

or...it A REALLY GOOD F(UCKIN SCRIPT.

by SteroidMitch - 2009-06-01 19:54
» RE 2 Phiyuku, A lil Philosophy

" » correction



Natal. Don't know why I said Natala, I guess I think it's a better name since natal is kind of a weird name. Maybe cause it's they gave birth to it, only reasonable reason I can think of why they would name it something like that even though PS Eye Toy is basically a more basic version of this. "



Just wanted to comment on how this makes since and to back up on Microsoft's way of naming their product.



We all know. Even though the Xbox 360 name depicts a large numerical value (based on by previous console generations) it is still only the 2nd Generation of Xbox. Why would Microsoft do this? Because people will (at least a majority of people do react to Marketing this way) be attracted to the higher number, the illusion of seniority, and a much larger number than "3", which is the current generation of Playstation and appropiately named so.



Onto why...



Obviously they are trying to dominate the Wii and PS3 as much as possible, to soak up the popularity of the industry of video games and its uncontrollable growth.



Dominate Wii - Motion sensing technology, new avatars, new sensor technology for faces. Face detection is really the icing. It is new, like the wireless controller standard for decent consoles, new(er) like the Wii's motion sensor. Face detection can also kill the "Party Play" hype with the Wii too. Families will be able to sit in the couch and (assumably) log in to the xbox with no other action required. To "Sit", simplifies the process of booting your gaming device. From, the stone age of powering on your console, selecting user, enter password?, connect online/login into online service. Lazy? Yes, but simple and apparently what the future is "supposed" to hold, simplicity. This factor obviously competes with both the Wii's and PS3's current abilities.



Dominate PS3 - while the device is very cool and continues to add yet another counterpart to the video game industry, It really won't persuade ppl to buy just the 360 (assuming Natal does cost an arm an a leg, like most cutting techies, i havent watched the video w/ audio yet, take note if the price is otherwise suggested). This device will most likely be able to add a "Six Axis" effect to games that will need a controller quite easily i would imagine.



Natal, when finished and if it operates as the video depicts, will simply revolutionize the current generation of video game consoles. Think about the "Apps" and interactive arcade games and what they could do with this accessory. Think about the programming that could take advantage of this.



Also, let it be known, that I also believe Microsoft is inching towards a Windows/Xbox merge. Yes Facebook, Twitter, and Last.fm are very small integrations towards a PC merger but are still steps, none the less. The ability to add Windows 7 to either the 360 or next generation of xbox is coming. We know Microsoft could do it, especially if they fight Sony and Nintendo on the "Second generation nano/slim versions" front. By that I mean releasing a second generation 360, that just so happens to be slimmer, have a faster processor, have new cutting techies (bluetooth, Natal built in, Wireless N, Gigalan, etc.,), and have a bigger hard drive and the option to install Windows 7 of course.



Think about it. Ubuntu and other Linux distros are getting more and more compatible with their PC market aswell as increasing popularity with netbook versions and MID devices. Also, piracy is a big issue with Windows because of the cost and the simplicity of doing so because of hackers.



How could they fight that on all fronts? Why not release an Operating System, such as a Windows 7 version for your gaming console, that has had the fewest hacks out of most current gen consoles or at least exploits. The console that averages 8/+ games owned per console. They could have the Windows version download and install itself from Xbox Live. A store they control and oversee, where no physical copy of it can be obtained. They could unlock its abilities as a gaming c

by SteroidMitch - 2009-06-01 19:56
» Cont.d

They could unlock its abilities as a gaming computer and workshop before Linux gets optimized on PS3's Cell Processor. It'd be a WIN, WIN, WIN situation.



What do you guys think? Yeah? NO? SMitch should go to bed? I'm going with the later for now...

by HIDEO KOJIMA - 2009-06-01 20:56
» @ narutosaiyan

Your comment is so EPIC FANBOY FAIL



You want epic fail, look at Sony's PSP Go! and their PS3 Slim. Nothing new that hasn't already been done, plus more restrictions. What's the point in having a PSP if it can't use UMDs. The original PSP already had that "Go!" aspect with it being PORTABLE!! Sony says "You want more portability? We've taken out the use UMDs so you can worry less about the weight, plus you'll walk faster." Depending on the price, I might buy the Slim because my PS3 broke down months ago.



Didn't announce 1 good game for 09? Let's see, heres two: Halo ODST, Modern Warfare 2. MW2 may not be an exclusive, but they did "announce" it. So if you are saying that MW2 isn't going to be a good game, you have problems.



As for 360 ripping off stuff from other consoles. The 360 started ripping off the Wii since the avatars were announced last year. It's not just the 360 though, don't forget about the PS3 and their trophy system and online video content. I'm sure you won't acknowledge it if Sony announces something that involves ripping off the other consoles, but I'm sure you'll go head over heels when Sony announces that Home will be out of Beta by the end of the year. Those gamers who wanted a motion controller, whoever they are, got something even better than getting something exactly the same.



The camera looks interesting. It certainly beats having to reach for the controller when you are watching a movie. It might attract some Wii users, but they won't just be buying the camera, they are buying the console as well. Live video chat, looks fun, if you are into those kind of things. "Ever wondered what the bottom of avatar the shoe looks like? Bam! There you go!" That was funny. That game where you interact with that kid, Milo I think, who here seriously wouldn't want to be an assh*le to the kid?



"Hi, what's your name?"

"Milo"

"No, your new name is Pen*s"

by Silver-Tiger - 2009-06-01 21:07
» Well...

One update to PS Eye and PS3 could do the same...



but ok, let MS their praise.

by Solid Snicker - 2009-06-01 22:30
» .

lol 'OH MY GOSH ARE YOU READY FOR THE PARTY YET?'



But yeah, i can't see this working nearly as easily as it does in the vid.



Would probably take like 20 attempts to 'scan' a skateboard.



Sniff sniff i smell bulls**t

by phiyuku - 2009-06-01 22:45
» Also if you noticed

when scanning the skateboard the hand was in the way covering parts of the art on the skateboard it showed fully on the TV. And for the blue light that is obviously not going to be there lol it'll just be retarded since it captures by a camera not by a blue light.

by Aces In The Palm - 2009-06-01 23:40
» LMAO @ Kotto7Vmouth

stop being a ps3 fanboy xbox xbox xbox xbox



who's the fanboy?

your the fanboy Mr Xbot

by Aces In The Palm - 2009-06-01 23:47
» i own all 3 as well

it means jack

doesnt prove you know anything.

with the wii's new motion sensing device the games could be getting alot better, 1st and 3rd party.

you still sound like a xbot to me.

but thats ok because i have to admit im partial to sony consoles. i love the fact that the controllers have never changed. i dont have to get used to new funky setups.

by jism789 - 2009-06-02 01:16
» PS3

You mad?? you hating??? It's hard not to :>

by narutosaiyan - 2009-06-02 02:57
» sounds good

how bout masterchief plays his halo odst and milo, while i play gow3, uncharted2, heavy rain, mag and a bunch of other good exclusives. thats right your console is turning into a childs toy abd by annonced games i meant exclusives...ur just the only retard that didnt understand

by genesiscopy - 2009-06-02 04:53
» it is not impossible

i mean my prev project is about object recognition using normal industrial camera with just fpga.. i don't see why this won't work.. of course there will be delays and misdetection.... let's just see how they're going to utilize this tech then.. altho i personally want a real steering w/ feedback...

by HIMFan - 2009-06-02 07:51
» Lmao

It is EXACTLY like Eyetoy Play series and other Eyetoy games for the PS2.

by HIMFan - 2009-06-02 07:56
» So Sony Already Tried This

And gave it up because it didn't sell worth s#it. Nobody that owns a 360 really cares about that kind of gaming. It's not an insult, they just like really difficult shooter games and stuff and if they call the Wii a gimmick then they will look at this in the same light.

by HIDEO KOJIMA - 2009-06-02 11:21
» !

"Basically an advanced eye toy."



Yeah and the Eye Toy is basically an advance Webcam

by southsidexz - 2009-06-02 12:39
» hmmm....I wonder??? and I Love how fights start between XBOX360 + PS3

I'm wondering about this Nadal Project, how is it exactly going to work?? no control, ok good. But if it automatically detects stuff, like what if your cat or someone comes and pushes you off, or would it have interference if someone is right behind you??

.....Too many questions...........The Wii, its has a control so it can't interfere with other Controls.



Anyways, Xbox360 trying to target the Youth and family oriented Video Gamers. lets say, they want to tell people to "BE ACTIVE" lolz.



I don't know about XBOX 360.......and this Project...... It looks kool but then again idk even wana think what problems or glitches it could have.........Sorry Xbox360 until you dont give better service and make consumers pay for your Failing XBOX 360 Ring of Death. and that Mother Board glued with cheap glue that once your XBOX heats up too much it basically deattaches.





PS3, ok making a PS3 Slim, ehhhh......Not exactly what I'm looking for. One drop and I would kill myself bcz there's 500 bucks. I'll stick with the Original PS3!! and KILLZONE 2!!!! Wahaha! lolz.



PSP GO! ok, yea its a new PSP, sorry for people who bought PSP-3000. I sticked with my PSP-1000 Yep, you heard it im still with the Original PSP! I wouldn't Mind buying this PSP GO!!



Sony is better of to go, when you know you can combine stuff you already own.



Example:

-Sony Cyber-Shot Digital Camera (Memory Stick Pro Duo)

-PSP (Memory Stick Pro Duo)

-PS3 (Any Memory Card)

-BB *Blackberry Phone* (Micro SD Card)

*WAIT! Micro SD + Pro Duo Adapter!



You basically have Music, Video, Pictures, Etc... in your Blackberry, and you want to use it for PSP, NO problem! use Pro Duo Adapter BAM! oh wait, but you want to take picture on the camera, Swtich it.... BAM!! Oh now you want to see pictures on your PS3 BAM!!!



Blackberry Pictures r 1600x1200

GREAT RESOLUTIONS!!

Camera + HD

Music, Blackberry automatically searches all Folders for music, so no necessary to move Folders to a different location than the PSP's Music folder.



XBOX 360, What Can You DO for Me??? .........hmmmm......ummmm.......ehhhhhh.....NOTHING! LOLZ



XBOX 360 Can't Upgrade HDD

PS3 You Can Upgrade!!!



16GB Micro SD + Pro DUo Adapter + PSP/Sony Camera + Ultra Storage and Power!!



but wait, what if you Combine "2 x" 16GB Micro SD + Dual Micro SD Pro Duo Adapter + PSP/Camera + 32GB's ULTIMATE GAMING, STORAGE AND POWER!!!!!!!!

by Shatterdome - 2009-06-03 09:47
» well...

if you watch the live E3 demo, with the chick hitting balls and the guy painting...you can tell that it works. It looks like the thing uses two cameras, which gives the 360 a 3D view of what is infront of it, which would allow for it to track all these movements so accurately...especially moving "in and out" of 3D space.



I think it's sweet, but it will really be up to the developers how it's used and will have limited applications.



It would be awesome for a sex game, haha Too bad that will never happen.

by Shatterdome - 2009-06-03 09:54
» hmmm...

If that was the case, I doubt Sony would have made their magic wand thingy.



The eyetoy has an amazing microphone and a decent enough camera....so it should be able to do the facial/voice recognition.....but you will not see the level of control in 3D space that the natal has.



The reason for this is eyetoy only has one lens, the natal it using two. This gives the natal a 3D view of what's in front of it, eyetoy can't do that.



Still, like the Wii has shown, it's up to the developers to actually use it well and make games for it. If only a couple games come out for it that really use it well, than whats the point ?

by joebo19x - 2009-06-03 13:11
» You are sadly mistaken

In case you have yet to notice the onslaught of leaked games released on the 360, it is absolutely not the least hacked system.....

PS3 has YET to get a single exploit and as soon as once occurs....we see a minor update within a day or two.

Adding windows 7 to the 360 will only make the pirates flock to the system.....yay Microsoft is selling a lot of 360's but darn WTF only two copies of W7 were sold...... then the PC game business would go down. i personally would purchase PC games for my 360 instead.....seeing as how they are usually 10-20$ cheaper then consoles on launch day.



Also they are still trying to fix the RROD....lets not rush ANOTHER version of the 360 out...

by Navani - 2009-06-04 12:56
» Hm

Looks like too much work. My arms would get tired from the racing and stuff. As long as you can still use the controller, I'm good

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