Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/#comments Image

It's only been a few days since Hillcrest Labs open sourced its Kylo web browser for TVs, and now the company's back with yet another announcement. Well, this time it's more about TCL who's just declared its top TV market share in China. Much like the Roku 2 and LG TVs with Magic Motion remote, Hillcrest's Freespace engine has been outted as the enabling technology behind TCL's recently announced V7500, a 3D smart TV series featuring a heavily customized Android 4.0.3 and a 7.9mm-thick bezel. This means users can interact with and play games on this slim TV via motion and cursor control on the remote (there's also voice control here but it doesn't look like Hillcrest has anything to do with it). There are no dates or prices just yet, but TCL better be quick as Lenovo's got something very similar ready to ship soon.

Gallery: Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend

Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0.3Android4.0.3ChinaFreespaceFreespace MotionEngineFreespaceMotionenginegesturegesture controlGesture RecognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionhdpostcrossHillcrestHillcrest LabsHillcrestLabsice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmotionmotion controlMotionControlsmart tvSmartTvSTVSTV OSSTV OS1.0StvOsStvOs1.0TCLtelevisionTVV7500Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Engineer Guy shows how a phone accelerometer works, knows what's up and sideways (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/the-engineer-guy-shows-how-a-smartphone-accelerometer-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/the-engineer-guy-shows-how-a-smartphone-accelerometer-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/the-engineer-guy-shows-how-a-smartphone-accelerometer-works/#comments Image

We love finding out how things work, and arguably one of the most important parts of the smartphones and tablets we thrive on is the accelerometer gauging our device's orientation. Imagine our delight, then, when we see the University of Illinois' Bill Hammack (i.e. The Engineer Guy) giving a visual rundown of how accelerometers work. Although it's certainly the Cliff's Notes version of what's going on in your Android phone or iPhone, the video does a great job of explaining the basic concepts behind three-axis motion sensing and goes on to illustrate how MEMS chips boil the idea down to the silicon form that's needed for our mobile hardware. Hammack contends that it's one of the coolest (and unsung) parts of a smartphone, and we'd definitely agree; you can see why in the clip after the break.

Continue reading Engineer Guy shows how a phone accelerometer works, knows what's up and sideways (video)

Engineer Guy shows how a phone accelerometer works, knows what's up and sideways (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometeraccelerometerscellphonecellphoneshow it is madehow it workshow its madeHowItIsMadeHowItsMadeHowItWorksmemsmobilepostcrossmotionmotion sensorMotionSensorsciencesensorsiliconsmartphonesmartphonestablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsuniversity of illinoisUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversityOfIllinoisUniversityOfIllinoisAtUrbana-champaignTue, 22 May 2012 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Qbo robot gets Xtion Pro motion sensor add-on, can't help but gloat (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/qbo-robot-gets-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-add-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/qbo-robot-gets-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-add-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/qbo-robot-gets-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-add-on/#comments Qbo robot gets Xtion Pro motion sensor add-onWho would spend their allowance on Asus's expensive Xtion Pro motion sensor? Qbo the cute open-source robot would, because he needs a constant stream of new abilities to maintain his youthful self-image. The sensor's laser emissions create a "3D point cloud" that is added to data from Qbo's existing odometer and gyroscope to create maps, model objects in 3D and plan movements. Why the Xtion instead of the cheaper Kinect? The robot's builders, The Corpora, simply say they picked it for its "small size and weight" as well as its ability to adapt easily -- which was precisely Asus's developer-friendly intention in the first place. See the world as Qbo sees it, right after the break.

Continue reading Qbo robot gets Xtion Pro motion sensor add-on, can't help but gloat (video)

Qbo robot gets Xtion Pro motion sensor add-on, can't help but gloat (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusasus xtionasus xtion proAsusXtionAsusXtionProkinectmappingmotionmotion planningmotion sensorMotionPlanningMotionSensormovementobject mappingObjectMappingopenqboq.boqboThecorpraQbovideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/extra-sensory-perception/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

At Intel's CES 2012 press conference, the giant chipmaker justified calling thin notebook PCs "ultrabooks" by noting how the devices would increasingly be characterized by more than their thinness.

The integration of sensors has become so core to the modern smartphone experience that their absence would make using such devices untenable.

Most of that differentiation was based on plans to integrate the kinds of sensors that have become commonplace in smartphones and tablets, sensors that can detect location, motion, orientation and proximity. The integration of sensors has become so core to the modern smartphone experience that their absence would make using such devices untenable. Imagine if we had to manually reorient a display every time we wanted to play a game or take a photo or if we had to avoid activating a button with our cheeks when holding a phone against them.

But as Switched On discussed in taking on how screen size affects form factors, what is a limitation of form factor today may not hold true tomorrow. Already, of course, smartphones can tap into remote intelligence for applications such as remote camera viewing or unlocking of doors via services from home security companies such as ADT and Vivint. From around the world, you can even remotely start a vehicle using the Viper SmartStart app. But there are increasing opportunities for smartphones to act on information from sensors that are not embedded into their shells.

Continue reading Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception

Switched On: Extra Sensory Perception originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerADTappconnectivitygyroscopeinfraredintegrationintelkickstarterlocationmotionnodesensorsmartphoneSmartStartswitched onswitchedontabletTWINEultrabooksVivintSun, 18 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SoftKinetic brings DepthSense range sensor to GDC, hopes to put it in your next TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/softkinetic-brings-depthsense-range-sensor-to-gdc-hopes-to-put/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/softkinetic-brings-depthsense-range-sensor-to-gdc-hopes-to-put/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/softkinetic-brings-depthsense-range-sensor-to-gdc-hopes-to-put/#comments SoftKinetic DepthSense

Microsoft's Kinect may have put depth sensors in the eye of the common consumer, but they aren't the only outfit in the game -- Belgian startup SoftKinetic has their own twist on the distance sensing setup. The literally named "DepthSense" range sensor uses infrared time-of-flight technology, which according to representatives, allows it to not only accurately calculate depth-sensitivity in dark, cramped spaces, but more importantly offers a shallower operating distance than its competition. We dropped by SoftKinetic's GDC booth to see exactly how cramped we could get.

It turns out the sensor can accurately read individual fingers between four to fourteen feet (1.5 - 4.5 meters), we had no trouble using it to pinch our way through a few levels of a mouse-emulated session of Angry Birds. The developer hardware we saw on the show floor was admittedly on the bulky side, but if all goes to plan, SoftKinetic says we'll see OEMs stuff the tech into laptops and ARM-powered TVs in the near future. In the meantime, though, gesture-crazy consumers can look forward to a slimmer version of this rig in stores sometime this holiday season. Hit the break for a quick demo of the friendly sensor in action.

Gallery: SoftKinetic DepthSense hands-on



Dante Cesa contributed to this post.

Continue reading SoftKinetic brings DepthSense range sensor to GDC, hopes to put it in your next TV

SoftKinetic brings DepthSense range sensor to GDC, hopes to put it in your next TV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Belgiumdepthdepth sensorDepthSenseDepthSensorgdcgdc 2012gdc2012KinectMicrosoftmotionmotion sensorMotionSensorrange sensorRangeSensorsensorsmart TVsSmartTvsSoftKinetictime-of-flightThu, 08 Mar 2012 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/#comments Gesture research proposes Thumb on Hand Interaction, no touchscreen needed (video)Would you be willing to wear an additional device in order to avoid interacting with another? That's the conundrum posed to us by Christian Loclair, a master's student at the Hasso Plattner Institute. His thesis, titled Thumb on Hand Interaction, proposes that users control their mobile equipment with simple hand gestures that are performed independently of their device's touchscreen. This level of freedom requires that users wear a depth camera on their chest, and builds upon prior research from the Hasso Plattner Institute that required use of both hands. Loclair proposes a diverse new set of gestures that users can perform with only one hand, where one's thumb acts as the primary navigation tool and one's palm serves as a trackpad. Another set of gestures is based on the interaction of one's thumb and index finger, which allows users to control sliders and the like. Perhaps once the research team determines how to implement this technology without making our lives more complex, we'll be able to sink our teeth into this one. In the meantime, you'll find a video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video)

Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christian loclairChristianLoclairdepth cameraDepthCameragesturegesturesHasso Plattner InstituteHassoPlattnerInstituteinterfaceinterface designInterfaceDesignmotionprototyperesearchthumb on handThumbOnHandvideoTue, 06 Mar 2012 01:09:00 EST<![CDATA[The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/#comments The best Kinect to come: Xbox's spring showcase, 2012Like the Nintendo Wii before it, Microsoft's Kinect has been braving the storm of new peripheral adolescence, awkwardly shuffling users through jump, wave, lean and jiggling gameplay, typically at a leisurely pace. Sure it's had its moments on the dance floor, but aside from being a good listener, the spatially aware sensor hasn't exactly redefined core gaming. Almost a year and half after its launch, however, the often hacked device is taking another crack at reaching the hardcore. We dropped in on Xbox's spring showcase this weekend to find out how that effort is going -- see what we found after the break.

Continue reading The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase

The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlFable: the JourneyFable:TheJourneygaminggesture controlGestureControlhands-onKinectKinect gamesKinectGamesMass EffectMass Effect 3MassEffect3microsoftMicrosoft Corpmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftXboxmotionmotion controlMotionControlPeter MolyneuxSci/TechSteel Battalion Heavy ArmorSteelBattalionHeavyArmorvideo gamesVideoGamesvoice controlVoiceControlXboxXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JTT Chobi Cam Pro is the Napoleon of cheap miniature cameras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/jtt-chobi-cam-pro-is-the-napoleon-of-cheap-miniature-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/jtt-chobi-cam-pro-is-the-napoleon-of-cheap-miniature-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/jtt-chobi-cam-pro-is-the-napoleon-of-cheap-miniature-cameras/#comments Unlike JTT's cutesy miniature DSLR, this new ¥6,000 ($76) Chobi Cam Pro could potentially be used for home monitoring or perhaps even wildlife photography. In addition to recording 12 megapixel stills and 720p motion JPEGs onto microSD, it also has a motion detector that can hold the camera in a state of readiness for up to two months. If nothing happens within that sort of timeframe, you probably failed to camouflage it properly.

JTT Chobi Cam Pro is the Napoleon of cheap miniature cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pChobiChobi Cam ProChobiCamProHDhome monitoringHomeMonitoringJttJTT Chobi Cam ProJttChobiCamProminiatureminiature cameraMiniatureCameramotionmotion detectionmotion detectorMotionDetectionMotionDetectorsecuritysmallspy cameraSpyCamerawildlifeMon, 07 Nov 2011 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko Zoom for Kinect hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/nyko-zoom-for-kinect-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/nyko-zoom-for-kinect-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/nyko-zoom-for-kinect-hands-on/#comments Microsoft's next Xbox 360 Dashboard update may be packing enough deep Kinect integration to make your inner Anderton tingle with glee, but it won't do you much good if you live in a shoebox apartment, cramped dorm, or happen to own a couch. For all of its fun tricks, the Xbox's depth sensor is woefully farsighted, and doesn't play nice if you stand too close. What's a motion loving, spatiality challenged gamer to do? Well, we've heard of one option.

Nyko announced the Zoom for Kinect quite some time ago, making lofty promises of reducing the sensor's minimum required play distance by up to 40 percent. It performed notably well when we gave it a whirl at E3, but with Redmond's Kinect heavy Dashboard redesign just around the corner, we thought we'd give it a second look.

Gallery: Nyko Zoom for Kinect: hands-on

Continue reading Nyko Zoom for Kinect hands-on

Nyko Zoom for Kinect hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fisheyefisheye lensFisheyeLensGaminghands-onKinectKinect AccessoriesKinect AccessoryKinectAccessoriesKinectAccessorylensMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectMotionMotion GamingMotionGamingNykoNyko ZoomNyko Zoom KinectNykoZoomNykoZoomKinectvideoZoom KinectZoomKinectThu, 20 Oct 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko's $30 Zoom for Kinect now shipping to tiny-roomed gamers worldwide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/nykos-30-zoom-for-kinect-now-shipping-to-tiny-roomed-gamers-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/nykos-30-zoom-for-kinect-now-shipping-to-tiny-roomed-gamers-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/nykos-30-zoom-for-kinect-now-shipping-to-tiny-roomed-gamers-wo/#comments Kinect ownership means you've got to keep a good ten square feet of space totally free to play in, and that's nearly impossible for many inner-city, bedroom and dorm-room gamers. Fortunately for them, Nyko has developed a solution so simple it's positively genius -- clip-on lenses that reduce the distance the Kinect can see, bringing players closer to the TV. After the break you'll find a video and press release -- but more importantly, the Nyko Zoom is available right now for $29.99 in all good retailers, and some of the bad ones too, probably.

Gallery: Nyko Zoom for Kinect

Nyko Zoom for Kinect

Continue reading Nyko's $30 Zoom for Kinect now shipping to tiny-roomed gamers worldwide

Nyko's $30 Zoom for Kinect now shipping to tiny-roomed gamers worldwide originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamingKinectKinect AccessoriesKinect AccessoryKinectAccessoriesKinectAccessoryMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectMotionMotion GamingMotionGamingNykoNyko ZoomNyko Zoom KinectNykoZoomNykoZoomKinectvideoZoom KinectZoomKinectWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs' Scoop Pointer is decidedly less loopy than its predecessor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hillcrest-labs-scoop-pointer-is-decidedly-less-loopy-than-its-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hillcrest-labs-scoop-pointer-is-decidedly-less-loopy-than-its-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/hillcrest-labs-scoop-pointer-is-decidedly-less-loopy-than-its-p/#comments Remember the ringtastic Loop that motion control manufacturer Hillcrest Labs introed back in 2009? The Scoop Pointer is its more straightforward followup, an in-air mouse with six-axis control, nine programmable buttons, and souped up hardware and firmware. The pointer will be dropping in Q4, likely carrying a non-Hillcrest brand name.

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs' Scoop Pointer is decidedly less loopy than its predecessor

Hillcrest Labs' Scoop Pointer is decidedly less loopy than its predecessor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhillcrestminipostmotionmouseoempointer mousePointerMouseWed, 31 Aug 2011 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS updates Xtion Pro motion sensor, makes it even more like Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/asus-updates-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-makes-it-even-more-like-ki/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/asus-updates-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-makes-it-even-more-like-ki/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/asus-updates-xtion-pro-motion-sensor-makes-it-even-more-like-ki/#comments Remember the Xtion Pro and Wavi Xtion motion sensors that ASUS showed off at CES? Well, fast-forward six months and there's already an updated model on the market: the Windows- and Linux-compatible Xtion Pro Live. The new version complements the original's IR and depth sensors with a Kinect-like VGA webcam and a pair of microphones, while also jacking up the bill to a distinctly un-Kinect-like 175 Euros ($300). That price tag won't make us shift our living room furniture around anytime soon, especially since Kinect is already officially heading to the PC. However, that isn't really the point: the Pro Live edition is primarily meant to help developers design better games and apps for the more consumer-focused but as yet unreleased Wavi. Soon as they develop a game that rewards rather than punishes us for dancing like Tina Turner, we'll be right there.

[Thanks, TheLostSwede]

ASUS updates Xtion Pro motion sensor, makes it even more like Kinect originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusasus xtion proasus xtion pro liveAsusXtionProAsusXtionProLivekinectmotionmotion sensorMotionSensorprimesensewavi xtionWaviXtionwebcamxtionxtion proxtion pro liveXtionProXtionProLiveMon, 18 Jul 2011 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/#comments Deep in the stodgy bowels of the USPTO sits a folder full of Apple patent applications specifically for gesture controls. A few more pages from that expanding tome were just made public, and the concepts unearthed are certainly thought-provoking. The first involves using a proximity sensor in addition to the touch panel to register gestures in 3D. For example, you could use three fingers to mark out the corners of a triangle on the screen and then "pull up" and pinch to create a pyramid for use in a CAD application. The second idea involves gestures based on intuitive "physics metaphors" that are recognized using motion sensors. So instead of navigating menus in order to start a file transfer between an iPhone and iPad, the user could arrange the desired files on the phone's screen and then pretend to "pour" them onto the tablet -- an idea which rather reminds of the funky Project Blox. Oh, did we just make a Cupertino lawyer twitch?

Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3D gesture3dGestureApplegesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesintuitivemetaphormotionmotion sensorMotionSensorpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationphysicsphysics metaphorPhysicsMetaphorproximityproximity sensorProximitySensorUSPTOMon, 11 Jul 2011 22:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyper Ping Pong is like real table tennis, only without the ball, table or opponent (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/hyper-ping-pong-is-like-real-table-tennis-only-without-the-ball/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/hyper-ping-pong-is-like-real-table-tennis-only-without-the-ball/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/hyper-ping-pong-is-like-real-table-tennis-only-without-the-ball/#comments
Microsoft and Nintendo might already have the motion-based table tennis simulation market locked down, but there's one thing their consoles need that the new Hyper Ping Pong paddle doesn't: a TV. That's right, this motion sensor-equipped bat lets you play without the superfluous need for something to look at -- it comes with a speaker that plays back the sound of a rally and all you need to do is "go with the rhythm." A button integrated into the handle lets you put a little extra sauce on your volleys and accurate timing will win you points, awesome sound effects, and the admiration of all your friends. The Hyper Ping Pong kit will start selling in Japan this October for ¥2,000 ($25).

Hyper Ping Pong is like real table tennis, only without the ball, table or opponent (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 06:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batgaminggestureshappinethyper ping pongHyperPingPongjapanmotionmotion gamingmotion sensorMotionGamingMotionSensorpaddleping pongPingPongtable tennisTableTennistokyo toy showtokyo toy show 2011TokyoToyShowTokyoToyShow2011videovirtualvirtual table tennisVirtualTableTennisFri, 24 Jun 2011 06:26:00 EST<![CDATA[KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/#comments Does anybody actually enjoy the laborious process of trying out clothes? The sheer physical effort, the risk of breaking a sweat... it's just not for us. We're much more comfortable with virtual reality fitting rooms, which is where Microsoft's Kinect motion camera has found yet another raison for its etre. Razorfish, the folks who already impressed us with some neat Kinect hacking, now have a new shopping platform that's said to actually wrap clothes around your frame and thereby provide a 3D preview of what you and they would look like together. The current iteration only shows some giddy ladies exploring the wide world of handbags, but they do look suitably impressed with the system. There are also sharing options via QR codes and NFC, plus the obligatory social networking tie-ins. Skip after the break to see the KinectShop on video.

Continue reading KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)

KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshackhackingkinectkinect shopKinectShopmotionmotion controlMotionControlrazorfishretailshopshoppingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityMon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple files motion to intervene in Lodsys patent lawsuit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/apple-files-motion-to-intervene-in-lodsys-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/apple-files-motion-to-intervene-in-lodsys-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/apple-files-motion-to-intervene-in-lodsys-patent-lawsuit/#comments
Apple's already made its position on the whole Lodsys situation pretty clear, and it's now taken things one step further after the patent holder hit iOS developers with a lawsuit at the end of last month. As noted by Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, Apple has filed a motion to intervene in the case, and he says Apple is "fairly likely" to be admitted as an intervener based on precedent. In the case that happens, Apple has also concurrently filed its answer to the complaint and its counterclaim, which unsurprisingly line up with its earlier position on the matter: that Apple has already licensed the patents in question on the developers' behalf, and that they are "entitled to use this technology free from any infringement claims by Lodsys." Hit the source link below for the complete filing, along with FOSS Patents' analysis of it.

Apple files motion to intervene in Lodsys patent lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledevelopersioslawsuitlegallodsysmotionpatentpatent infringmentpatent lawsuitPatentInfringmentPatentLawsuitpatentsFri, 10 Jun 2011 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Invisible iPhone prototype puts the 'hand' back in 'handset' (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/invisible-iphone-prototype-puts-the-hand-back-in-handset-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/invisible-iphone-prototype-puts-the-hand-back-in-handset-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/invisible-iphone-prototype-puts-the-hand-back-in-handset-vi/#comments Not too long ago, the invisible iPhone was nothing more than satirical fodder for the Onion. Now, Patrick Baudisch and his team of researchers at the Hasso-Plattner Institute have moved closer to making it a reality, with a new interface that can essentially transfer an iPhone touchscreen to the palm of your hand. The device involves an Xbox-like depth camera, mounted on a tripod, that can register the movements of a person's finger across his or her palm. Special software then determines the actions these gestures would execute on a user's iPhone, before transmitting the commands to a physical phone, via WiFi radio. Unlike MIT's motion-based "sixth sense" interface, Baudisch's imaginary phone doesn't require users to learn a new dictionary of gestures, but relies solely on the muscle memory that so many smartphone users have developed. During their research, Baudisch and his colleagues found that iPhone owners could accurately determine the position of two-thirds of their apps on their palms, without even looking at their device. At the moment, the prototype still involves plenty of bulky equipment, but Baudisch hopes to eventually incorporate a smaller camera that users could wear more comfortably -- allowing them to answer their imaginary phones while doing the dishes and to spend hours chatting with their imaginary friends. Head past the break to see the prototype in action.

Continue reading Invisible iPhone prototype puts the 'hand' back in 'handset' (video)

Invisible iPhone prototype puts the 'hand' back in 'handset' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdepth cameraDepthCameraDisplaygermanyHasso Plattner InstituteHassoPlattnerInstituteimaginaryimaginary phoneImaginaryPhoneinterfaceinvisibleinvisible iphoneinvisible phoneInvisibleIphoneInvisiblePhoneiphonemotionmotion basedMotionBasedmuscle memoryMuscleMemoryPatrick BaudischPatrickBaudischprototyperesearchsixth senseSixthSensetouchscreenvideowifiWifiRadioxboxMon, 23 May 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Avvio G6 Gamer phone is an upside Wiimote (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/#comments
The biggest problem with the Wiimote? You can't make calls on the thing. Sure you could buy a console and a cellphone, but what's the fun in that? The Avvio G6 Gamer handset, which recently scored FCC approval, can make calls and, when flipped over, transforms into a Bluetooth motion controller for what appears to be a fairly limited set of sports games playable on your PC. No word on pricing or availability, so you can either wait on it or just buy an iPhone and download this thing. It's your call. Video of a dude playing badminton with his phone after the break.

Continue reading Avvio G6 Gamer phone is an upside Wiimote (video)

Avvio G6 Gamer phone is an upside Wiimote (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avvioavvio g6 gamerAvvioG6Gamerbluetoothgamingmobilemotionmotion controllerMotionControllerwiimoteWed, 18 May 2011 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo-funded eBox gaming console renamed iSec, still can't shake Kinect comparisons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/#comments Coverage of Eedoo's eBox has thus far largely focused on the China-only game console's similarity to Microsoft's Kinect. Perhaps seeking to shift in perception, the system this week was reintroduced to the world as the Apple-esque iSec -- that's short for "Sports Entertainment Center," highlighting its exercise-centric approach to gaming, with martial arts, skateboarding, and good old-fashioned monster fighting titles having already been demoed. The console will also support wireless controllers of some sort, for those sick of all of that pesky exercise. After an initial delay, the iSec is set to hit China at some point in the second half of this year, though the company has no international sales plan -- at least until they move one million units domestically. At the moment, the iSec doesn't have much official competition, since the Wii, Xbox, and PS3 aren't legally available in China, though we're told that they're also not too hard to get your hands on -- for those who are still using their hands for stuff.

Lenovo-funded eBox gaming console renamed iSec, still can't shake Kinect comparisons originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaconsoleeboxeedooeeDoo Eboxeedoo isecEedooEboxEedooIsecgamegaminggaming consoleGamingConsoleiSeckinectlenovomotionmotion controllerMotionControllervideo game consoleVideoGameConsolexboxxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 06 May 2011 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect shatters hyper-specific Guinness world record]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/microsoft-kinect-shatters-hyper-specific-guinness-world-record/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/microsoft-kinect-shatters-hyper-specific-guinness-world-record/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/microsoft-kinect-shatters-hyper-specific-guinness-world-record/#comments Microsoft's Kinect is clearly gunning to grab the Guinness record for most Guinness records. Back in March, the hands-free peripheral nabbed a certificate naming it the "Fastest Selling Consumer Electronics Device," and now the Xbox Live and Kinect Sports teams are the joint owners of the record for "The Largest Online 100 Metre Sprint" -- after Microsoft managed to convince 10,539 of its closest pals to help it run in place via Xbox Live earlier this month. According to Redmond, the long-winded accomplishment is under consideration for inclusion in a Guinness volume -- though admittedly only the Gamer's Edition spinoff, itself a shoo-in for "most superfluous record book."

Microsoft Kinect shatters hyper-specific Guinness world record originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guinnessguinness book of world recordsguinness world recordGuinness World RecordsGuinnessBookOfWorldRecordsGuinnessWorldRecordGuinnessWorldRecordsKinectMicrosoftmotionmotion controllerMotionControllerrecordrunrunningworld recordWorldRecordXboxXbox 360Xbox LiveXbox360XboxLiveWed, 27 Apr 2011 05:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi Blu-ray players have BDXL, 3D support, and a two-faced remote]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/mitsubishi-blu-ray-players-have-bdxl-3d-support-and-a-two-face/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/mitsubishi-blu-ray-players-have-bdxl-3d-support-and-a-two-face/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/mitsubishi-blu-ray-players-have-bdxl-3d-support-and-a-two-face/#comments We don't want to slight these three new Blu-ray players from Mitsubishi -- they've got all the latest features that the kids are clamoring for, like 3D Blu-ray, BDXL, AVCREC, and VOD support. However, sometimes accessories are the most fascinating part of a product, as seems the case with this dual-faced remote -- not entirely unlike the ones we've seen from Samsung and Boxee. One side controls the TV and the other does the DVR, while a built-in sensor lets the system know which side you're using. The DVR-BZ450, DVR-BZ350, and DVR-BZ250 are pretty much identical, save for internal storage, which ranges from 500GB to 2TB. All are due out in Japan on May 31st -- no word on when the rest of the world will be able to get our hands on the latest technology for losing two remotes at the same time.

Mitsubishi Blu-ray players have BDXL, 3D support, and a two-faced remote originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdxlBlu-RayBlu-ray 3Dblu-ray playerBlu-ray3dBlu-rayPlayerdvddvd playerDvdPlayerdvrJapanmitsubishimotionmotion controllerMotionControllerremoteremote controlRemoteControltvMon, 25 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer Hydra motion controller gets summer release, Portal 2 bundle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/razer-hydra-motion-controller-gets-summer-release-portal-2-bund/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/razer-hydra-motion-controller-gets-summer-release-portal-2-bund/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/razer-hydra-motion-controller-gets-summer-release-portal-2-bund/#comments Remember the Razer Hydra controller that let you materialize portals with a real electromagnetic orb? Those motion sensing sticks will be available for pre-order in May and will go on sale in June, two months after this week's release of Portal 2, the game it was first demoed with. However, Razer'll still charge you for a copy of the murderous robot game if you want the fancy gizmo, as it's pricing the bundle at $140 -- understandably more expensive that the "below $100" price that it was targeting for the controller alone. Two months is a pretty long time to wait to play the already-available title, and Razer isn't offering any info on a standalone version of the Sixense-based magnetic peripheral. On the upside, though, Joystiq got its hands on a list of compatible titles, which includes 122 games on top of the aforementioned sequel. That list and the official press release after the break.

Continue reading Razer Hydra motion controller gets summer release, Portal 2 bundle

Razer Hydra motion controller gets summer release, Portal 2 bundle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecontrolcontrollerHyrdramotionmotion controllerMotionControllerPCPC GamingPcGamingperipheralPortalPortal 2Portal2pricingRazerrazer hydraRazerHydrarelease dateReleaseDateSixenseThu, 21 Apr 2011 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/#comments It had to happen. When Google showed off a new and revolutionary Gmail Motion control scheme yesterday, it failed to fool most people, but it didn't fail to catch the attention of some motion control geeks with Kinect cameras on hand. Yep, the FAAST crew that's already brought us a Kinect keyboard emulator for World of Warcraft has taken Google to task and actually cooked up the software to make Gmail Motion work. All your favorite gestures are here: opening an email as if it were an envelope, replying by throwing a thumb back and, of course, "licking the stamp" to send your response on its way. Marvelous stuff! Jump past the break to see it working, for real this time.

Continue reading Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)

Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april foolsAprilFoolsfaastgesture controlGestureControlgesturesgmailgmail motionGmailMotiongooglehackhackingkinectmotionmotion controlMotionControlrecreatedsloowsoftwareuniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversityOfSouthernCaliforniauscvideoSat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II shows off motion-zoom option in TouchWiz 4.0 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/#comments It's skinny, it's fast, and it can do some seriously fun stuff with its gyroscope accelerometer. Yes, we're talking about the Galaxy S II, Samsung's upcoming followup to one of Android's biggest successes to date, the Galaxy S. The new handset will bring with it a revised version of Sammy's Android skin, TouchWiz 4.0, which will harness the motion sensors inside the phone to allow you to zoom in and out of webpages as well as navigate the UI with the movement of your hands. Basically, instead of the traditional pinch-to-zoom, resting two fingers atop the screen will allow you to zoom in by bringing the S II closer to your face or zoom out by holding it further away -- a naturalistic gesture that makes all the sense in the world to us. Moreover, when adding new widgets to your home panels, you'll be able to move between them by propelling the phone laterally. It's quirky and appealing stuff, see it on video below.

[Thanks, Lawrence]

Update: We initially thought this was done using the gyroscope inside the Galaxy S II, but as commenter ClioCreslind helpfully points out, it's far likelier that Samsung's using the phone's accelerometer to achieve its new fanciness.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S II shows off motion-zoom option in TouchWiz 4.0 (video)

Samsung Galaxy S II shows off motion-zoom option in TouchWiz 4.0 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgalaxy s iiGalaxySIigyrogyroscopemotionmotion controlMotionControlsamsungsamsung galaxy s iiSamsungGalaxySIitouchwiztouchwiz 4.0Touchwiz4.0videozoomzoomingTue, 29 Mar 2011 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect meets a Pufferfish display, produces wonderfully creepy all-seeing eye (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/kinect-meets-a-pufferfish-display-produces-wonderfully-creepy-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/kinect-meets-a-pufferfish-display-produces-wonderfully-creepy-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/kinect-meets-a-pufferfish-display-produces-wonderfully-creepy-a/#comments As Kinect hacks go, this one's not going to bowl you over with its technical complexity, but the effect of what it does is quite dramatic. One of Microsoft's sensor-rich, camera-laden Xbox accessories has been repurposed to communicate with a Pufferfish spherical projection display -- via the magic of WPF and openni -- with its motion tracking algorithms serving to control the image on the giant ball. Naturally, the first thing the tweakers behind this mod thought up was a Tolkien-inspired eye that follows people around the room. Sadly, the single Kinect box isn't enough to provide 360-degree coverage, but it's probably just a matter of time until they splice an array of them together and creep us out completely. Video after the break.

Update: You asked for the eye of Sauron and now you've got it. Second video added after the break.

Continue reading Kinect meets a Pufferfish display, produces wonderfully creepy all-seeing eye (video)

Kinect meets a Pufferfish display, produces wonderfully creepy all-seeing eye (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eye of sauronEyeOfSauronhackkinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoftmotionmotion cameramotion detectionmotion trackingMotionCameraMotionDetectionMotionTrackingopennipufferfishpufferfish displayPufferfishDisplaysauronspheresphericalvideowpfFri, 18 Mar 2011 04:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster iMotion adds gesture control to your iPod, cigarette lighter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/#comments We haven't always gotten along with Monster or enjoyed the MSRP of its products, but this latest one shows a bit of promise -- and a bit of price gouging too. It's the Monster iMotion, a car adapter for your iPod or iPhone that not only will charge it via the cigarette lighter but lets you get your motion control on, too. A wave of the mitten can be used to change tracks and the universally familiar "talk to the hand" gesture can pause. It doesn't look quite as comprehensive as EyeSight's tech, but it does have the advantage of being available now -- for $120. Hey, check out that gold-plated connector!

Monster iMotion adds gesture control to your iPod, cigarette lighter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleimotioniphoneipodmonstermotionmotion controlmotion detectionMotionControlMotionDetectionFri, 28 Jan 2011 03:24:00 EST<![CDATA[App review: kijjaa! (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/app-review-kijjaa-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/app-review-kijjaa-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/app-review-kijjaa-video/#comments We're used to seeing all sorts of funky motion-based games on smartphones, but here's something a little bit different: a retro-themed desktop 3D flash game that utilises your iOS device as an accelerometer and gyroscope-based wireless controller. The objective of kijjaa! is simple: just fly your vessel around, shoot down or avoid the enemies, and pick up extra lives. Don't worry, there's no jailbreaking involved here -- all we had to do was visit kijjaa.com/air, and then copy the code onto our iOS app to establish the link via WiFi or 3G.

There's no serious challenge in kijjaa! -- based on the app's description on iTunes, the game's designed with students and office workers in mind, so it's ideal for those seeking a fun quickie during their short breaks. We'd say the hardest part is trying to dodge the ghosts that show up randomly in short notice, but what really annoyed us were the occasional control lags that popped up even over WiFi. Still, for a promotional $0.99 pricing (the 70 percent price drop ends on January 17th has been extended to January 24th), this game has gone much further than most other games have, and it'll only get better -- already in the pipeline are Game Center support, new enemies, new bonuses, and achievements. Hopefully the developer will also throw in some more chiptune soundtracks as well. Demo video after the break -- it kinda makes you want this on the Apple TV too, doesn't it?

Gallery: App review: kijjaa!

Continue reading App review: kijjaa! (video)

App review: kijjaa! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d flash3d flash game3dFlash3dFlashGameaccelerometerappapp reviewappleAppReviewfeaturedfeaturesflashflash gameFlashGamegamegaminggyroscopeiosiphoneipod touchIpodTouchkijjaamotionmotion gamingMotionGamingreviewshooting gameShootingGamevideowifiwifi controllerWifiControllerwireless controllerWirelessControllerFri, 14 Jan 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips uWand hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/#comments Philips has been touting its uWand "direct pointer" remote for a good while now, but we've never had the chance to actually use one ourselves. Today that omission has been rectified as we got our mitts around this motion / gesture-based controller and gave it a quick test drive. It works by having an infrared camera embedded in the front, which detects an IR beacon in your TV and thereby judges its own distance, tilt and relation to the TV. That then allows for things like motion-based zooming, pointing the remote at the particular thing on the television that you want to "click" on, and navigational shortcuts attached to gestures performed with this handheld. There's also a nice spacious keyboard on the back, assisting in the use of all these Smart TVs CES has been littered with. Philips' intention is to license the technology out to other manufacturers, which could result in consumer products by 2012 -- so yeah, it's not terribly close to your living room yet, but our gallery of images is.

Gallery: Philips uWand hands-on

Continue reading Philips uWand hands-on

Philips uWand hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011gesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshands-oninfraredirkeyboardmotionmotion controlmotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingphilipsphilips uwandPhilipsUwandqwertyremoteremote controlRemoteControluwandvideoSun, 09 Jan 2011 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect rumored to have PC support in waiting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/#comments There's been no shortage whatsoever of PC control schemes using Kinect, but up until now, every bit of it has been without Microsoft's official blessing. Of course, the company eventually caved to the massive amount of hacking going on and confessed that it didn't have any hard feelings for those giving it a whirl, but is it really fixing to take things one step further with bona fide PC support? That's the talk emanating from South Korea, where game developer GamePrix has reported that at least one of its titles (Divine Soul, if you must know) is "scheduled to support Kinect." Continuing on about the game, the company's Jason Lim was quoted as saying that "Kinect will soon be available as a new PC controller," but naturally, we've our doubts. For starters, why wouldn't Microsoft be working with a more major developer if honest-to-goodness PC-Kinect interactions were planned? Secondly, there's a definite possibility that GamePrix could really be referring to unofficial support, which would make everything seem a lot more sensible. Either way, we'll definitely be keeping an ear to the ground for more, and with GDC under three months away, we ought to know the truth sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Rashad]

Kinect rumored to have PC support in waiting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Divine SoulDivineSoulGamePrixgamergamingkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotionmotion gamingmotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcpc gamingPcGamingprimesenserumorrumor millRumorMillrumorssensorwindowswindows 7Windows7xbox 360Xbox360Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack lets you reenact Big piano scene (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hack-lets-you-reenact-big-piano-scene-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hack-lets-you-reenact-big-piano-scene-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/kinect-hack-lets-you-reenact-big-piano-scene-video/#comments
The only limit to the applications Kinect can be put to is imagination. The more of it you have, the more things you can use the peerless Xbox 360 peripheral to achieve. To wit, some eager chaps have put together the Keyboard Anywhere hack, which employs a little Python and the libfreenect library to offer up a piano keyboard on any flat surface of almost any size. You can practice your Mozart concertos on a desk, or, as they so ably demonstrate, imagine yourself as a young Tom Hanks skipping along on the FAO Schwarz floor piano in the movie Big. It's all up to you.

Continue reading Kinect hack lets you reenact Big piano scene (video)

Kinect hack lets you reenact Big piano scene (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigdepthfloorfloor pianoFloorPianohackhackingkeyboardkeyboardanywherekinectlibfreenectmicrosoftmotionmotion sensingMotionSensingopenkinectpianopythonsensorvideoxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/#comments Let's face it, the daddy of all motion-controlled gaming is the humble art of air guitar. There's no question about it, creationists and evolutionists all agree, the genesis of our modern craze for motion sensitivity was your uncle rocking out to Jimmy Page's face-melting solo in Stairway to Heaven. Now that we've got the history lesson out of the way, someone's gone and programmed Kinect to recognize the fine craft of your air strumming and deliver concordant chords in response. Excellent!

Continue reading Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video)

Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air guitarAirGuitarc++chris osheaChrisOsheaguitarhackhackingkinectlibfreenectmicrosoftmotionmotion gamingmotion recognitionmotion sensorMotionGamingMotionRecognitionMotionSensormusicofxkinectopencvopenframeworksopenkinectvideoxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect turned into a quadrocopter radar (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/kinect-used-as-a-quadrocopter-radar-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/kinect-used-as-a-quadrocopter-radar-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/kinect-used-as-a-quadrocopter-radar-video/#comments Every night we go to bed thinking that we've finally seen the best Kinect hack done and every morning we wake up to see something even crazier concocted with Microsoft's motion controller. Today, it's been mounted atop a quadrocopter -- yes, man's future worst enemy -- and utilized essentially as a 3D radar, facilitating the bot's autonomous maneuvering around a predetermined track. The random introduction of obstacles is also handled in stride, leaving us equal parts impressed, apprehensive, and eager for more. See the video after the break.

[Thanks, Glen]

Continue reading Kinect turned into a quadrocopter radar (video)

Kinect turned into a quadrocopter radar (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 01:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d sensor3dSensorhackhackingkinectmicrosoftmodmoddingmotionmotion sensingMotionSensingquadrocopterquadrotorradarsensingsensorvideoMon, 06 Dec 2010 01:47:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM announces PlayBook simulator and SDK for BlackBerry Tablet OS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/rim-announces-playbook-simulator-and-sdk-for-blackberry-tablet-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/rim-announces-playbook-simulator-and-sdk-for-blackberry-tablet-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/rim-announces-playbook-simulator-and-sdk-for-blackberry-tablet-o/#comments
We know you're all partyin' up a storm at the Adobe MAX conference, but just in case one of you missed it, RIM's announced the availability of the Adobe AIR SDK for BlackBerry Tablet OS -- not to mention a little something called the BlackBerry PlayBook Simulator. Needless to say (but we'll say it anyways), we're more than anxious to get our hands on the latter. Unfortunately, it requires Adobe AIR 2.5 to run, while the latest release RIM's site is offering is 2.0.2. Buzzkill, right? That said, we suggest you keep an eye on the source link if you're looking to get in on the action yourself. Otherwise, if you're not willing to go all the way, we have some fine PR explaining matters after the break.

Update: The source link has an active AIR 2.5 toolkit link. Huzzah!

Continue reading RIM announces PlayBook simulator and SDK for BlackBerry Tablet OS

RIM announces PlayBook simulator and SDK for BlackBerry Tablet OS originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airadobe maxAdobeAirAdobeMaxairblackberryblackberry playbookblackberry playbook simulatorblackberry tablet osBlackberryPlaybookBlackberryPlaybookSimulatorBlackberryTabletOscanadadeveloperdevelopmentmotionresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsdksimulatortablettablet osTabletOsMon, 25 Oct 2010 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/ubuntu-prototype-uses-face-recognition-to-intelligently-move-ui/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/ubuntu-prototype-uses-face-recognition-to-intelligently-move-ui/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/ubuntu-prototype-uses-face-recognition-to-intelligently-move-ui/#comments Digg Not that we haven't seen mock-ups before for systems using webcams to intelligently move user interface elements, but it's another thing entirely for a company to make a public proclamation that it's tinkering with implementing something of the sort into a future build of its OS. Over at the Canonical design blog, one Christian Giordano has revealed that the company is in the early stages of creating new ways to interact with Ubuntu, primarily by using proximity and orientation sensors in order to have one's PC react based on how they're sitting, where they're sitting and where their eyes / head are at. For instance -- once a user fires up a video and leans back, said video would automatically go into fullscreen mode. Similarly, if a user walked away to grab some coffee and a notification appeared, that notification would be displayed at fullscreen so that he / she could read it from faraway. There's no mention just yet on when the company plans to actually bring these ideas to end-users, but the video embedded after the break makes us long for "sooner" rather than "later."

Continue reading Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)

Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanonicalContext-aware computingContext-awareComputingdesignface recognitionFaceRecognitiongesturelinuxmotionmotion sensingMotionSensingopen sourceOpenSourceoperating systemOperatingSystemOSsensingsensorsoftwareubuntuvideowebcamWindows parallaxWindowsParallaxMon, 20 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/#comments Microsoft has chosen the small hours of the night to announce pricing of its second Kinect bundle, which is set for launch along with the standalone and 4GB options on November 4 in the USA and November 10 across Europe. The new package throws in the 250GB slim version of the Xbox 360 to accompany the newfangled motion tracker, a spare conventional controller, and a copy of the utterly unmissable Kinect Adventures! (it has its own punctuation, it must be good). Pricing is a bit on the painful side, with Kotaku reporting a $399 figure for the US and Microsoft confirming to us a £300 sticker for this "special edition" bundle for the UK. Full press release follows after the break.

[Thanks, Ravi]

Gallery: Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399

Continue reading Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK

Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360bundlekinectkinect adventuresKinectAdventuresmicrosoftmotionmotion controllermotion gamingMotionControllerMotionGamingpricepricedpricingukususaxboxxbox 360xbox 360 250gbXbox360Xbox360250gbWed, 08 Sep 2010 04:27:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/#comments The PlayStation Move. It's funny to think just 15 months have passed since Sony first unveiled its motion controller, and now we're mere weeks away from hitting the retail market. To be sure, it's not like the company didn't have waggle on the mind already -- patents dating as far back as 2005 reveal as much, and of course the incredible success of Nintendo's Wii proved there's a market for more physically exerting gameplay. And it's not just PlayStation; Microsoft's got its controller-free Kinect motion camera system coming this November. So, in the year where all major game consoles now ask you to get off the couch and earn arm muscle, how does Move fare? Read on for more!

Gallery: PlayStation Move review

Continue reading PlayStation Move review

PlayStation Move review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arceye petEyePetfightfight 3dFight3dgemgolfheavy rainHeavyRainmotionmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsmovenav controlNavControlnavigation controllerNavigationControllerplay stationplay station 3play station 3 moveplay station movePlayStationPlayStation3PlayStation3MovePlayStationMovepsps 3ps 3 moveps movePs3Ps3MovePsMover u s ereviewRUSEscesceasocomsocom 4Socom4sonysports championsSportsChampionstiger woodsTigerWoodstumblevideoWed, 01 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Brother shakes up expectations with vibration-charged low-power batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/brother-shakes-up-expectations-with-vibration-charged-low-power/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/brother-shakes-up-expectations-with-vibration-charged-low-power/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/brother-shakes-up-expectations-with-vibration-charged-low-power/#comments Lithium-ion battery technology keeps improving by (theoretical) leaps and bounds, but what good's that to you when you're faced with a dead TV remote? Brother Industries has a plan, and it doesn't involve ink for once -- the Japanese printer company's developed a set of prototype batteries you simply shake to charge. AA and AAA models are already in the works, though you shouldn't expect to slot them into cameras or R/C cars, as the miniature electromagnetic induction generators inside are designed for infrequently used gadgets and provide as little as 10mW (or as much as 180mW) when shook. Of course, when it comes to TV remotes there's an even lazier way for couch potatoes to squeeze the juice, but we have to imagine standard-sized cells have a slightly better chance at market.

Brother shakes up expectations with vibration-charged low-power batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AA batteriesAAA batteriesAAA batteryAaaBatteriesAaaBatteryAaBatteriesbatteriesbatteryBrotherBrother IndustriesBrotherIndustriesenergymotionrechargeableremote controlRemoteControlvibrationSat, 17 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Motion Computing rolls out rugged J3500 tablet PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/motion-computing-rolls-out-rugged-j3500-tablet-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/motion-computing-rolls-out-rugged-j3500-tablet-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/motion-computing-rolls-out-rugged-j3500-tablet-pc/#comments
Motion Computing's J3400 tablet PC was fairly well received when it debuted last year, and it looks like the company hasn't broken the mold too much for its new J3500 model. That includes the same rugged enclosure as before, an outdoor-friendly 12.1-inch display (now with Gorilla Glass), and dual pen and touch input. Of course, it's thankfully quite a different story with the tablet's internals, which have now been upgraded to include your choice of Core i5 or Core i7 processors, a 3-megapixel camera, up to a 160GB hard drive or 128GB SSD and, last but not least, Windows 7 Professional instead of Vista. Anyone hoping for a price cut is still out of luck, though -- the J3500 packs the exact same $2,299 starting price as before. Head on past the break for the complete press release, and a video courtesy of GottaBeMobile.

Continue reading Motion Computing rolls out rugged J3500 tablet PC

Motion Computing rolls out rugged J3500 tablet PC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>j3500motionmotion computingMotionComputingruggedrugged tabletrugged tablet pcRuggedTabletRuggedTabletPctablettablet pcTabletPcvideoWed, 23 Jun 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: ESPN bypasses corporate red tape with iPad and Xbox 360, wannabe innovators should take note]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/editorial-espn-bypasses-corporate-red-tape-with-ipad-and-xbox-3/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/editorial-espn-bypasses-corporate-red-tape-with-ipad-and-xbox-3/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/editorial-espn-bypasses-corporate-red-tape-with-ipad-and-xbox-3/#comments So, there's two ways to look at this. One would be to gawk at the fact that ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports broadcasting, is using iPads and Xbox 360 consoles -- common devices that are widely available to mere mortals -- to drive content to millions of consumers. Another would be to gawk at the fact that ESPN has somehow managed to keep its finger on the pulse of innovation, despite being swallowed by Disney and being a part of one of the planet's most monolithic corporations. Thankfully for you, we're going to cover both angles here. Our eyes were opened after stepping foot in the company's Bristol headquarters and really getting a feel for how the company views technology and its integration into programming, and it led us to a philosophical conclusion about how corporations should (but oftentimes aren't) be taking advantage of what's readily available. Ready to get schooled? Head on past the break.

Gallery: Xbox 360 and iPad invade ESPN's headquarters

Continue reading Editorial: ESPN bypasses corporate red tape with iPad and Xbox 360, wannabe innovators should take note

Editorial: ESPN bypasses corporate red tape with iPad and Xbox 360, wannabe innovators should take note originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadconsolecontenteditorialespnfeaturesgaminginnovationipadmicrosoftmotionmotion sensingmotion sensormotion trackingMotionSensingMotionSensorMotionTrackingprogrammingsensorsensorsslatesportstablettvxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer's Navi Robo waves you in the right direction (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/pioneers-navi-robo-waves-you-in-the-right-direction-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/pioneers-navi-robo-waves-you-in-the-right-direction-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/pioneers-navi-robo-waves-you-in-the-right-direction-video/#comments Before you dismiss this as just another crazy idea out of Japan, hear us out. The newly developed, crab-simulating Navi Robo is designed to give drivers visual navigating assistance as a supplement to their GPS device. Its primary benefit, aside from helping the hearing impaired, will be in conveying instructions without requiring the driver to focus on it, as its eyes light up for attention and its "claws" vibrate urgently when an upcoming turn is imminent. Frankly, it looks both cute and functional, and we think kudos are in order for both Pioneer and iXs Research for coming up with the idea. They'll be taking their usual good time (read: a couple of years) to refine and develop the idea, but we've got video of the robot doing its thing right now -- you know where to find it.

Continue reading Pioneer's Navi Robo waves you in the right direction (video)

Pioneer's Navi Robo waves you in the right direction (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistassistanceassistantbotcrabdashboardgpsguidancehearing impairedHearingImpairedhelpinstructionsixs researchIxsResearchjapanmotionmotion navigationMotionNavigationnavbotnavi robonavigationnavigation robotNavigationRobotNaviRobopioneerrobotsatnavvideoFri, 21 May 2010 06:16:00 EST