MS snaps up ZCam maker, advanced motion control for 360?

[Zeus]

MS has now reportedly definitely taken over 3DV, the maker of the ZCam. The ZCam is an interesting camera based device which can recognise movements and translate movements into the game. As you'd expect, strong speculation indicates that this technology will find its way onto the Xbox 360.


First reported as a rumour by Israeli news outlet Haaretz, Dean Takahashi, a veteran journalist now writing for VentureBeat states that his sources also confirm the takeover deal in a recent column. Microsoft stands to acquire 3DV Systems for the relatively small sum of $35 million. 3DV Systems has raised over $38 million from investors like Rafael Development Corporation and The IDB Group since its inception in 1997. Obviously this will result in a significant loss for the investors.

With the acquisition of 3DV Systems, Microsoft is looking to gain a stronger foothold in the video game console market. The company’s Xbox 360 is currently in a distant second place in this generation of video game consoles behind Nintendo’s Wii; a system that relies heavily on motion-based control, often considered easier for “non-gamers” to play.


News Source: <a href="http://gamingfront.net/news/267/microsoft-set-to-bring-3d-motion-control-to-xbox-pc-games/" target="_blank">GamingFront</A>

[DaFireStarter]

The camera controller looks extremely accurate but without some sort of tactile feedback it won't feel right. We'll probably see this, in combination of a physical controller in the next XBOX as well as the original XBOX 360 controller as an optional controller for the next gen games... This is just my opinion.

[IBNobody]

Eyetoy360? It's just too gimmicky.

[msanchez]

Just like sony is apparently waiting on the next gen to take advantage of some motion related patents that they supposedly have, ms is probably going to do the same. It's already to late into the 360's life to introduce something like this and have it taken seriously, devs would probably not support it much or at all. Even the ps3eye (which thanks to reward points from my sony card I have) hasn't received much support considering it has 3 games, and I think 2 "interactive art" thingies.

I guess next gen there'll be no choice about whether to look like an idiot or not while playing games. Seems now that all 3 manufacturers will have some sort of motion controlling... that is unless ms finds that sony is infringing some patent since they both seem to be aiming to do their motion sensing with cameras.

[danight]

actually microsoft was tring to get the makers of the wiimote to make them 1. Sony has sixasses (sp?)

Microsoft also owns the sideswipe phone patents so you gotta wonder when they will use them.

[EL_CAD]

The camera controller looks extremely accurate but without some sort of tactile feedback it won't feel right.
Force feedback is so last gen.:rolleyes:

[msanchez]

actually microsoft was tring to get the makers of the wiimote to make them 1. Sony has sixasses (sp?)

Microsoft also owns the sideswipe phone patents so you gotta wonder when they will use them.

Well so far the sixaxis isn't a prime example of motion sensing. Despite what people say I think one of the better implementations was in Lair, but a more simplistic and smart use I think is the one used on KZ2's sniper scope (according to what I hear).

What's that sideswipe patent thing about? don't remember hearing about that one. Anywhos, sony has already released motion sensing phones, although they released one a day or two ago apparently, I'm pretty sure I've seen a sony-ericsson handset supporting motion sensing for quite a few months already. I know because I was planing on getting one.

[PAID IN FULL]

I like the idea but if they take away any feature the controller already has then I dont like it. If they are adding to the controller and not taking anything away from its original formate then I think it is a cool idea.