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[Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/valve-working-on-wearable-computers-says-michael-abrash/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/valve-working-on-wearable-computers-says-michael-abrash/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/valve-working-on-wearable-computers-says-michael-abrash/#comments Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoyWhen Michael Abrash started working for Valve, he expected the higher-ups to hand him a pile of work and tell him to hop to it. They didn't. Instead, he was told to figure out the most valuable thing he could do for the company, and then do it. So, Abrash wound up kicking off an in-house R&D project for wearable computers, and according to a recent blog post, is looking to expand his research team. More than me-too mice and gamepads, indeed. Abrash is quick to put a lid on rumors of "Steam glasses," however, and warns readers not to expect any big reveals at E3 -- this is just an "initial investigation into a very interesting and promising space," he says, and is more "research than development." Rearing to give Google's Project Glass a run for its money? Or maybe you're just itching for a detailed narrative of employee and employer? Either way, you'll find what you're looking at the source link below.

Valve employee spills the hardware beans: wearable computers, ahoy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banksconsolegaminggaming consoleGamingConsolehardwareheads up displaysheadstrong-gamesHeadsUpDisplaysjob postingJobPostingjobsmichael abrashMichaelAbrashmicrocontrollersProjectNatalSciTechsteamsteam boxsteam hardwareSteamBoxSteamHardwareValveValve CorporationValve hardwareValveCorporationValveHardwarevideo gamesVideoGamesFri, 13 Apr 2012 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Xbox turns X years old today, celebrates decade of console prowess]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/microsoft-xbox-turns-x-years-old-today-celebrates-decade-of-con/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/microsoft-xbox-turns-x-years-old-today-celebrates-decade-of-con/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/microsoft-xbox-turns-x-years-old-today-celebrates-decade-of-con/#comments One decade ago today, on November 15, 2001, the Xbox gaming console was born, hitting stores across North America on the same day. That Pentium III-based black box found its way into tens of millions of living rooms around the world, and wasn't discontinued until after its successor was announced in 2005. Now, halfway through its lifecycle, the Xbox 360 is still selling strong -- perhaps spurred by the company's release of Kinect in 2010 -- with about four years left to go before Microsoft is expected to unleash its nex-gen console. An updated system may be inevitable, but regardless of what's inside, we wouldn't be surprised to see Microsoft's blockbuster game machine don its familiar Xbox handle for decennia to come.

Gallery: Microsoft Xbox 10-year anniversary

Microsoft Xbox turns X years old today, celebrates decade of console prowess originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole warsconsolesConsoleWarsgamegame consolegame consolesgame systemGameConsoleGameConsolesgamesGameSystemgaminggaming consolegaming systemGamingConsoleGamingSystemhistorymicrosoftnpdPlaystation3project natalProjectNatalps3salesSalesFiguresshane kimShaneKimsony ps3SonyPs3xboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:28:00 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[Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/#comments
Ever since Johnny Chung Lee was snatched up by Microsoft's Project Natal team to work on Kinect, we've been curious to see how his Wii head-tracking skills would come to fruition on the device. This week, an Inside Xbox episode shows us how it will work with Forza 4, and the Kinect enabled head-tracking appears to run fairly smoothly compared to others we've seen (just try getting similar results on Gran Turismo 5 with a PlayStation Eye). There's no word about other titles planning to make use of this new feature, but we'll surely find out more while we're at E3 next week, and possibly get some hands heads-on time while we're at it.

Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinge3e3 2011E32011Forza 4forza motorsportforza motorsport 4Forza4ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport4gamegaminghead trackinghead-trackingHeadTrackingJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeekinectMicrosoftplaystation eyePlaystationEyeproject natalProjectNatalPS EyePsEyeracingvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 kinectxbox kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectXboxKinectWed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 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 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[Kinect hack turns you into a punching, waving MIDI controller (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/kinect-hack-turns-you-into-a-punching-waving-midi-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/kinect-hack-turns-you-into-a-punching-waving-midi-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/kinect-hack-turns-you-into-a-punching-waving-midi-controller/#comments
If you're looking for an awesome, impractical way to make music with your computer (and who isn't?) please direct your attention to the following Kinect hack. Shinect, the brainchild of a YouTube user named Shinyless, uses motion detection to turn you into a MIDI controller! The current implementation gives the operator two virtual pads that can be activated by the old Jersey Shore fist pump -- and if that ain't enough, the sounds can be pitchshifted by raising / lowering the other arm. Pretty sweet, huh? This thing uses OpenNI, and while he's demonstrating it using FruityLoops it should work with any MIDI device. Things are pretty rough'n ready at the moment, although he promises big things in the future. In the meantime, check out the proof-of-concept in the video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect hack turns you into a punching, waving MIDI controller (video)

Kinect hack turns you into a punching, waving MIDI controller (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyfruity loopsFruityLoopshackkinectMicrosoftmidimidi controllerMidiControllermodmusic makingMusicMakingopenniprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalShinectShinylessvideoMon, 03 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/#comments
From enhancing your WoW game to putting you in Tom Hanks's shoes, DIYers the world o'er really do seem to love Kinect. And what do we have here? Taylor Veltrop's Veltrobot remote telepresence 'bot uses the PrimeSense open source Kinect drivers for tracking the user's skeleton, with a modified Kondo KHR-1HV mirroring the operator's movements (which are received via 802.11n WiFi). Right now he is only controlling the arms, but with any luck we should be seeing complete control over all the robot's movements soon enough. Once the thing is finalized, Veltrop plans on releasing an open source development kit. And then? That's right: robot avatars for everyone!

Continue reading DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video)

DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydriverhackhacksKHR-1HVkinectKondoKondo KHR-1HVKondoKhr-1hvmodopen sourceopenniOpenSourceprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalrobotrosside kickside-kickSideKickTaylor VeltropTaylorVeltroptelepresenceveltrobotvideowillow garageWillowGarageMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[PrimeSense's OpenNI provides the best Kinect drivers yet, from someone who would know]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/primesenses-openni-provides-the-best-kinect-drivers-yet-from-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/primesenses-openni-provides-the-best-kinect-drivers-yet-from-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/primesenses-openni-provides-the-best-kinect-drivers-yet-from-s/#comments We've been so wrapped up in Kinect hacks lately that we actually missed a Kinect non-hack that emerged last week. PrimeSense, who built the initial Project Natal reference hardware for Microsoft, has released its own open source drivers for the Kinect. PrimeSense is working with Willow Garage (best known for its open source ROS robot operating system), and Side-Kick (a motion gaming startup) through a new OpenNI organization it set up, and the trio will be combining their powers for good. The OpenNI framework will cover low-level hardware support (drivers for actual cameras and other sensors), and high-level visual tracking (turning your body into a 3D avatar that kicks ass in a virtual world). This should be a boon to an already vibrant Kinect hacking community, and if the video above is any indication, we aren't far from Kinect-level interaction and gameplay on our lowly PCs.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

PrimeSense's OpenNI provides the best Kinect drivers yet, from someone who would know originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverhackhackskinectopen sourceopenniOpenSourceprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalrosside kickside-kickSideKickvideowillow garageWillowGarageWed, 15 Dec 2010 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! Clumsy Kinect players make for entertaining viral videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/shocker-clumsy-kinect-players-make-for-entertaining-viral-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/shocker-clumsy-kinect-players-make-for-entertaining-viral-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/shocker-clumsy-kinect-players-make-for-entertaining-viral-video/#comments
We knew there was more viral video goodness to be had with Kinect than lots and lots and lots of little green dots. And here you have it: people the world o'er punching each other, falling into things, and just generally making asses of themselves by paying more attention to the TV than whatever objects might exist in the physical world that surrounds them. And you wondered why commercials for the device all featured players in very, very large rooms! Check out a couple of our faves after the break, and be sure to sound off in the comments if you have any of your own.

Continue reading Shocker! Clumsy Kinect players make for entertaining viral videos

Shocker! Clumsy Kinect players make for entertaining viral videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clumsykinectproject natalProjectNatalshockervideoviral videoViralVideoTue, 09 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: Kinect + night vision = lots and lots and lots of dots (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/visualized-kinect-night-vision-lots-and-lots-and-lots-of-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/visualized-kinect-night-vision-lots-and-lots-and-lots-of-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/visualized-kinect-night-vision-lots-and-lots-and-lots-of-do/#comments
You know what you see when you flip on your Xbox 360, turn out the lights, and don a pair of night vision goggles? Dots. Lots and lots of little dots, courtesy of Kinect's infrared depth sensor. Judging by the videos that have been uploaded to YouTube, this is the kind of thing that will entertain the whole "hackey sack and Rasta hats" crowd for years to come, and to be honest, we're kind of digging it ourselves. Hell, we might even have to dig out that old Bob Marley black light poster. See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Visualized: Kinect + night vision = lots and lots and lots of dots (video)

Visualized: Kinect + night vision = lots and lots and lots of dots (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infraredkinectmicrosoftnight visionNightVisionproject natalProjectNatalvideovisualizedx360xboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect ripped to pieces, found to contain chips on tiny green boards]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/microsoft-kinect-ripped-to-pieces-found-to-contain-chips-on-tin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/microsoft-kinect-ripped-to-pieces-found-to-contain-chips-on-tin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/microsoft-kinect-ripped-to-pieces-found-to-contain-chips-on-tin/#comments If you ever doubted that Microsoft's Kinect was based on PrimeSense technology, you can leave those suspicions at the door -- iFixit's separated the twin-eye motion sensing camera into its constituent parts, and there's definitely PrimeSense silicon on board. To be precise, there's a PrimeSense processor that handles images from the color and infrared CMOS auto-focus imagers, a Marvell SoC to interface with those cameras,64MB of DDR2 memory and 1MB of flash plus an accelerometer of all things. (Perhaps game developers intend to break the fourth wall when you inevitably knock the unit off your TV.) Filled with four different kinds of security screws and a fair bit of glue, Kinect's a tough nut to crack. Seems like a small price to pay, however, when it's so wonderfully robotic underneath. Oh, and speaking of the Kinect -- don't suppose you've read our full review?

Microsoft Kinect ripped to pieces, found to contain chips on tiny green boards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ifixitifixit teardownIfixitTeardownkinectmicrosoftproject natalProjectNatalteardownteardown treatmentTeardownTreatmentx360xboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:08:00 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[Wired chronicles the (brief) history of Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/#comments Got your Instapaper bookmarklet prepped? This is a bit of a long one: Wired UK has put together an in-depth creation history for the soon-to-be-released Kinect. While a "one man against all odds" story might be a little quicker to read, the story of Kinect (or Project Natal, as it's been known for most of its lifetime) is actually a pretty remarkable collaboration. An original demand and vision for the Xbox 360 from Don Mattrick (in pretty obvious response to the Wii), project leadership from Alex Kipman, gameplay creativity from Kudo Tsunoda, camera technology from PrimeSense, computer vision algorithms from Andrew Blake and Jamie Shotton -- and that was just the incubation stage! The vision was cast in 2007, the project really started in 2008, and we'll have the finished product (along with the all-important games of course) in our living rooms in November. While the most immediate battle for Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft is who can sell the most games and the most motion control hardware, it's clear that Kinect is a major technical achievement with some pretty broad reaching implications for human / machine interaction going forward. Still, we wonder: can it run provide an effective user interface for Doom?

Oh, and if you need a little more Kinect in your life, check out our Engadget Show with Kudo Tsunoda where he dives into a bit of the tech and gameplay.

Wired chronicles the (brief) history of Kinect originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>historykinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalwiredwired ukWiredUkThu, 07 Oct 2010 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview: ESPN, Netflix search, Kinect, and more! (Update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/xbox-live-fall-2010-dashboard-update-preview-espn-netflix-sear/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/xbox-live-fall-2010-dashboard-update-preview-espn-netflix-sear/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/xbox-live-fall-2010-dashboard-update-preview-espn-netflix-sear/#comments Shortly before Kinect hits store shelves on November 4th, Microsoft plans on rolling out the Fall Update to Xbox Live -- even sooner for those who signed up for the preview program. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, really: even without the numerous leaks, the fall update is a longstanding tradition for the almost five-year-old console, and the company devoted a large chunk of its E3 2010 presentation to talk about the biggest additions. That includes Netflix search (finally!), Zune music, and an entertainment hub for a certain worldwide sports broadcaster... ESPN. We've had a chance to spend some time at home with the Fall Update, follow us after the break for our full impressions!

Update: As both Joystiq and a number of tipsters have alerted us, Microsoft has pulled the large, wooden lever in its dark underground lair that allows for the Fall Update to trickle out and assimilate itself into the consoles of those smart enough to sign up for the preview program. If you receive a prompt upon signing in, rejoice! If not, well, have patience!

P.S. - Looking for more? Our BFFs at Joystiq have compiled a series of exhaustive videos chronicling the Fall Update. Check it out!

Gallery: Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview

Continue reading Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview: ESPN, Netflix search, Kinect, and more! (Update)

Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview: ESPN, Netflix search, Kinect, and more! (Update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360dashboardespnespn 3Espn3impressionskinectliveLiveBlogmicrosoftnatalnetflixnetflix searchNetflixSearchpreviewproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360xbox dashboardxbox livexbox live dashboardxbox live dashboard updateXbox360XboxDashboardXboxLiveXboxLiveDashboardXboxLiveDashboardUpdatezunezune musiczune passZuneMusicZunePassWed, 29 Sep 2010 22:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux brings Milo, Kinect, and snails to the TED stage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/peter-molyneux-brings-milo-kinect-and-snails-to-the-ted-stage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/peter-molyneux-brings-milo-kinect-and-snails-to-the-ted-stage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/peter-molyneux-brings-milo-kinect-and-snails-to-the-ted-stage/#comments Poor Milo. Our virtual friend has been in our heart for about as long as Kinect (née Project Natal) has been in the public eye, always doodling, always playing with snail, rarely able to escape the confines of dark developer studio. When we talked to Milo's "father" Peter Molyneux at the last Engadget Show, he kept referencing this TED Talk demo he recently gave, and sure enough, video of that speech is now available online. The 11-minute presentation delves into a number of the setups / "magician's tricks" used to make Milo an interactive and at times empathetic character, and how natural voice recognition was implemented (thanks in part to Microsoft's TellMe database) so that the player isn't limited to simple yes and no responses. Curious about the moral ramifications of an artificial adolescent aggressive to mollusk? Definitely worth a look, as is our last Engadget Show episode if you missed it; video after the break.

Continue reading Peter Molyneux brings Milo, Kinect, and snails to the TED stage

Peter Molyneux brings Milo, Kinect, and snails to the TED stage originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmilomolyneuxnatalpeterpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxproject natalProjectNataltedted talkTedTalkvideoThu, 19 Aug 2010 00:57:00 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[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[Kinect for Xbox 360 now listed for $150... at Microsoft's own online store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/#comments Listen Microsoft, we know you've been wanting to stay absolutely mum on Kinect's price since its official E3 unveiling, even as GameStop and Walmart say $149.99. Included is the Kinect sensor itself, power supply cable, manual, and WiFi extension cable (huh?), and it shows up in our virtual shopping cart just fine. So, now that your own official online store is giving that price tag on a pre-order page, don't ya think this guy deserves something akin to a legitimate press release for its MSRP?

[Thanks, Steven W.]

Kinect for Xbox 360 now listed for $150... at Microsoft's own online store originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStorenatalpre orderpre-orderPreOrderproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms: $199 new Xbox 360 coming soon, as well as Kinect bundles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/microsoft-confirms-199-for-new-xbox-360-kinect-bundles-coming/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/microsoft-confirms-199-for-new-xbox-360-kinect-bundles-coming/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/microsoft-confirms-199-for-new-xbox-360-kinect-bundles-coming/#comments
Well, none of this will come as a big surprise here, but it's always nice to hear it straight from an official source. Microsoft has confirmed that a $199 version of new Xbox 360 will be coming in the fall to replace the now-$149 Arcade, which is no longer in production. In addition, the company's also spilled a few more beans -- Kinect will be available as a bundle with the new Xbox 360, and though there isn't any official pricing information on that one just yet, we've seen some telltale evidence on that front which would lead us to believe it'll run somewhere in the neighborhood of $399 for an Elite and $299 for the Arcade. So now you know.

Microsoft confirms: $199 new Xbox 360 coming soon, as well as Kinect bundles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlebundlesgamingkinectmicrosoftmotion controllerMotionControllernatalnew xbox 360newxbox360pricespricingproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out our new Kinect hub!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/check-out-our-new-kinect-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/check-out-our-new-kinect-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/check-out-our-new-kinect-hub/#comments Just in case you missed the big announcements and news at E3 2010, we've gathered everything we know about Microsoft's latest in gaming, Kinect -- formerly known as Project Natal -- into one where you can study to your heart's content. Hit it up.

Check out our new Kinect hub! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010hubhubskinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalTue, 15 Jun 2010 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz Xbox accessory shocker! Kinect, wireless controller get stands at E3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/mad-catz-xbox-accessory-shocker-stands-for-kinect-and-controlle/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/mad-catz-xbox-accessory-shocker-stands-for-kinect-and-controlle/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/mad-catz-xbox-accessory-shocker-stands-for-kinect-and-controlle/#comments
Mad Catz, our favorite provider of gaming accessories that happens to be named after mentally ill house pets, has announced a plethora of devices for the new Xbox 360. First off, if there is a Kinect in your future you are probably thinking: "where am I gonna put the damn thing?" Well, you can stop thinking right now! the Xbox 360 Kinect Floor Stand includes a weighted base, 2.5-foot mounting pole, and it costs $30. If you feel like saving a few bucks, a camera tripod adapter is available for $15. There also is something called the Controller Charge Stand, which -- for a mere $30 -- allows you to store two controllers and charge up to two Microsoft Rechargeable Battery Packs at the same time. Pretty great, huh? PR after the break.

Continue reading Mad Catz Xbox accessory shocker! Kinect, wireless controller get stands at E3

Mad Catz Xbox accessory shocker! Kinect, wireless controller get stands at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010game controllerGameControllergamingkinectnatalproject natalProjectNatalrechargershockerstandTue, 15 Jun 2010 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Sports and Joy Ride previewed, in brief (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-sports-and-joy-ride-previewed-in-brief-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-sports-and-joy-ride-previewed-in-brief-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-sports-and-joy-ride-previewed-in-brief-video/#comments We've already gone a bit more in-depth with the likes of Kinect Adventures, Dance Galaxy, and Your Shape, but we also had a couple brief thoughts on Microsoft's motion-centric sports pack and cartoon racer. With Joy Ride, you'd think holding your arms out pantomiming steering would be burdensome, but in our time with Joy Ride, it really never became an issue. In fact, the one control aspect we were hesitant about going into the race -- power sliding -- turned out to be quite effortless. It made perfect sense tilting our bodies around sharp corners. It's during the windows where stunts were allowed that we discovered the full-bodied parallel to button mashing. Seriously, people were instinctively ducking jumping, twisting, and flailing hoping for some bonus points.

As for Kinect Sports, Microsoft wasn't showing much of its track-and-field centered Kinect Sports title, but what we saw didn't fill us with confidence. The bowling game was particularly troubling, with numerous very random throws (that ended up in the gutter a lane over) and a very finicky depth-perception that wouldn't let us really wind up or step forward very effectively. Meanwhile, the 200 meter hurdles worked just fine, but it was also a pretty simplistic running-in-place experience that was possible a couple decades ago with the NES's Power Pad -- although Kinect makes it a lot harder to cheat. Miller vs. Miller video after the break.

Gallery: E3 2010 - Kinect Sports preview

Gallery: E3 2010 - Joy Ride preview

Continue reading Kinect Sports and Joy Ride previewed, in brief (video)

Kinect Sports and Joy Ride previewed, in brief (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>care3e3 2010E32010impressionsjoy rideJoyRidekineckinect sportsKinectSportsmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectnatalpreviewproject natalProjectNatalracerracingsportsvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Adventures preview unearths our frightening lack of coordination]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-adventures-preview-unearths-our-frightening-lack-of-coord/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-adventures-preview-unearths-our-frightening-lack-of-coord/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-adventures-preview-unearths-our-frightening-lack-of-coord/#comments Maybe we came into it as pre-judgers, but there's nothing about Kinect Adventures that really redeems the experience in our biased, fun-hating eyes. We're not really sure if our bigger problem is with the loose controls or the actual gameplay concepts, but it's certainly a mix of both. We started out with the mining cart obstacle course, which has a certain charm in its simplicity: side step, jump, duck, and the occasional arm spread to gather tokens. These grander gestures seemed pretty easy to handle, and while we'd certainly grow bored of the game after 30 minutes or so, it would at least be a good 30 minutes of cardio.

Things went downhill from those middling heights, however, with the very vague and unsatisfying block-busting ball game, that seemed hardly responsive to our quick, desperate motions (or maybe we just weren't very good at it), and the frenetic but ultra-loose controls of the river rafting. At least the teamwork aspect of the rafting game is interesting, and we'd love to see how good we could get with a dedicated partner, but there's just something about hopping and side-stepping that just can't feel as complex and comprehensive as "real" controls. In all we recognize these experiences as stuff that could only be done with Kinect... we're just not sure yet if they needed to be done. You can check out video of our miserable performance after the break.

Gallery: E3 2010 - Kinect Adventures preview

Continue reading Kinect Adventures preview unearths our frightening lack of coordination

Kinect Adventures preview unearths our frightening lack of coordination originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010impressionskinectkinect adventuresKinectAdventuresmicrosoftpreviewproject natalProjectNatalvideoTue, 15 Jun 2010 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Dance Central preview, or how we learned to stop caring and love the groove (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/#comments We're gonna level with you, internet at large, we jumped at the chance to be on camera for our hands-on with Dance Central for Xbox 360's Kinect. It's not because we think we're good dancers -- we don't -- but it was subsequently decided that a lack of shame was more fun. So let's get on with the details. Menu navigation was a little janky at times, but selection was a simple swipe from the extreme right to left of an arm's length. As we saw earlier, the game is a progression of dance riffs you have to emulate with the on-screen dancers. It took until the first chorus of MIA's "Galang" to really get a feel and comfort for the pace; by that point it was easy enough to keep an eye on future moves and correct past mistakes of similar grooves. Frankly, inherent embarrassment notwithstanding, it was very entertaining. Pictures below and video after the break -- and don't you worry, we'll be going back for seconds.

Gallery: E3 2010 - Dance Central preview

Continue reading Kinect Dance Central preview, or how we learned to stop caring and love the groove (video)

Kinect Dance Central preview, or how we learned to stop caring and love the groove (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancedance centralDanceCentrale3e3 2010E32010hands-onimpressionskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft xboxmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXboxMicrosoftXbox360musicnatalpreviewproject natalProjectNatalrhythmvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect, the new Xbox 360, and ESPN: highlights from Microsoft at E3 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-the-new-xbox-360-and-espn-highlights-from-microsofts/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-the-new-xbox-360-and-espn-highlights-from-microsofts/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-the-new-xbox-360-and-espn-highlights-from-microsofts/#comments My, what big showing you have there, Microsoft. We're still recovering from today and yesterday's big Xbox 360 Kinect unveiling party, but let's take a brief trip down short-term memory lane. First, Project Natal became Kinect, unveiled a handful of interesting / guaranteed-to-embarrass uses, and solidified its November release date. Then ESPN3 made an impressive debut on Xbox Live. Finally, the piece de resistance, a slimmed down Xbox 360 250GB that came (almost) out of nowhere and hits retail as soon as physically possible. Everywhere Microsoft was this past 24 hours, so were we:

Liveblog
The new, slim Xbox 360
Kinect
Other news of import
Galleries

Continue reading Kinect, the new Xbox 360, and ESPN: highlights from Microsoft at E3 2010

Kinect, the new Xbox 360, and ESPN: highlights from Microsoft at E3 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2010E32010espnespn3hands-onkinectnatalnetflixnew xbox 360NewXbox360project natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360zuneMon, 14 Jun 2010 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Microsoft's E3 2010 keynote!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/live-from-microsofts-e3-2010-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/live-from-microsofts-e3-2010-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/live-from-microsofts-e3-2010-keynote/#comments
 After last night's Kinect-ic event, what on earth could Microsoft have in store for its big E3 2010 press conference? A slimmer Xbox 360? Valhalla motherboards? Hulu integration? Surely there's gonna be a new game or two in store. Stay tuned -- doors open at 10:00AM PT / 1:00PM ET and the magic starts shortly after!

Continue reading Live from Microsoft's E3 2010 keynote!

Live from Microsoft's E3 2010 keynote! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron greenbergAaronGreenberge3e3 2010e32010greenbergjasperkinectliveblogmicrosoftnatalnew xbox 360NewXbox360project natalProjectNatalslimxboxxbox 360xbox 360 slimXbox360Xbox360SlimMon, 14 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect in the flesh!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-in-the-flesh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-in-the-flesh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/kinect-in-the-flesh/#comments There she blows. Microsoft's Kinect (formerly known as Project Natal), real at last. Of course this unit isn't on or doing anything, but it is striking a sexy pose next to some other black Microsoft hardware. Hopefully it'll have an Xbox 360 Slim to hang out with after this keynote is over!

Kinect in the flesh! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectproject natalProjectNatalMon, 14 Jun 2010 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect to go on sale in November, somewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/#comments
What you're looking at is the latest status update to the Xbox MySpace page showing a November release for Microsoft Natal Kinect. You know, just in case you were looking for something to purchase in the run up to the holidays. How much is the big question now.

Update: John was kind enough to ping us and let us know about this mention of a November release date on a UK Microsoft press page, which we also have a picture of below. This would seem to imply it'll also be hitting Europe before the end of the year, but we'll find out when the timer on that page hits zero and Microsoft's second big event of the show kicks off. We'll be there.

[Thanks, Bharat R.]

Continue reading Microsoft Kinect to go on sale in November, somewhere

Microsoft Kinect to go on sale in November, somewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datee3e3 2010E32010kinectlaunchmicrosoftmyspacenatalproject natalProjectNatalretailsalesalesxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect gets official, Video Chat announced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-gets-official/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-gets-official/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-gets-official/#comments
 You knew it was coming, right? Hot on the heels of getting leaked a wee bit early Microsoft has made official the rebadging of a device desperately seeking a new name: "Project Natal" is no more, replaced by Microsoft Kinect. At a circus- and celebrity-filled affair, MS wrapped everyone in high-tech panchos (pictured after the break courtesy of Joystiq) and then took the wraps off of the new title. Quite a few game demos were shown, ranging from Star Wars to tiger petting, the Kinect interface to the Dashboard was shown (said by some to be Minority Report-like), and a video chat app called, wait for it, Video Chat. Through here you can naturally talk to friends (up to four total people at once was "shown"), and also share photos.

Sadly, no hands-on time was given nor did MS reveal the two crucial bits of information we're waiting for: price and date. Naturally a holiday release is expected, to give the Xbox 360 a nice sales boost, but we're hearing price rumors as high as $150. These choice bits of intel will surely be unveiled at Microsoft's event tomorrow -- if someone doesn't beat 'em to it. The hardware is still looking exactly like the early picture above, shattering hopes of a slimmer design to match new Slim Xbox 360.

Update: We've got official photos now, though solid textual info is still scarce. Stand by!

Update 2: So we're out of the wild, cult-like experience that was Microsoft's Kinect unveiling. Microsoft still has a lot of details to reveal, but there are a few things we gleaned from watching the demos:
  • Almost everything was one person at a time, particularly in the Kinect Sports games. Even a game like beach volleyball or soccer was boiled down to individual "moments" of interaction that get strung together into some sort of competition. Even the running in place games were one at a time, though the river rafting and mining cart games (both with a similar mechanic of jumping and ducking through an obstacle course while picking up tokens) could be played with two people at a time. You can at least play games like volleyball simultaneously with someone else over Xbox Live.
  • An interesting mechanic we saw was a second player "jumping in" to a game. In the mining cart scenario, when the second player jumped in it immediately went split screen, while in soccer different players took turns by just jumping into position. Sure, some of this stuff was edited for our benefit, but it seems Microsoft is working to make the introduction of a second player or the switching between players something less button-heavy.
  • The Star Wars game was pretty badass-looking -- you play a Jedi, rushing down stormtroopers and deflecting laser bolts left and right, wielding a few Force powers, and confronting a certain deep-voiced Sith Lord for a one-on-one duel. Based on the gestures and action we saw, though, it was a pretty heavily scripted experience. Still, there's no scripting a two-handed light saber grip, and that particular action looked like everything we've ever wanted in a Star Wars game.
  • The yoga game is actually a pretty smart use of the infrared and joint detection software we espied previously. Positions were "checked" by points on the joint -- making it certainly harder to fake the moves on Wii Fit -- and it seemed to have a tai chi element to it. Your avatar glowed a more intense red based on your three-dimensional approximation -- bright red for hands stretched forward, for example.
  • Next up: Kinectimals, a baby tiger pet simulator. You can scratch its ears, snuggle, and teach the little guy to jump and play dead. Adorable? Dangerously so. No one can tell us the developer, but based on the lighting effects, art style, and similarities to the previously-shown Milo, we'd wager a guess that it was Lionhead Studios.
  • The Kinect menu interface is about as simple as could be. You wave your hand to control a glowing cursor of sorts, and you push forward to "click" on the element you want. Of course, there's also a very simplified version of the Dashboard to go along with this control mechanism, so it's unclear if you'll be able to do everything via subtle hand waves, but the Twitter, Facebook, Zune and Netflix icons were clearly present.
  • The MTV Games-developed Dance Central has some on staff divided -- only Ross will actually admit to being interested in playing it. A series of dance moves are presented, including elbow jabs, swinging leg, guitar, "rocking out" (with your hand in the air). The art style is akin to Rock Band / Guitar Hero, and to be fair, this is probably one of those games that can't be done as well on any other console.

Update 3: Video of family gameplay and media playback control added after the break. Come on, what else are you going to do until its November retail launch?

Gallery: Microsoft Kinect Official Pics

Continue reading Microsoft Kinect gets official, Video Chat announced

Microsoft Kinect gets official, Video Chat announced originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2010E32010featurefeaturedfeatureskinectmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectnatalofficialproject natalProjectNatalvideoSun, 13 Jun 2010 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect revealed: Project Natal finally gets a name]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-revealed-project-natal-finally-gets-a-name/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-revealed-project-natal-finally-gets-a-name/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/microsoft-kinect-revealed-project-natal-finally-gets-a-name/#comments USA Today just leaked the name of Microsoft's Project Natal motion control setup: Kinect. Microsoft was apparently planning on revealing these details tonight at a pre-E3 shindig, but the leaks got the better of them (including an Italian ad that also mentions the Kinect brand). There's still no word on price or release date, but hopefully we'll be hearing about that later this week. The USA Today writeup also mentions a few titles, including Kinectimals, Joyride, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures, Dance Central, and properties based on Star Wars and Disney characters.

Microsoft Kinect revealed: Project Natal finally gets a name originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2010E32010kinectleakmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal game titles outed ahead of E3, 'about a dozen' available at launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/project-natal-game-titles-outed-ahead-of-e3-about-a-dozen-ava/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/project-natal-game-titles-outed-ahead-of-e3-about-a-dozen-ava/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/project-natal-game-titles-outed-ahead-of-e3-about-a-dozen-ava/#comments
Looking for some last-minute Project Natal scoopage before we head into E3 2010? You've got it -- the LA Times has dished out details on the first four gesticulariffic games for the Xbox 360's new camera attachment this weekend, and says nearly a dozen other Natal titles will be available at launch. First up are "River Rush" and "Obstacle Course," the titles that inspired Parade Magazine to haphazardly flail appendages about last week, but there's also info on "Living Statue," which lets the social butterflies on Xbox 360 send video messages using singing, dancing avatars as a go-between. No video of this last quite yet, but on the off-chance you're not tired of watching humans slap dust mites silly (we kid) you'll find an unrelated Natal demo after the break.

Continue reading Project Natal game titles outed ahead of E3, 'about a dozen' available at launch

Project Natal game titles outed ahead of E3, 'about a dozen' available at launch originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360camerademoe3e3 2010E32010kinectLiving StatueLivingStatueMicrosoftmotion controlMotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingNatalObstacle CourseObstacleCourseProject NatalProjectNatalRiver RushRiverRushvideoXboxXbox 360Xbox360Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Natal 'River Rush' gameplay glimpsed, first wild gesticulation-related violence reported]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/natal-river-rush-gameplay-glimpsed-first-wild-gesticulation-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/natal-river-rush-gameplay-glimpsed-first-wild-gesticulation-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/natal-river-rush-gameplay-glimpsed-first-wild-gesticulation-r/#comments In a surprising expose on the seedy underbelly of pre-release gaming demos for the whole family, Parade Magazine's own A.J. Jacobs reports on a bit of fun gone awry. Mr. Jacobs details the horrific scene: "We next tried an obstacle course where you have to dart under trees and jump over logs. I was really working it, leaning my body and windmilling my arms. Unfortunately, Zane, 3, wandered a bit too close to me and, well, I inadvertently smacked him in the face. He started crying." Luckily, Zane bounced back quickly, and the Jacobs household (6-year-old Jasper was also in attendance) quickly determined that their best chances at beating the few Project Natal demos Microsoft was showing them might involve benching the old man. The Jacobs brood got three demos in all, including a couple we haven't had a chance to play ourselves: an obstacle course, and a river rafting game we've seen referred to as "River Rush." You can see a brief glimpse of it yourself (along with entirely more arm flailing than is strictly necessary) after the break.

Continue reading Natal 'River Rush' gameplay glimpsed, first wild gesticulation-related violence reported

Natal 'River Rush' gameplay glimpsed, first wild gesticulation-related violence reported originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectnatalobstacle courseObstacleCourseproject natalProjectNatalriver rushRiverRushvideoFri, 04 Jun 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal retail unit revealed at D8?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/project-natal-retail-unit-revealed-at-d8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/project-natal-retail-unit-revealed-at-d8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/project-natal-retail-unit-revealed-at-d8/#comments Hey -- you know Microsoft's Project Natal? Well we've just gotten an up close look at what appears to be the retail version (though it's clearly marked a developer unit). We couldn't storm the stage while Walt and Kara (and her son!) were showing it off, but no one seemed to mind that we took a load of these shots for your perusal. Check out gallery below for more pics!

Gallery: Project Natal retail unit revealed at D8

Project Natal retail unit revealed at D8? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all things digitalAllThingsDigitalbreaking newsBreakingNewsd8kinectmicrosoftproject natalProjectNatalxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal to cost $149 by itself, $299 with 360 Arcade, according to latest rumors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/#comments Here we go with those trusted sources again. Edge has it on good authority that Microsoft's midlife rejuvenator for the Xbox 360, Project Natal, will cost a cool 149 bucks when purchased as a standalone accessory, or $100 when bundled together with the $199 Xbox 360 Arcade console. That's a mighty steep hill for early adopters to climb, but Microsoft did warn us that Natal will not be an impulse buy. An October 26 date is also proffered for the official launch, but that might shift, leaving us with the same window of expectation as before. Interestingly, the Natal name is expected to definitely change for the final retail product, which we should be learning a lot more about at E3 in a couple of weeks.

Project Natal to cost $149 by itself, $299 with 360 Arcade, according to latest rumors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 May 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryconsoleconsoleskinectmicrosoftmotion controlmotion controllermotion gamingMotionControlMotionControllerMotionGamingnatalperipheralpricepricingproject natalProjectNatalrumorspeculationxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 26 May 2010 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Robbie Bach: Project Natal a 'midlife kicker' for Xbox 360, 'absolutely confident' Courier innovations will appear elsewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/robbie-bach-project-natal-a-midlife-kicker-for-xbox-360-abs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/robbie-bach-project-natal-a-midlife-kicker-for-xbox-360-abs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/robbie-bach-project-natal-a-midlife-kicker-for-xbox-360-abs/#comments Now that the proverbial cat's out of the bag, Tech Flash has caught up with Robbie Bach about his impending retirement from Microsoft. In a far-reach interview, the former President of Entertainment & Devices Division says he made his ultimate decision just last Thursday, and that while he and also-gone J Allard "had been talking [Allard's] situation for awhile," the conversation never went both ways and the timing of the departures is "pure coincidence... serendipity." Bach further claims that it was his choice and was not asked to leave, and as for pundits who might've thought he was in line for one day taking the reins from CEO Steve Ballmer, Bach downplays that possibility and says he never had interest and such discussions never took place.

But enough business talk, what about some of the projects Bach oversaw? There were a couple choice quotes we noted from the report. First up is Natal, a motion-sensing project that he views as a "midlife kicker for the [Xbox] 360." For those watching a calendar, that would give the console an approximately nine-year perceived lifespan on the corporate side -- from November 2005 to 2014. Of course, we could be reading too much into that, but we could certainly believe it. On the subject of Courier, Microsoft's now-cancelled internal tablet project, Bach is "absolutely confident... a bunch of that innovation will show up in Microsoft products." It's a stronger wording that what we originally read, and given just how excited we were watching that leaked video, we can only hope his prophecy is foretold. Do yourself a favor and take 15 minutes to read through the interview -- hey, you're welcome.

Robbie Bach: Project Natal a 'midlife kicker' for Xbox 360, 'absolutely confident' Courier innovations will appear elsewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360bachcouriere and d divisione d divisionEAndDDivisionedEDDivisionentertainment and devicesentertainment and devices divisionEntertainmentAndDevicesEntertainmentAndDevicesDivisionj allardJAllardkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft courierMicrosoftCouriernatalproject natalProjectNatalrobbie bachRobbieBachxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 25 May 2010 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Robbie Bach and J Allard leaving as part of broader shakeup; Xbox and Windows Phone teams now reporting directly to Ballmer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/microsofts-robbie-bach-j-allard-leaving-as-part-of-broader-sha/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/microsofts-robbie-bach-j-allard-leaving-as-part-of-broader-sha/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/microsofts-robbie-bach-j-allard-leaving-as-part-of-broader-sha/#comments Well, it looks like the rumors were true. Not only is Microsoft's J Allard now officially leaving the company, but so is Robbie Bach, President of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division, amid what's described as a broader restructuring that will effectively dissolve the division and give CEO Steve Ballmer more direct oversight of Microsoft's consumer initiatives like Xbox and Windows Phone as of July.

Contrary to earlier reports, Allard says that he's not leaving due to the cancellation of the Courier, but instead says that after nineteen years with the company, he simply wants to devote more time to his personal interests, "particularly adventure sports." Allard also insists that he won't be moving on to Apple, Google or any other Microsoft rivals -- in fact, he's staying on as an advisor to Steve Ballmer. Robbie Bach's departure is equally curious -- despite being just 48, his move is being described as a "retirement," and he says that the decision was his own and that he wasn't encouraged to leave. He'll also apparently remain with Microsoft through the fall to aid in the transition.

When all's said and done, mobile communications VP Andy Lees and interactive entertainment head Don Mattrick will each separately report to Ballmer -- both have headed their divisions for some time now, so we'd assume that things will otherwise proceed as planned. Still, the loss of talent at the top is certainly noticeable -- we'll see how Microsoft responds now that Ballmer is firmly driving its mobile and gaming efforts.

We've got Ballmer's full letter to the company and Microsoft's official PR after the break, so take a peek.

Update: Mary Jo Foley has J Allard's parting email to his employees.

Continue reading Microsoft's Robbie Bach and J Allard leaving as part of broader shakeup; Xbox and Windows Phone teams now reporting directly to Ballmer

Microsoft's Robbie Bach and J Allard leaving as part of broader shakeup; Xbox and Windows Phone teams now reporting directly to Ballmer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allardbachballmerbreaking newsBreakingNewsEntertainment and Devices DivisionEntertainmentAndDevicesDivisionj allardJAllardkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft Entertainment and Devices Divisionmicrosoft Entertainment Devices DivisionMicrosoftEntertainmentAndDevicesDivisionMicrosoftEntertainmentDevicesDivisionnatalproject natalProjectNatalrobbie bachRobbieBachshakeupsteve ballmerSteveBallmerwindowswindows phoneWindowsPhonexboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 25 May 2010 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms Natal launch in October (update: Microsoft responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/microsoft-confirms-natal-launch-in-october-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/microsoft-confirms-natal-launch-in-october-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/microsoft-confirms-natal-launch-in-october-video/#comments We've heard it before, now Microsoft's Syed Bilal Tariq is repeating the October launch date for Natal. Speaking to GamerTagRadio, Microsoft's marketing manager for Saudi Arabia says that the Natal launch,
"is going to be somewhere in October and we will be in a position to confirm the date at E3, which is in June, but definitely it is going to be October 2010."
So there you have it. While we'd prefer to see an official press release on the topic, there's little reason to doubt what you can hear for yourselves after the break.

Update: It's not as clear-cut of a statement as we'd probably, but Microsoft has responded via email, telling G4, "Syed Bilal Tariq is not a [Microsoft] employee... He is a vendor employed through a third-party company on behalf of the Microsoft subsidiary in Saudi Arabia." Sure, that downplays his realm of knowledge, but it doesn't completely discredit. No comment was given as to the October date. At least E3's a few hours closer now, right?

Continue reading Microsoft confirms Natal launch in October (update: Microsoft responds)

Microsoft confirms Natal launch in October (update: Microsoft responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3kinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalsaudi arabiaSaudiArabiaSyed Bilal TariqSyedBilalTariqvideoxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 EST