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[HBO GO teases vocal controls via Kinect, coming soon to Xbox 360 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/hbo-go-xbox-360-kinect-control-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/hbo-go-xbox-360-kinect-control-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/hbo-go-xbox-360-kinect-control-video/#comments We knew it'd be arriving on April 1st, but now we're actually longing for it. HBO has just released a half-minute teaser propping up the impending release of HBO GO on Xbox 360, and while it's available on a plethora of other platforms, being able to verbally command HBO (through Kinect, of course) to play your favorite shows just takes the enticement up another level. Care to see for yourself? Tap that video just after the jump.

Continue reading HBO GO teases vocal controls via Kinect, coming soon to Xbox 360 (video)

HBO GO teases vocal controls via Kinect, coming soon to Xbox 360 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hbohbo goHboGohdpostminikinectmotion controlmotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingonline videoOnlineVideostreamstreamingvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Naoki Maru's Real King Kizer gets closer to Real Steel with motion sensing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/naoki-maru-real-king-kizer-boxing-robot-real-steel-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/naoki-maru-real-king-kizer-boxing-robot-real-steel-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/naoki-maru-real-king-kizer-boxing-robot-real-steel-video/#comments Naoki Maru's Real King Kizer, the boxing robot to end all boxing robots, has been around for a hot minute, but the latest upgrade is bound to make even Wolverine Hugh Jackman take notice. The Real Steel-like setup was created when an Xtion Pro Live sensor (hint: it's like Kinect) was thrown into the equation. The 3-foot, 2-inch boxer was then allowed to reproduce the motions of Maru's kid, and unlike prior iterations, this one doesn't require a physical harness to transmit commands. Enough talk -- head on past the break to see the thing in action (but don't expect any commercialization details).

Continue reading Naoki Maru's Real King Kizer gets closer to Real Steel with motion sensing (video)

Naoki Maru's Real King Kizer gets closer to Real Steel with motion sensing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapanesekinectKing KizerKingKizermicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion sensingMotionSensingNaoki MaruNaokiMarureal steelRealSteelRobo-OnevideoXtion Pro LiveXtionProLiveMon, 12 Mar 2012 19:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/#comments We're not suggesting Sony has a Kinect style controller coming soon, but it certainly filed a patent for one. The application for a "User-Driven Three-Dimensional Interactive Gaming Environment" was initially logged in October last year by Richard Marks of PlayStation Eye fame. The controller can "determine when to interact with the system by allowing part of the user's body, or an object, to cross the maximum depth range plane" meaning input could be limited to just the hands etc. This wouldn't be the first time Sony has created controller technology similar to its competitors, but the company is careful not to outright state that's what it's for. That said, amongst the legalese it does go as far too say the system can be implemented by an entertainment system "such as" its flagship console. So, sadly there's no way of knowing if we'll be getting a PlayStation Motion any time soon, but feel free to wave over the source link to see the patent for yourself.

Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dgamingkinectmotion controllermotion detectionMotion sensingMotionControllerMotionDetectionMotionSensingobject recognitionObjectRecognitionpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesonysony playstationSonyPlaystationTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly working on Kinect-enabled laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/microsoft-reportedly-working-on-kinect-enabled-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/microsoft-reportedly-working-on-kinect-enabled-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/microsoft-reportedly-working-on-kinect-enabled-laptops/#comments It remains to be seen when or if they'll turn into actual products, but The Daily reports that Microsoft is at least working on getting its Kinect technology shoved into laptops. While details are light, the iPad-based publication says that it's seen a pair of prototypes that "appear to be Asus netbooks running Windows 8," but which have had their webcams replaced with an array of sensors that run along the top of the screen (a set of LEDs are said to be at the bottom). The Daily also says that it's confirmed with a source at Microsoft that the devices are indeed official prototypes of a Kinect-enabled laptop, and it unsurprisingly suggests that Microsoft would likely license the technology to laptop manufacturers rather than build its own hardware.

Microsoft reportedly working on Kinect-enabled laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectlaptopmicrosoftmotion controlmotion detectingmotion sensingMotionControlMotionDetectingMotionSensingnetbooknotebookprototypesensorFri, 27 Jan 2012 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Mosoro Bluetooth LE iOS accessories improve your golf, if the weather's right]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mosoro-bluetooth-le-ios-accessories-improve-your-golf-if-the-we/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mosoro-bluetooth-le-ios-accessories-improve-your-golf-if-the-we/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mosoro-bluetooth-le-ios-accessories-improve-your-golf-if-the-we/#comments So far the appcessories -- yeah we said it, APPcessories -- we've seen include some good ideas, and some less so. The Bluetooth LE 3D-Sport and Weather offerings from Mosoro fall into the former category (if they make their way into a shipping product that is). The 3D-Sport is a motion capture device you attach to sports equipment. The on-board accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer beam motion data to your iOS device, where it can be analyzed by Rocky-style Russian coaches to see where your throw or golf swing is going wrong. The latter is a mini weather station that reads temperature, humidity, elevation, and barometric pressure to tell you the conditions where you are right now. More usefully, it nabs your GPS location and uploads it all to Mosoro's aptly named "Cloud" Server that presumably maps out some crazy real-time crowdsourced weather report. Both also use Bluetooth 4.0's low energy technology so they won't need to see a charger for a long time. Now we just need a company that likes collating personal data, perhaps with a weather service, to snap this one up... any takers?

Continue reading Mosoro Bluetooth LE iOS accessories improve your golf, if the weather's right

Mosoro Bluetooth LE iOS accessories improve your golf, if the weather's right originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d visual3d-sport3d-sport mosoro3d-sportMosoro3dVisualaccelerometerandroid 2.2Android2.2appappcessoryAppleStoreappsbluetoothbluetooth leBluetoothLegyroscopeiosipadiphoneipodmagnetometermobilepostcrossmosoromosoro bluetoothMosoroBluetoothMotion sensingMotionSensingsportsweatherweather mosoroWeatherMosoroTue, 25 Oct 2011 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's KinectFusion research project offers real-time 3D reconstruction, wild AR possibilities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsofts-kinectfusion-research-project-offers-real-time-3d-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsofts-kinectfusion-research-project-offers-real-time-3d-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsofts-kinectfusion-research-project-offers-real-time-3d-re/#comments It's a little shocking to think about the impact that Microsoft's Kinect camera has had on the gaming industry at large, let alone the 3D modeling industry. Here at SIGGRAPH 2011, we attended a KinectFusion research talk hosted by Microsoft, where a fascinating new look at real-time 3D reconstruction was detailed. To better appreciate what's happening here, we'd actually encourage you to hop back and have a gander at our hands-on with PrimeSense's raw motion sensing hardware from GDC 2010 -- for those who've forgotten, that very hardware was finally outed as the guts behind what consumers simply know as "Kinect." The breakthrough wasn't in how it allowed gamers to control common software titles sans a joystick -- the breakthrough was the price. The Kinect took 3D sensing to the mainstream, and moreover, allowed researchers to pick up a commodity product and go absolutely nuts. Turns out, that's precisely what a smattering of highly intelligent blokes in the UK have done, and they've built a new method for reconstructing 3D scenes (read: real-life) in real-time by using a simple Xbox 360 peripheral.

The actual technobabble ran deep -- not shocking given the academic nature of the conference -- but the demos shown were nothing short of jaw-dropping. There's no question that this methodology could be used to spark the next generation of gaming interaction and augmented reality, taking a user's surroundings and making it a live part of the experience. Moreover, game design could be significantly impacted, with live scenes able to be acted out and stored in real-time rather than having to build something frame by frame within an application. According to the presenter, the tech that's been created here can "extract surface geometry in real-time," right down to the millimeter level. Of course, the Kinect's camera and abilities are relatively limited when it comes to resolution; you won't be building 1080p scenes with a $150 camera, but as CPUs and GPUs become more powerful, there's nothing stopping this from scaling with the future. Have a peek at the links below if you're interested in diving deeper -- don't be shocked if you can't find the exit, though.

Gallery: Microsoft's KinectFusion research project at SIGGRAPH 2011

Microsoft's KinectFusion research project offers real-time 3D reconstruction, wild AR possibilities originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityfusion kinectFusionKinecthackinteractionkinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoftmicrosoft researchMicrosoftResearchmotion sensingMotionSensingnewcastleresearchsensorsensorssiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011ukuniversityxboxxbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectTue, 09 Aug 2011 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[KinectNUI enables Minority Report style interaction in Windows sans gloves (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/kinectnui-enables-minority-report-style-interaction-in-windows-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/kinectnui-enables-minority-report-style-interaction-in-windows-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/kinectnui-enables-minority-report-style-interaction-in-windows-s/#comments KinectNUI
When Microsoft released its Kinect SDK we marveled at the impact it could have on desktop interaction; sure enough, Kevin Connolly's Kinect Natural User Interface has made our geeky pipe-dreams a reality. His inspiration for project? Not surprisingly, the Minority Report UI (aka g-speak). Similar projects like MIT's hack do exist, but it's brilliant knowing that another emulation has been made rather quickly with Redmond's tools. In a brief video using the Kinect on Windows 7, he demos various ways of manipulating on-screen content with hand gestures and body tracking -- neglecting his mouse in the process. It's still a work in progress, but the results are already quite striking, so take that ancient input device and click past the break for the full demo.

Continue reading KinectNUI enables Minority Report style interaction in Windows sans gloves (video)

KinectNUI enables Minority Report style interaction in Windows sans gloves (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris PirilloChrisPirilloInteractive UIInteractiveUikevin connollyKevinConnollykinectkinect natural user interfaceKinect NUIKinectNaturalUserInterfaceKinectNuilocker gnomelockergnomeMicrosoftminority reportminority report interfaceMinorityReportMinorityReportInterfaceMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingMultiTouchnatural user interfaceNaturalUserInterfaceplaystation eyePlaystationEyeproject natalProjectNatalPS EyePsEyeracingtsilbvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 kinectxbox kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectXboxKinectMon, 27 Jun 2011 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/#comments Microsoft asked us to drop by at E3 to chat up a generically identified "Xbox executive," imagine our surprise when we found Kudo Tsunoda hiding behind door number six. Wearing his signature shades, Kudo gave us a brief primer on what makes Kinect great, or at least a heavy endorsement of Kinect Fun Labs. While we can certainly dig the bite-sized gadgetry Fun Labs has to offer, we like to dig deeper -- will the Kinect hardware ever be integrated into other devices? Any plans for Microsoft's 3D tracking camera and Windows 8? Kudo did his best to feed our ravenous appetite for answers.

It wasn't easy on poor Kudo, of course -- more than once we saw him glance longingly at his wrangler, a friendly PR rep keeping him from spilling the beans on anything too awesome. Probing about Windows 8 and Kinect produced one such look, and while our man very lightly suggested that Microsoft does more than games -- and that the dual-camera device might start showing up on other devices -- the big M had nothing to announce at that time. Kudo did go on to say, however, that we can expect to see new, innovative, "oh my gosh, I can't believe Kinect can do that" experiences at E3 year after year, citing this year's keynote for some recent examples. While we couldn't coax any leaks about Xbox or Kinect successors out of the man, it's good to see Microsoft's continued dedication to improving the platform.

Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011gesture controlGestureControlinterviewkinectkinect fun labsKinectFunLabsKudo TsunodaKudoTsunodaMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion controlmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControlMotionSensingMotionTrackingWindows 8Windows8xboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/#comments
We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop.

The kit's price tag makes it cost-prohibitive for all but the most hardcore gamers and devs (there's an SDK available as well), but Aiken hopes to make its flagship product more affordable if its able to sell the kits in high volume. The tool has applications in other industries as well, including research and Hollywood, where it could be used as a (relatively) low-cost outdoor motion-capture suit. The early version we saw at E3 today is definitely not ready to head to production, but we're still months away from an actual release, giving Aiken some time to improve accuracy, and perhaps find a way to reduce that price. Jump past the break to see how it works.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion for Mobile Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)

Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabsandroidChris AikenChrisAikene3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsiosmobile gamingMobileGamingmocapmotion capturemotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Star Wars hands-on: Engadget and Joystiq get in touch with the Force]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/#comments
We've been waiting for nearly an entire year to carve up battle droids with a Kinect-controlled lightsaber, and we got the chance last night, donning virtual Jedi robes alongside our friends at Joystiq and calling upon our inner midi-chlorians in a series of brief co-op fights. The interactive demo of Kinect Star Wars version is a fairly scripted affair -- your light side avatars automatically dash from encounter to encounter with the occasional cutscene between, without any prompting from you, and when you get into a melee, the computer controls which enemies you face as well. Still, there are quite a few maneuvers available once combat begins in earnest. You can swing your right hand to swipe with the lightsaber, bring up your left for a powerful Force Push, jump to flip over hapless destroyer droids, step forward to dash directly at a foe, and tilt your body to dodge and flip. There's a bit of a delay between the time you gesture and the time the game recognizes your actions, but it generally seemed to follow our saber strokes, and a product manager tells us a lag fix is inbound. Long story short, we can't tell you quite yet if your 1:1 slicing fantasies will be fulfilled.

Kinect Star Wars hands-on: Engadget and Joystiq get in touch with the Force originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3 2011E32011KinectKinect Star WarsKinectStarWarsMicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingStar WarsStarWarsXboxXbox 360Xbox360Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Pentax releases O-GPS1 add-on for DSLRs, appeals to astronomy nuts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/pentax-releases-o-gps1-add-on-for-dslrs-appeals-to-astronomy-nu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/pentax-releases-o-gps1-add-on-for-dslrs-appeals-to-astronomy-nu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/pentax-releases-o-gps1-add-on-for-dslrs-appeals-to-astronomy-nu/#comments Pentax's Optio WG-1 GPS point-and-shoot satisfied geotaggers out of the box, but owners of its K-5, K-r and 645D DSLRs have had to make do with third-party taggers like the PhotoTrackr or Eye-Fi. The new hotshoe-mounted O-GPS1 module fixes that oversight by recording latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time and shooting angle. Everyday snappers might find an extra hotshoe attachment cumbersome, but astro-photography enthusiasts could well be enticed by the device's interesting "ASTROTRACER" function. This helps you take clearer photos of celestial bodies by using the in-built sensors to calculate a star's movement and then employing the camera's shake reduction system to compensate. Sounds clever, but be advised: this module is only for Pentax DSLRs -- and only for very specific models at that. You'll get full functionality with the K-5 and K-r cameras, and geotagging (no ASTROTRACER) with the 645D. Oh, and you'll need to make sure your camera's firmware is up-to-date. Peer carefully through that lens and you'll see the O-GPS1 heading for a July landing, priced at $250.

[Thanks, Iddo]

Pentax releases O-GPS1 add-on for DSLRs, appeals to astronomy nuts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astro-photographyastronomical imagingAstronomicalImagingastronomyastronomy camerasAstronomyCamerasdslrgeotaggeotaggergeotaggingGlobal Positioning SystemGlobalPositioningSystemgps receivergps trackingGpsReceiverGpsTrackingMotion sensingMotionSensingpentaxpentax 645dpentax dslrpentax k-5pentax k-rPentax645dPentaxDslrPentaxK-5PentaxK-rThu, 02 Jun 2011 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect used to make teleconferencing actually kind of cool (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/kinect-used-to-make-teleconferencing-actually-kind-of-cool-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/kinect-used-to-make-teleconferencing-actually-kind-of-cool-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/kinect-used-to-make-teleconferencing-actually-kind-of-cool-vide/#comments No matter how hard Skype and others try to convince us otherwise, we still do most of our web communications via text or, if entirely unavoidable, by voice. Maybe we're luddites or maybe video calling has yet to prove its value. Hoping to reverse such archaic views, researchers at the MIT Media Lab have harnessed a Kinect's powers of depth and human perception to provide some newfangled videoconferencing functionality. First up, you can blur out everything on screen but the speaker to keep focus where it needs to be. Then, if you want to get fancier, you can freeze a frame of yourself in the still-moving video feed for when you need to do something off-camera, and to finish things off, you can even drop some 3D-aware augmented reality on your viewers. It's all a little unrefined at the moment, but the ideas are there and well worth seeing. Jump past the break to do just that.

Continue reading Kinect used to make teleconferencing actually kind of cool (video)

Kinect used to make teleconferencing actually kind of cool (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented realityAugmentedRealitycommunicationcommunicationsconferencedepth perceptionDepthPerceptionenhancedenhancementfocuskinectkinectedmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmitmit media labMitMediaLabMotion sensingMotionSensingresearchteleconferencinguniversityvideovideoconferencevideoconferencingMon, 04 Apr 2011 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect keeps surgeons on task, Nintendo 3DS might assist optometrists with diagnoses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/#comments
The latest generation of gaming gadgets do some nifty tricks, and one of the niftiest they might perform is assisting the realm of medicine. Microsoft's Kinect sounded like a candidate for surgery, and this month real-life surgeons have actually put it to use -- Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada rigged the Xbox 360 depth camera to its medical imaging computer. Now, doctors don't have to scrub out to manipulate an MRI scan, or even appoint a peon to the task -- rather, they simply raise their bloodied glove, and dive into the digital imagery with a wave of a dextrous hand.

Meanwhile, the American Optometric Association has expanded upon its initial praise of Nintendo's 3DS, saying the autostereoscopic 3D handheld "could be a godsend for identifying kids under 6 who need vision therapy." Though Nintendo's warning labels had originally incited a bit of fear among parents, the organization says that kids who can't experience the 3DS to its full potential may have amblyopia (or other vision disorders) that can be more easily treated the earlier it's caught, though one doctor interviewed by the Associated Press contends that kids with amblyopia may not know what they're missing to begin with -- so don't necessarily expect a panacea, folks.

Kinect keeps surgeons on task, Nintendo 3DS might assist optometrists with diagnoses originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3DSAmerian Optometric AssociationAmerianOptometricAssociationautostereoscopicdoctoreyesightgaminghackhackshealthhospitalhospitalsKinectmedicalmedicineMicrosoftmodmodsmotion capturemotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionSensingMotionTrackingNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsoptometristoptometristsoptometrysightstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dSunnybrookSunnybrook HospitalSunnybrookHospitalsurgeonsurgeryMon, 21 Mar 2011 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to release Kinect for Windows SDK this spring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/#comments
Looks like we're not the only ones enjoying all those Kinect hacks being dreamed up and implemented by hardworking enthusiasts the world o'er. That's right: it was rumored early this year, and now it's been confirmed -- Microsoft will be releasing the Kinect for Windows SDK. According to Microsoft, "It will be available this spring as a free download, and will give academic researchers and enthusiasts access to key pieces of the Kinect system-such as the audio technology, system application programming interfaces and direct control of the Kinect sensor itself." Commercial licensing details will be made available at some point thereafter.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Microsoft to release Kinect for Windows SDK this spring originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect for windowskinect for windows sdkkinect hackkinect sdkKinectForWindowsKinectForWindowsSdkKinectHackKinectSdkmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion gamingMotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcproject natalProjectNatalsdksensorsupportwindowswindows 7Windows 8Windows PCWindows7Windows8WindowsPcMon, 21 Feb 2011 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect combos Street Fighter IV, fires single-fisted boomsticks at the FPS crowd (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/kinect-combos-street-fighter-iv-fires-single-fisted-boomsticks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/kinect-combos-street-fighter-iv-fires-single-fisted-boomsticks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/kinect-combos-street-fighter-iv-fires-single-fisted-boomsticks/#comments
Oh sure, we've seen the Kinect assist a hadouken or two, but that wasn't the same: here, the YouTube user who brought us Call of Duty via Wiimote, Nunchuk and Kinect is throwing fireballs and taking names in the real game. Demize2010 manipulated the FAAST emulator to recognize a variety of virtual martial arts gestures, including the infamous dragon uppercut and whirlwind kick -- giving him everything he needs for a flowchart victory with only his bare hands.

Meanwhile, one Bill Maxwell has taken the Kinect and made it recognize his fist, the better to control first-person shooter games with requiring an Wiimote intermediary. He's developed a "high-speed kinematic tracker" called MaxFPS that monitors his hand's position in real time, allowing him to move, turn, jump, and reload with quick swipes of his paw. How do you shoot? Why, by punching those baddies' lights out, of course. See it on video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect combos Street Fighter IV, fires single-fisted boomsticks at the FPS crowd (video)

Kinect combos Street Fighter IV, fires single-fisted boomsticks at the FPS crowd (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill MaxwellBillMaxwelldemize2010FAASTFPShackhackskinectkinect hackkinect hacksKinectHackKinectHacksMaxKinectMicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsmotion gamingMotion sensingMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsMotionGamingMotionSensingStreet Fighterstreet fighter ivStreetFighterStreetFighterIvvideoThu, 20 Jan 2011 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Jawbone Era sticks an accelerometer in your noise-canceling headset, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/jawbone-era-sticks-an-accelerometer-in-your-noise-canceling-head/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/jawbone-era-sticks-an-accelerometer-in-your-noise-canceling-head/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/jawbone-era-sticks-an-accelerometer-in-your-noise-canceling-head/#comments With a fantastic Bluetooth headset on the market and a pumpin' portable speaker to blast out jams, how could Jawbone improve their product lineup? Well, we still think a stereo headset might be swell... but that's not what the company delivered today. No, this is the Jawbone Era, the world's first Bluetooth earpiece with a built-in accelerometer for motion-sensing apps, and plenty more improvements where that came from. There's a new version of the company's NoiseAssassin noise-canceling algorithms that adjusts inbound volume and equalization to let you hear better, an extra-large 10mm cone speaker with a larger range of frequencies, two processors, more memory, and an hour of extra battery life compared to the Jawbone Icon, to be specific. With only two motions currently recognized -- a double-tap to begin / end / switch calls and a rapid shake to pair -- the accelerometer's a bit of a gimmick for now, but Jawbone suggests more gestures are probably on the way. In the meanwhile, the other advancements might make the Era worth the price of entry -- which is $130, by the by.

We've spent about five hours with the headset already, listening to music and taking calls, and while the accelerometer seems almost wasted at present, there's no discounting that new 10mm driver and the audio it can pump out. While no substitute for a set of quality dedicated earbuds, it sounded worlds better than the Jawbone Icon's tiny, tinny drum, and playing Pandora tracks we no longer felt an overpowering desire to take it out of our ear -- making a cyborg existence all the more bearable, we suppose. We'll bring you a full review soon, but if you're already sold, you'll find four different Era designs on sale at Jawbone's online store... oh, right about now. PR after the break.

Gallery: Jawbone Era unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Jawbone Era sticks an accelerometer in your noise-canceling headset, we go hands-on

Jawbone Era sticks an accelerometer in your noise-canceling headset, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10mmaccelerometeraccessoriesaccessorybluetoothbluetooth headsetBluetoothHeadsetErahands-onheadsetheadsetsJawboneJawbone EraJawboneEraMotion sensingMotionSensingMotionXMyTalknoise-cancelingnoise-cancellingNoiseAssassinNoiseAssassin 3.0Noiseassassin3.0peripheralsThu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect support for Windows in the works, SDK release this summer?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/#comments
 WinRumors, citing anonymous sources, reports that the official software developers kit (SDK) for Kinect is currently in the works and will be released in beta some time in the next few months. Apparently, support for the device will become a part of Microsoft's XNA Game Studio and also be integrated into Windows 8 in a big way. These details come hot on the heels of CEO Steve Ballmer's statement at CES that the good folks in Redmond would eventually support the device's use on computers, but he set no timetable for the SDKs release. We can't confirm the story, but given the level of detail in the report and the author's confidence in the info, we won't be surprised if Microsoft gives all you Kinect hackers something to cheer about very soon.

Kinect support for Windows in the works, SDK release this summer? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect hackkinect sdkKinectHackKinectSdkmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion gamingMotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcproject natalProjectNatalrumorrumor millRumorMillrumorssensorSteve BallmerSteveBallmersupportwindowswindows 7Windows 8Windows PCWindows7Windows8WindowsPcxna game studioXnaGameStudioWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo's Chinese eBox console suffers delay, here's how its camera-based games might play (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/lenovos-chinese-ebox-console-suffers-delay-heres-how-its-came/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/lenovos-chinese-ebox-console-suffers-delay-heres-how-its-came/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/lenovos-chinese-ebox-console-suffers-delay-heres-how-its-came/#comments
We had nearly forgotten Lenovo's Eedoo spinoff and its China-bound video game console, seeing as how it failed to meet a planned November 2010 unveiling, but IDG News reports that the motion-sensing eBox hasn't slipped Lenovo's mind -- it's just been pushed further into 2011. How far? If we were to guess, we'd say Q2 2011, and the video above spells out why. Seemingly by coincidence, we were just sent this footage of a game called Flyimal, built on the Unity Engine as a collaboration between 3D asset company Mixamo and 3D gesture recognition company Omek Interactive, and -- get this -- running on "the first [console] to be made by the Chinese for the Chinese market and due for launch by Q2 of this year." We can't think of many game systems that fit that description, to be honest. There's not a lot to look at here, but we imagine PrimeSense and competitors will be perusing the video soon, noting that the machine captures precisely 15 points on a user's body for its gesture recognition algorithms... and wondering if there's a third dimension to any of that movement. Read Unity, Mixamo and Omek's statement after the break.

Continue reading Lenovo's Chinese eBox console suffers delay, here's how its camera-based games might play (video)

Lenovo's Chinese eBox console suffers delay, here's how its camera-based games might play (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinadelaydelayeddelayseBoxEedooEedoo EboxEedooEboxgamegame consoleGameConsolegamesgamingMixamomotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotion sensingMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsMotionSensingOmekOmek interactiveOmekInteractiveunityUnity engineunity game engineunity-engineUnityEngineUnityGameEnginevideoTue, 18 Jan 2011 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/#comments We've been waiting to see the Paddle Pro in action since Evigroup announced the hands-free tablet last year, but we never imagined our introduction would be this, well... titillating. We previously announced that the tablet would utilize a front-facing webcam to track head movements for cursor control, and as far as we can tell, the system follows through on its promises: the cursor follows the motion of the user's head with fluidity, and -- it seems -- staring at any point on the screen more than a half-second equates to a click of the mouse. Frankly, we're still stumped on the double-click, though. A Paddle Pro sporting Windows 7 runs €990 ($1300), while the same tablet sans the software costs €890 ($1169). We're still jonesing to see its moves in person, but if you're looking for a little tablet eye-candy to spice up your day, check out the unashamedly racy demo after the jump.


[Thanks, WMax]

Continue reading Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes

Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eviGroupevigroup paddleEvigroup Paddle ProEvigroupPaddleEvigroupPaddleProfrancefrenchhands freeHandsFreehead trackingHeadTrackingMotion sensingMotionSensingpaddle proPaddle Pro tabletPaddleProPaddleProTablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcswindows 7windows 7 tabletWindows7Windows7TabletThu, 13 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/#comments If you're looking to get your motion-controlled gaming fix, there are plenty of ways to go -- cameras, electromagnets and accelerometers, for starts -- but most figure you'll buy a single peripheral, a few plastic accessories, and call it a day. That's not the Aiken way. North Carolina startup Aiken Labs wants to sell you a set of tiny boxes that you can stick on any body part or toy you own, each with a full inertial measurement package (three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope) inside. The boxes connect to a base station over 802.15.4 wireless that doubles as a USB recharging unit for the lot, and you can connect up to eight modules to track 24 degrees of freedom at a time. It's not an elegant solution, to tell you the truth, particularly given the hacked-together nature of the prototype devices we saw on the CES 2011 floor, but we love the idea of simply affixing a box to a helmet to get instant head-tracking support in our favorite PC titles. Inventor Chris Aiken tells us a starter set will ship for about $300 with two sensors and the base station in the second quarter of this year -- additional sensors should run $100 each -- and you can see what it looks like in a video right after the break.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion gaming sensors, hands-on

Continue reading Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video)

Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabscesces 2011ces2011Chris AikenChrisAikengaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsmotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideoTue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:00 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[Intel waves around Razer's Sixense motion-sensing sticks, plays Portal 2 on the big screen (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/intel-waves-around-razers-sixense-motion-sensing-sticks-plays/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/intel-waves-around-razers-sixense-motion-sensing-sticks-plays/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/intel-waves-around-razers-sixense-motion-sensing-sticks-plays/#comments For any new peripheral to succeed in the market, it needs a killer app. Seems like Razer found one -- at Intel's press conference at CES 2011, it got to demo Portal 2 with its Sixense motion controller. We were on hand to see it in action, and it looks like the game's tailor-made to take advantage of your precision arm-waving; moving the right stick controls a tractor beam that emanates from the Portal Gun, such that your protagonist can reach though those game-twisting wormholes without sticking her neck out. But don't take our word for it -- see for yourself after the break!

Continue reading Intel waves around Razer's Sixense motion-sensing sticks, plays Portal 2 on the big screen (video)

Intel waves around Razer's Sixense motion-sensing sticks, plays Portal 2 on the big screen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011gamegamesgamingIntelmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsmotion sensingMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsMotionSensingpc gamingPcGamingPortalPortal 2Portal2RazerRazer SixenseRazerSixensesixenseValvevideoWed, 05 Jan 2011 15:14:00 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[Microsoft seeking to quadruple Kinect accuracy?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/microsoft-seeking-to-quadruple-kinect-accuracy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/microsoft-seeking-to-quadruple-kinect-accuracy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/microsoft-seeking-to-quadruple-kinect-accuracy/#comments Hacked your Kinect recently? Then you probably know something most regular Xbox 360 gamers don't -- namely, that the Kinect's infrared camera is actually capable of higher resolution than the game console itself supports. Though Microsoft originally told us it ran at 320 x 240, you'll find both color and depth cameras display 640 x 480 images if you hook the peripheral up to a PC, and now an anonymous source tells Eurogamer that Microsoft wants to do the very same in the video game space. Reportedly, Redmond artificially limited the Kinect on console in order to leave room for other USB peripherals to run at the same time, but if the company can find a way around the limitation, it could issue a firmware update that could make the Kinect sensitive enough to detect individual finger motions and inevitably lead to gesture control. One of multiple ways Microsoft intends to make the world of Minority Report a reality, we're sure.

Microsoft seeking to quadruple Kinect accuracy? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320 x 240320X240360640 x 480640X480accuracydepth cameradepth sensorDepthCameraDepthSensorfirmwaregesture controlGestureControlKinectMicrosoftmotion controlmotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingPeripheralperipheralsresolutionrumorrumorsXboxXbox 360Xbox360Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:50:00 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[Toshiba's new glasses-free 3D display tilts images and viewing angles your way (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/toshibas-new-glasses-free-3d-display-tilts-images-and-viewing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/toshibas-new-glasses-free-3d-display-tilts-images-and-viewing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/12/toshibas-new-glasses-free-3d-display-tilts-images-and-viewing/#comments Autostereoscopic (read: glasses-free) 3D screens sound like all the rage, but the narrow zones from which you can comfortably view their images have made them a dubious proposition. That's not stopping Toshiba Mobile Display, however, which recently came up with a novel idea for a self-adjusting display. By sticking a six-axis accelerometer in this 12.1-inch slate, the company can tilt the tablet's viewing angle as the tablet itself is tilted, letting viewers effectively look around 3D objects on screen, using software algorithms rather than the fancy lens-and-camera assembly that Microsoft's been prototyping. Toshiba figures it'll make a splash with e-tailers -- because who doesn't want to play with a prospective purchase in 3D space? -- but is mostly talking up the tech as a way to extend the limited 3D viewing angles of these sorts of displays. But enough jabber: see it for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Toshiba's new glasses-free 3D display tilts images and viewing angles your way (video)

Toshiba's new glasses-free 3D display tilts images and viewing angles your way (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3d display3D expo3D Expo 20103dDisplay3dExpo3dExpo2010accelerometerdisplayMotion sensingMotionSensingsix axissix-axisSixAxistilttilt sensorTiltSensortoshibatoshiba mobile displayToshibaMobileDisplayvideoSun, 12 Dec 2010 16:37:00 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[Shocker! GameStop expects Kinect and Move to be in short supply this holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/shocker-gamestop-expects-kinect-and-move-to-be-in-short-supply/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/shocker-gamestop-expects-kinect-and-move-to-be-in-short-supply/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/shocker-gamestop-expects-kinect-and-move-to-be-in-short-supply/#comments Are you prepared to be blown away? Have your mind flipped inside-out? Experience a revelation to end all revelations? Tough luck, bubs. During an earnings call yesterday, GameStop president Tony Bartel was cited as saying that both Microsoft's Kinect and Sony's PlayStation Move would both be difficult to find this holiday season, noting that the Kinect would be "a hot item through the holiday season and the key opportunity will be just to continue to keep them in stock." He also stated that the Move would be "in short supply," and even went so far as to predict that consumers would be "following the UPS truck to our stores to pick up that product as soon as they can find it." Naturally, GameStop's in-stock guarantee won't apply to the two things it actually should (read: Kinect and Move), and Tony stopped short of providing hard evidence that this so-called shortage would in fact occur. But hey, no one ever said that drumming up demand for a product your store hawks was a bad business move, you know? And on the real, we're guessing that Santa will actually have the hots for these things, and if you're considering one, it's always wise to be proactive. Or spend countless nights attempting to snipe Johnny Doe on eBay -- your call.

[Image courtesy of Geek In Heels]

Shocker! GameStop expects Kinect and Move to be in short supply this holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerGameStopgamingkinectmicrosoftmotion sensingmotion sensorMotionSensingMotionSensorplaystationplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps3shockershortagesonysupplySat, 20 Nov 2010 01:34:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Sony's PlayStation Move?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/how-would-you-change-sonys-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/how-would-you-change-sonys-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/how-would-you-change-sonys-playstation-move/#comments Is it Sony's play against the Wiimote, or the Kinect... or both? Hard to say exactly, but there's no question that the PS3 is no longer on the outside looking in when it comes to motion gaming. Now that it's been on the market for a few months, we're looking to hear from early adopters -- have you enjoyed your time with the Move? Has it lived up to your expectations? Any quirks with gameplay that you'd iron out? Any particular games that you'd prefer to see play nice with the apparatus? Set yourself in the mindset of a SCEA designer for a tick and let us know how you'd do the Move differently down in comments below. And yeah, sticking with "Arc" is totally an acceptable suggestion to make.

How would you change Sony's PlayStation Move? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgaminghow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycmotion sensingmotion sensorMotionSensingMotionSensormoveplaystationplaystation 3PlayStation MovePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps moveps3PsMovesonyFri, 12 Nov 2010 22:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft buys Canesta, continues camera-based domination of our interfaces]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/30/microsoft-buys-canesta-continues-camera-based-domination-of-our/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/30/microsoft-buys-canesta-continues-camera-based-domination-of-our/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/30/microsoft-buys-canesta-continues-camera-based-domination-of-our/#comments It seems that Microsoft's taken the camera to heart following its dismissal of the pen -- the company bought 3DV, collaborated with PrimeSense on Kinect, and today it's apparently finalized a deal to acquire 3D CMOS camera chipmaker Canesta as well. In case you've already forgotten, the latter company is the one that made an paid actor look particularly smug last year, by allowing the gent to control his television with a flick of the wrist. Things have progressed a good bit further than that, however, as you'll see in a demo video after the break, and Canesta president and CEO Jim Spare says he expects the company's stuffs to "see wide adoption across many applications that embody the full potential of the technology" under Microsoft's reign. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft buys Canesta, continues camera-based domination of our interfaces

Microsoft buys Canesta, continues camera-based domination of our interfaces originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DVcameracamera controlCameraControlCanestagesturegesture controlGestureControlkinectMicrosoftmotion sensingMotionSensingprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalUIuser interfaceUserInterfacevideoSat, 30 Oct 2010 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect will work just fine for seated gameplay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/microsoft-kinect-will-work-just-fine-for-seated-gameplay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/microsoft-kinect-will-work-just-fine-for-seated-gameplay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/microsoft-kinect-will-work-just-fine-for-seated-gameplay/#comments One of the major points of confusion related to Microsoft's new controller-less Xbox 360 Kinect gaming system is the perceived lack of seated gameplay, largely driven by those early demos that required a standing player. At the time, Kinect's sensor was keying off the base node located at the bottom of the spine to create its skeletal models. As of a few months ago, Microsoft updated its software libraries to key off the base of the neck, thus avoiding any ambiguity caused by the player's motionless knees or feet obscuring a spine stuffed into the opaque comfort of the living room sofa. At least that's what Blitz Games Studios co-founder and CTO Andrew Oliver told Eurogamer. Unfortunately, the motion-sensing changes for lazy-bone play come too late for Kinect's early November launch titles (burdened with writing their own software for seated play) but "games going forward won't have a problem," says Oliver.

Microsoft Kinect will work just fine for seated gameplay originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrew OliverAndrewOliverblitzblitz game studiosBlitzGameStudioskinectmicrosoftmotion sensingMotionSensingseatedsitsittingskeletalskeletonsoftwarexbox 360xbox 360 kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectMon, 18 Oct 2010 05:17:00 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[PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/playstation-move-gets-broken-down-so-easy-an-end-user-could/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/playstation-move-gets-broken-down-so-easy-an-end-user-could/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/playstation-move-gets-broken-down-so-easy-an-end-user-could/#comments Another week, another well-detailed tear down from the kids at iFixit. Blessed with an eight out of ten on the repairability index, the PlayStation Move was said to be one of the easiest devices yet to break down and reassemble, so there's a good chance that any novice DIYer with a steady hand and a Phillips screwdriver could accomplish what's shown in the link below. No huge surprises were found once the PCB's clothing was removed, but we were told that the Move controller contains a great many components that are found in today's modern smartphones: a processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth transmitter, vibrating motor, and even a MEMS compass. The sphere at the top can flash any color thanks to the included LEDs, and the integrated Li-ion battery can be disconnected (and thus, replaced) from the device without any soldering. Hit the source for the nitty-gritty, and hop on past the break for the highlights. Oh, and as a reminder, you can grab your own Move starting today if you call North America home.

Continue reading PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it

PlayStation Move gets broken down -- so easy, an end-user could do it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerdissecteddissectiongamingifixitmotion sensingMotionSensingplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMoveps movePsMovesensingsensorsonysplayedtear downTearDowntorn downTornDownSun, 19 Sep 2010 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft pulls apart a Kinect camera, tickles your non-gaming fetish]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/microsoft-pulls-apart-a-kinect-camera-tickles-your-non-gaming-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/microsoft-pulls-apart-a-kinect-camera-tickles-your-non-gaming-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/microsoft-pulls-apart-a-kinect-camera-tickles-your-non-gaming-f/#comments Tease as much as you want, Sony, but things get real serious when you flip to the other side and look at the magic behind Microsoft's Kinect camera. Recently, T3 was able to get behind the scenes for a quick lesson on how this Xbox 360 peripheral works, and as part of the tour, it also saw the innocent sensor sitting bare naked in the lab. As pictured above, this little device actually has a lot to pack in -- namely a RGB camera for facial recognition plus video capturing, a depth sensor (an infrared projector paired with a monochrome CMOS camera) for movement tracking, four downward-facing mics for voice recognition, a quiet motor in the bulky base for rotation, and all the circuitry components to link them up. Head over to the source link for a detailed briefing -- but we all know you're just gonna go straight to the gallery of Redmond's naughty pics.

Microsoft pulls apart a Kinect camera, tickles your non-gaming fetish originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disassemblykinectmicrosoftmotion controlMotion sensingmotion sensorMotionControlMotionSensingMotionSensornew xbox 360NewXbox360primesenseproject natalProjectNatalteardownxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle tipped on 4GB packaging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/#comments Well, well -- what have we here? We already knew that Microsoft was planning to ship a 4GB Xbox 360 bundle that included Kinect, and now it seems as if the Big M will also package its forthcoming motion sensor with the 250GB 'box. Based on the packaging of a 4GB bundle over in Australia, it definitely looks as if consumers will have a more capacious option if buying an Xbox 360 for the first time with Kinect, but we're all waiting with bated breath to hear the official confirmation (or denial, but mostly just confirmation) from Ballmer's crew. Anytime now, folks....

250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle tipped on 4GB packaging originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250GBbundlegamingkinectleakmicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360motion sensingMotionSensingnatalproject natalProjectNatalsensingsensorxboxxbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectFri, 06 Aug 2010 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Kinect patent application goes public, reveals gobs of fine print]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsofts-kinect-patent-application-goes-public-reveals-gobs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsofts-kinect-patent-application-goes-public-reveals-gobs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsofts-kinect-patent-application-goes-public-reveals-gobs/#comments Not like it matters much now -- after all, Project Natal has had time to incubate and come out as Kinect -- but those wondering about the inner workings of the motion sensing system now have more one outlet to investigate. A patent application filed on February 23, 2009 was just made public today, describing a "gesture keyboarding" scenario where users can make gestures that are caught by a "depth camera" and then converted into in-game controls. Of course, those paying close attention could've read between the lines when we toyed with a camouflaged PrimeSense demo at GDC, but here's the fully skinny in black and white. And a bit of blue, if you count the buttons. Give that source link a tap once you're settled in.

Gallery: Microsoft's Kinect patent application

Microsoft's Kinect patent application goes public, reveals gobs of fine print originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvgamingGesturekinectmicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectmotion sensingMotionSensingmovementnatalpatentpatent apppatent applicationPatentAppPatentApplicationprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalsensorsensorswebcamThu, 05 Aug 2010 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/microsoft-algorithm-uses-six-axis-motion-sensors-to-fix-blurry-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/microsoft-algorithm-uses-six-axis-motion-sensors-to-fix-blurry-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/microsoft-algorithm-uses-six-axis-motion-sensors-to-fix-blurry-s/#comments Trying to snap a shot of your cherry red Mazda, but can't keep your hands still? You'll find all the tech you need to smooth things out in an iPhone 4 or (MotionPlus-equipped) Nintendo Wiimote. Experimenting with 6DOF inertial measurement sensor packages, scientists at Microsoft Research have developed a software algorithm that literally records your exposure-destroying shake via accelerometer and gyroscope, then magically removes the blur by canceling it out. While the technique still isn't perfect -- spot ghostly line above some of those background cars -- the Microsoft researchers compared their results to other in-progress algorithms, and we think you'll agree this new solution presents the best results by far. It's a shame Microsoft doesn't say when we'll see the tech in a spiffy DSLR attachment, or better yet a cameraphone. See before and after animated GIFs after the break, and find high-res comparison images and much more at our source link.

Continue reading Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride

Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6DOFaccelerometerblurblurrycamera blurCameraBlurdeblurringgyroscopehand motion blurHandMotionBlurIMUlens blurLensBlurMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchmotion blurMotion sensingmotion sensormotion sensorsMotionBlurMotionSensingMotionSensorMotionSensorsphotographysix-axisMon, 02 Aug 2010 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/#comments We've always wondered whether Microsoft's multitouch table would actually ever arrive, dreaming of Minority Report hijinx all the while, but after seeing what the company's Applied Sciences Group is currently cooking up -- a touchless telepresence display -- we'd rather drop that antiquated pinch-to-zoom stuff in favor of what might be Surface's next generation. Starting with one of Samsung's prototype transparent OLED panels, Microsoft dropped a sub-two-inch camera behind the glass, creating a 3D gesture control interface that tracks your every move by literally seeing through the display. Combined with that proprietary wedge-shaped lens we saw earlier this month and some good ol' Johnny Chung Lee headtracking by the man himself, we're looking at one hell of a screen. Don't you dare read another word without seeing the prototype in a trifecta of videos after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video)

Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applied Sciences GroupAppliedSciencesGroupface trackingfacetrackinggesturegesture controlGesture recognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionhead trackingheadtrackinglensMicrosoftMicrosoft Applied Sciences GroupMicrosoft SurfaceMicrosoftAppliedSciencesGroupMicrosoftSurfacemotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingOLEDprototypesamsungsurfacetelepresencetouchlesstransparent oledTransparentOledvideowedgeTue, 29 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect tech destined for TV-embedded greatness in 2011, HTPC integration later this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/kinect-tech-destined-for-tv-embedded-greatness-in-2011-htpc-int/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/kinect-tech-destined-for-tv-embedded-greatness-in-2011-htpc-int/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/kinect-tech-destined-for-tv-embedded-greatness-in-2011-htpc-int/#comments From Tel Aviv unknown to Xbox gaming wunderkind, PrimeSense has already had quite a run, but the camera-control tech that powers Kinect is destined for new applications before long. VP Adi Berenson tells us the company's already signed deals to put PrimeSense inside HTPCs by the end of the year, and has at least one cable company ready to launch a gesture-controlled set top box by summer 2011. The end goal is to provide natural human control over TV-based media consumption, said Berenson, who's working to get cameras in TVs themselves sometime late next year.

Like Kinect, these solutions will have a pair of 640 x 480 camera sensors to measure user position in 3D space, but don't expect them to have motorized tilt functionality or voice recognition -- PrimeSense said it won't be able to make those available for manufacturers, as they're all Microsoft ideas. The gesture recognition has reportedly evolved, though, and we're eager to check that out soon. See what it used to look like in our GDC 2010 preview.

Update: Just to be absolutely clear, this is not Microsoft's Kinect that's slated for an HTPC and set-top-box near you, but rather PrimeSense, the 3D camera sensor technology behind it.

Kinect tech destined for TV-embedded greatness in 2011, HTPC integration later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adi BerensonAdiBerensongestureGesture ControlGesture recognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionKinectmotion controlMotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingPrimeSenseProject NatalProjectNatalset top boxSetTopBoxWed, 23 Jun 2010 03:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's new lens tracks your face, steers 3D images to your eyes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/#comments Glasses-free 3D has taken several forms, but most have a critical flaw -- viewers have to stand in predefined locations to get the effect. That just won't do, so Microsoft's prototyped a new approach, and it's one of the wildest we've seen. Taking a cue from Project N... we mean Kinect, cameras track the face while a special wedge-shaped lens traps bouncing light, and after the beams have reached a "critical angle," it exits towards the viewers eyes, aimed by programmable LEDs at the bottom of the screen. Since the system can beam a pair of simultaneous images to two different places, the obvious use is stereoscopic 3D, but researchers found they could also send different images to different viewers, as a sort of privacy screen. If that sounds far fetched, you're not alone -- but you'll find a video proof-of-concept at the more coverage link.

Microsoft's new lens tracks your face, steers 3D images to your eyes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DAutoStereoscopicautostereoscopic 3dAutostereoscopic3dface trackingFaceTrackinghead trackingHeadTrackinglensmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingsteerablesteerable LCDSteerableLcdstereoscopicstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dvideowedgeMon, 14 Jun 2010 07:17:00 EST