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[Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/#comments Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

The first time we saw Sony's PlayStation Move, it didn't even have a name: we only knew it as the PS3 motion controller. The newfangled prototype was Sony's response to the success Nintendo found in the Wii, a motion-sensitive "me-too" that hoped to one up the competition with better tracking, more "core" games and a curious glowing ball perched on its top. Its first outing showed a handful of tech demos, flaunting gameplay concepts that we'd eventually see in Sports Champions and Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest. Since then, the Move has seen its fair share of exclusive and compatible titles, but none quite engaging enough to make the peripheral a must-have accessory. With the next generation just around the corner and Sony's portable cards already on the table, E3 2012 is looking a little light on the hardware front. If Sony's going to give the Move one final push, now is the time.

Continue reading Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console gamesConsoleGamese3e3 2012E32012gamesgamingKazKinectmotion controlMotionControlmovemove controllerMoveControllerNintendoperipheralsplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps3ps4Sci/Techsony motion controllersony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyMotionControllerSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3Sorceryvideo gamesvideo gamingVideoGamesVideoGamingwaggleWiiTue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/#comments Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion unveiled its new gesture control technology earlier this week, along with videos showing the system tracking ten fingers with ease and a single digit slicing and dicing a grocery store's worth of produce in Fruit Ninja. Still, doubts persisted as to the veracity of the claim that the Leap is 200 times more accurate than existing tech. So, we decided to head up to San Francisco to talk with the men behind Leap, David Holz and Michael Buckwald, and see it for ourselves. Join us after the break to learn a bit more about Leap, our impressions of the technology, and a video of the thing in action.

Gallery: Leap motion control technology hands-on

Continue reading Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgestureshands-oninfraredirleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsvideoFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/#comments Image

Microsoft's Kinect Accelerator program kicked off over a month ago, but at the time we were only made aware of the participant start-ups' names, not their innovations. So, when Microsoft offered us the opportunity to talk with the folks behind four of the program's participants -- Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku -- we jumped at the chance. Join us after the break to see what this quartet of fledgling companies has planned to propogate the Kinect effect further than ever.

Continue reading Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku

Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freakin geniusFreakinGeniusgestsure technologiesGestsureTechnologiesgesture controlGestureControlkimetrickinectkinect acceleratorKinectAcceleratormicrosoftmotion controlMotionControlstart-upstart-upsstartupsstykutechstarsWed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/#comments Image

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0.3Android4.0.3ChinaFreespaceFreespace MotionEngineFreespaceMotionenginegesturegesture controlGesture RecognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionhdpostcrossHillcrestHillcrest LabsHillcrestLabsice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmotionmotion controlMotionControlsmart tvSmartTvSTVSTV OSSTV OS1.0StvOsStvOs1.0TCLtelevisionTVV7500Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/#comments Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

In many respects, Microsoft has led the charge towards a future of gesture-based controls with its Kinect, and other tech giants like Samsung and Apple are getting in on the action, too. The move to motion controls isn't limited to the big boys, however. Leap Motion has created a new device, called the Leap, it claims is 200 times more accurate than existing technology and will take gesture controls to the next level.

It's about the size of a pack of gum, and once connected to your computer via USB, it creates a eight-cubic-foot virtual workspace. Within that area, it tracks all ten of your fingers simultaneously to within 1/100 of a millimeter -- that level of accuracy allows for rudimentary gestures like pinch-to-zoom and more complex actions like manipulating 3D-rendered objects. Naturally, the company isn't telling much about the black magic making it happen, but Leap Motion claims that its software can be embedded in almost anything with an onboard computer, from phones to refrigerators. Users can customize it to suit their needs with custom gestures and sensitivity settings, in addition to chaining multiple Leap devices together to create a larger workspace. Plus, Leap Motion has created an SDK for devs to create Leap-compatible applications and an app discovery platform to distribute them to others. That means the Leap can work in a variety of use cases, from simply navigating your desktop to gaming and computer-aided design. The best part? Leap brings you this next-gen UX for a mere $69.99, and a select few can pre-order them now, with the full roll-out coming this winter. Full details follow in the PR below, and you can see the Leap in action in the videos after the break.

Continue reading Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d gesture control3dGestureControlgesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgesturesleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlsMotionSensorsdkuxvideoMon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neuroscientists develop game for stroke rehabilitation, give the Wii a run for its money]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/neuroscientists-develop-game-for-stroke-rehabilitation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/neuroscientists-develop-game-for-stroke-rehabilitation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/neuroscientists-develop-game-for-stroke-rehabilitation/#comments Neuroscientists develop game for stroke rehabilitation, give Wii run for its money

Think the Wii has the market cornered on gaming rehab? Think again -- neuroscientists at Newcastle University are developing a series of motion controlled video games to make stroke rehab more fun and accessible. The team's first title, dubbed Circus Challenge, lets patients digitally throw pies, tame lions and juggle to help them build strength and regain motor skills. As players progress, the game ratchets up its difficulty, presumably to match pace with their recovery.

Although Limbs Alive, the game's publisher, has only described their motion controller as "next-generation," it affirms that the game will be playable on PCs, laptops and tablets later this year. In an effort to lower costs and provide at-home therapy, the team hopes to leverage a £1.5 million award from the UK's Health Innovation Challenge Fund to build a system that will allow therapists to monitor patient progress remotely. The whole enchilada still needs some time to bake, but you can hit the break for a video and the full press release.

Continue reading Neuroscientists develop game for stroke rehabilitation, give the Wii a run for its money

Neuroscientists develop game for stroke rehabilitation, give the Wii a run for its money originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Circus ChallengeCircusChallengegamegamesHealth Innovation ChallengeHealthInnovationChallengemotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerNew Castle UniversityNewcastleNewCastleUniversityrehabRehabilitationstrokestroke patientsStrokePatientsvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesSun, 20 May 2012 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Genie turns any camera into a world-class time lapse rig]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/insert-coin-genie/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/insert-coin-genie/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/insert-coin-genie/#comments In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Image

New Zealand-based designer Chris Thomson and filmmaker Ben Ryan found that motion-control time lapse gear too expensive, too complicated and too bulky. So they set about building the Genie, a box that moves your camera around under its own power. Designed to be cheap(er than the competition) and user-friendly, the device will let you choose from a variety of presets or build your own to turn and position the camera. It will also draw itself along a guide rope, either on a dolly track or cable-cam for stunning landscape photography. It's reached $42,542 of its $150,000 goal and if successful, each unit will cost $1,000.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Genie turns any camera into a world-class time lapse rig

Insert Coin: Genie turns any camera into a world-class time lapse rig originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben RyanBenRyanChris ThomsonChrisThomsonDSLRGenieInsert CoinInsertCoinMotion ControlMotionControlStop MotionStopMotionTime LapseTimeLapseTue, 01 May 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony applies for 'head control' patent to frustrate non-verbal communicators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/#comments
The company formerly known as Sony Ericsson applied for a patent in 2010 that's yet to be granted, but you never know, one day it might wind up in a handset near you. Having recently introduced the "floating touch" Xperia Sola that doesn't require your hands to make contact with the display, the next logical step is to make the whole thing controlled just with the movement of your head. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece with a motion sensor, you then map a custom motion onto a phone action, so shaking your head could answer a call, nodding up and down ends it and going from side-to-side will fire up an app. Designed for when it's not safe to jab at your phone (i.e. driving) we think it's a pretty neat idea, unless you're the sort who, even on the phone, nods in agreement to what the other person is... oh, nope, hung up again.

Sony applies for 'head control' patent to frustrate non-verbal communicators originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth Earpiece ControlBluetoothEarpieceControlHands-freeHands-Free Control of Mobile Communication Device Based on HeadHands-freeControlOfMobileCommunicationDeviceBasedOnHeadMovementHead ControlHead Motion ControlHeadControlHeadMotionControlmobilepostcrossMotion ControlMotionControlPatentPatentsSonySony EricssonSony MobileSony Mobile CommunicationsSonyEricssonSonyMobileSonyMobileCommunicationsThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:19:00 EST<![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[The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/#comments The best Kinect to come: Xbox's spring showcase, 2012Like the Nintendo Wii before it, Microsoft's Kinect has been braving the storm of new peripheral adolescence, awkwardly shuffling users through jump, wave, lean and jiggling gameplay, typically at a leisurely pace. Sure it's had its moments on the dance floor, but aside from being a good listener, the spatially aware sensor hasn't exactly redefined core gaming. Almost a year and half after its launch, however, the often hacked device is taking another crack at reaching the hardcore. We dropped in on Xbox's spring showcase this weekend to find out how that effort is going -- see what we found after the break.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlFable: the JourneyFable:TheJourneygaminggesture controlGestureControlhands-onKinectKinect gamesKinectGamesMass EffectMass Effect 3MassEffect3microsoftMicrosoft Corpmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftXboxmotionmotion controlMotionControlPeter MolyneuxSci/TechSteel Battalion Heavy ArmorSteelBattalionHeavyArmorvideo gamesVideoGamesvoice controlVoiceControlXboxXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Sony's second try at Google TV brings Blu-ray player, streaming box and a new remote (Update: hands-on!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/sonys-second-try-at-google-tv-brings-blu-ray-player-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/sonys-second-try-at-google-tv-brings-blu-ray-player-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/sonys-second-try-at-google-tv-brings-blu-ray-player-streaming/#comments Interestingly, despite a Sony execs saying that its Google TV model was meeting sales expectations, for the second round it's focusing on two add-on boxes. The NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray player and NSZ-GS7 network media player (pictured above) will ship in North America and Europe in early summer, and are expect to roll out in other regions afterwards as Google TV expands its reach. Common to both boxes is a completely reimagined remote, featuring a backlit QWERTY keyboard, touchpad and motion control for gaming. We're not hearing anything about IR blasters up front this time around, but it can work as a universal remote to control other devices with "basic" control of Sony's 2012 HDTVs as well, while the Blu-ray player supports voice search as well. Unspecified at this time are the provenance of the internals, although the switch away from its Intel predecessors should yield cheaper, cooler running units. There's no price or expected ship date available currently, check back for more info and hands-on with these as well as the other new Sony hardware shortly.

Update: We got our hands all over the new hardware and our first impression is: it's tiny. The network streamer is still bigger than a Roku, but compared to say, a Revue, the switch to ARM has clearly had a slimming effect on Google TV. The Blu-ray player is similarly shrunken, with its footprint down to merely what a normal player would occupy. The remote is conveniently backlit this time around, and dual sided. It certainly has an improved feel this time around, but is it good enough to satisfy the masses? We'll know better after we've spent more time with it. Check the pics in the gallery to see for yourself.

Gallery: Sony Google TV Blu-ray player, network player & remote hands-on

Continue reading Sony's second try at Google TV brings Blu-ray player, streaming box and a new remote (Update: hands-on!)

Sony's second try at Google TV brings Blu-ray player, streaming box and a new remote (Update: hands-on!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarmblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayercesces 2012Ces2012gaminggooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhands-onhdpostcrossmotion controlMotionControlnsz-gp9nsz-gs7qwertyremoteremote controlRemoteControlset-top boxSet-topBoxsonystreaming mediaStreamingMediatouchpadMon, 09 Jan 2012 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's latest PS Move Bundles let you go Medieval, get your groove on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/sonys-latest-ps-move-bundles-let-you-go-medieval-get-your-groo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/sonys-latest-ps-move-bundles-let-you-go-medieval-get-your-groo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/sonys-latest-ps-move-bundles-let-you-go-medieval-get-your-groo/#comments
Good ol' gaming bundles can be enticing when you're on the prowl for a new console or accessory set, and we have to admit, we'd be excited to lay some motion-controlled moves down with Sony's latest PlayStation offerings. Back at E3, we had a chance to slice enemies with virtual swords in Medieval Heros: Deadmunds Quest, thanks to the PS Move's 1:1 tracking abilities. With the game releasing next week, Sony's decided to offer it in a $100 bundle, packing a PS Eye, Move controller and a copy of Sports Champions (which Deadmund shares its gameplay mechanics with). If you don't already own a PS3 -- and love getting your groove on -- the Everybody Dance bundle may be your $300 ticket to the wand-waving fun; it features a 320GB PS3 Slim, PS Eye and Move controller, along with a DualShock 3 for when Duty Calls. These likely won't be Sony's last PlayStation-related bundles to hit shelves before the year's through, but if it sounds like your kind of party you'll find more info at the source link below.

Sony's latest PS Move Bundles let you go Medieval, get your groove on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1:1bundleconsoleeverbody danceEverbodyDancegamingMedieval Moves: Deadmunds QuestMedievalMoves:DeadmundsQuestmotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerplaystationplaystation blogPlaystationBlogpsps eyeps moveps3ps3 slimPs3SlimPsEyePsMovesonysports championsSportsChampionsusSun, 13 Nov 2011 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/#comments
You know all those convoluted gestures and hate-infused fist pumps you make every time you look at your bank account? Well, you can now put them to good use, thanks to a new Kinect hack from Lithuania-based Etronika. The company's software, which made its debut at last week's CTIA E&A event, effectively brings motion-controlled banking directly to your living room. All you have to do is stand in front of your display, clap your hands to choose an icon, or wave your hand back and forth to navigate across the app's carousel menu. This means you can pay your bills, check your balance and return to fetal position without even touching a sharp object. "A lot of banking software apps are filled with boring crap," Etronika CEO Kestutis Gardziulis explained with refreshing candor. "With our software, you could be on the couch at home, having a beer, all while dealing with your bank account and kicking back." Beer, banking and body language -- sounds scandalous! Head past the break to watch a demo video, starring Pam Beesly's doppelgänger.

Continue reading Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video)

Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbankbankingctiaCtiaEa2011demodisplayEtronikafinancegestureinterfacekinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmoneymotion controlmotion controlledmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlledMotionSensormovementonline bankingOnlineBankingpaymentpersonal bankingpersonal financePersonalBankingPersonalFinancesensorUIMon, 17 Oct 2011 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Movea MoveTV platform delivers motion control options to TV and set-top makers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/movea-movetv-platform-delivers-motion-control-options-to-tv-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/movea-movetv-platform-delivers-motion-control-options-to-tv-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/movea-movetv-platform-delivers-motion-control-options-to-tv-and/#comments Movea MoveTV Remote In case you've been living under a rock: motion controls are all the rage these days. And it's not just console makers who want in on the action. ASUS, Philips and Hillcrest Labs have all launched their own takes on the tech. Movea is a company that's well versed in the field, and now plans to start offering its wares direct to TV and set-top box manufacturers. The MoveTV platform offers not only remote control tech to OEMs, but opens up the company's tools to developers for building games and apps. Movea even announced its first partners: C&M Media, a major cable provider in Korea, and Remote Solution. Remote Solution will be licensing Movea's SmartMotion and integrating MoveTV into the set-tops provided to C&M. Soon enough using gestures to change channels and playing arm-flailing renditions of Angry Birds on your cable box could be the norm. Check out the video, PR and one more pic after the break.

Continue reading Movea MoveTV platform delivers motion control options to TV and set-top makers

Movea MoveTV platform delivers motion control options to TV and set-top makers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CM mediaCmMediahdpostcrossmotion controlmotion controlledmotion controllermotion-controlledMotionControlMotionControlledMotionControllermoveamovea movetvMoveaMovetvmovetvremote solutionRemoteSolutionset top boxset-top boxSet-topBoxSetTopBoxSmartMotionvideoFri, 09 Sep 2011 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 turned into Windows 7 controller, 3D mice put on notice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/windows-phone-7-turned-into-windows-7-controller-3d-mice-put-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/windows-phone-7-turned-into-windows-7-controller-3d-mice-put-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/windows-phone-7-turned-into-windows-7-controller-3d-mice-put-on/#comments
You can pack all the gyroscopes, accelerometers and other motion-detecting sensors you want in your desktop -- it's still not going to be any good at playing Eliminate: Gun Range. That's the motivation behind developer Arik Poznanski's latest release. He has created a driver enabling his Windows Phone 7 to transmit its accelerometer data back to his Windows 7 desktop in real time. Currently the driver's not good for much beyond a tech demo, but given the different ways people have hacked their Wiimotes, it won't be long before homebrewed killer apps start appearing -- perhaps paired up with a little Kinect wizardry. If you're looking to get started at home, hit the source link below for more details.

[Thanks, Sandip]

Windows Phone 7 turned into Windows 7 controller, 3D mice put on notice originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccelerometerAccelerometer for DesktopsAccelerometerForDesktopsaccelerometersArik PosnanskiArikPosnanskiHomebrewHomebrewedModMotion ControlMotion ControllerMotionControlMotionControllerSensor APISensorApiUsabilityUsability HackUsabilityHackWindowsWindows 7Windows 7 AccelerometerWindows 7 DriverWindows 7 Sensor APIWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7 AccelerometerWindows Phone 7 DriverWindows Phone 7 HackWindows7Windows7AccelerometerWindows7DriverWindows7SensorApiWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7AccelerometerWindowsPhone7DriverWindowsPhone7HackMon, 15 Aug 2011 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 production to begin later this year?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/#comments We're still waiting on that globe-like PS9 (aren't you?), but seeing as how wireless head-to-console gaming isn't yet available or ethical, we'll make do with PS4 rumors. Based on nothing more than a game of component-maker telephone, sources out of Taiwan are telling Digitimes to expect a brand new PlayStation 4 for launch sometime in early 2012. Reportedly on board for this latest iteration are baked-in motion controls à la Kinect and a holographic David Lynch virtual pet. We kid, but we do hope he helms those new ads. According to these anonymous insiders, Sony has a planned production run of 20 million consoles for launch -- all headed straight to eBay, we imagine. It should go without saying that news of this kind should be taken with a mouthful of salt, but with the PS3 turning five this November, it's a safe bet that there's a successor to the "It Only Does Everything" throne on the way.

[Image credit via CNET Asia]

PS4 production to begin later this year? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole productionConsoleProductionconsolesDigitimesmotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3psps3PS4psnrumorrumorsrumourrumoursSonysony playstation 3Sony PlayStation 4Sony PlayStation4Sony PS4SonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystation4SonyPs4Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/#comments Does anybody actually enjoy the laborious process of trying out clothes? The sheer physical effort, the risk of breaking a sweat... it's just not for us. We're much more comfortable with virtual reality fitting rooms, which is where Microsoft's Kinect motion camera has found yet another raison for its etre. Razorfish, the folks who already impressed us with some neat Kinect hacking, now have a new shopping platform that's said to actually wrap clothes around your frame and thereby provide a 3D preview of what you and they would look like together. The current iteration only shows some giddy ladies exploring the wide world of handbags, but they do look suitably impressed with the system. There are also sharing options via QR codes and NFC, plus the obligatory social networking tie-ins. Skip after the break to see the KinectShop on video.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshackhackingkinectkinect shopKinectShopmotionmotion controlMotionControlrazorfishretailshopshoppingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityMon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/#comments Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest may be built on the mini-game mechanics of last year's Sports Champions, but its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We hit up Sony at E3 2011 to see if Deadmund could out-fence the Jedi in a duel of 1:1 swordplay and on-rails battle. What we found was surprisingly responsive. Deadmund himself runs on a pre-set path, plodding his way through a skeleton-filled barracks automatically. Deadmund's on-screen sword matched our wand-equipped wrist's every move, accurately slicing skeletor wannabes any way we saw fit. Reaching behind our back with the Move controller let us pull a virtual arrow from a quiver, or we could choose to dispatch baddies by flinging throwing stars.

If the on-screen slashfest lagged behind our physical slicing in any significant way, we didn't notice -- we were too busy loving the Move's speedy response time. Faster swings produced "stronger" in-game sword attacks, or farther flying shurikens. Last year at E3, we accused the PlayStation Move of just skirting outside of gimmick-land, but it's hard to argue with 1:1 motion control this responsive. Will Deadmund move Sony's motion lollypop to the front of the gesture control race? Probably not on his own, but it's still great to see this tech at its best. Check out our hands-on playthrough video after the break to see the action for yourself.

Continue reading Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video)

Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1:11:1 motion1:1Motione3e3 2011E32011hands-onmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsPlayStationplaystation movePlayStation3PlayStation3MovePlayStationMovepsps movePs3PsMoveSonySony PlayStationSonyPlaystationvideoThu, 09 Jun 2011 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/#comments Microsoft's E3 keynote may have exploded with deeper Kinect support, but nothing caught our eyes quite as sharply as Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's rifle-exploding Gunsmith demo. A Ubisoft representative showed us how it's done: separating your arms separates your deadly firearm into a gorgeous display of floating screws, components, and accessories, which can be effortlessly modified, swapped, and replaced with gesture and voice commands. Too picky to decide for yourself? Then don't: just tell Gunsmith what you're looking for. For instance, saying "Optimize for range" produces a weapon any sniper should be proud of -- even better, we found that commanding Gunsmith to "optimize for awesome" birthed a rifle (pictured above) sporting an underbarrel shotgun attachment. A gun attached to a gun? Yeah, that works. Weapons can be tested in Gunsmith's gesture-controlled firing range, an engaging shooting mode exclusive to the Gunsmith weapon editor and not usable in regular gameplay. Head past the break for a hands-on (figuratively speaking) video.

Continue reading Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)

Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3 2011E32011gaminggesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesGhost ReconGhost Recon: Future SoldierGhostReconGhostRecon:FutureSoldierhands freehands-onHandsFreekinectmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingUbisoftvideovideo gamesVideoGamesvoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/#comments It had to happen. When Google showed off a new and revolutionary Gmail Motion control scheme yesterday, it failed to fool most people, but it didn't fail to catch the attention of some motion control geeks with Kinect cameras on hand. Yep, the FAAST crew that's already brought us a Kinect keyboard emulator for World of Warcraft has taken Google to task and actually cooked up the software to make Gmail Motion work. All your favorite gestures are here: opening an email as if it were an envelope, replying by throwing a thumb back and, of course, "licking the stamp" to send your response on its way. Marvelous stuff! Jump past the break to see it working, for real this time.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april foolsAprilFoolsfaastgesture controlGestureControlgesturesgmailgmail motionGmailMotiongooglehackhackingkinectmotionmotion controlMotionControlrecreatedsloowsoftwareuniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversityOfSouthernCaliforniauscvideoSat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/#comments Do you enjoy the produce-slashing action that Fruit Ninja affords, but feel constrained by the meager display capabilities of handheld devices? Well, some German students from FH Wedel University of Applied Sciences have created a VR version of the game to make your dreams of having more massive melons fly at your face come true. Using a CAVE four-walled virtual environment to display the hurtling fruit and a modified Wiimote to do the slicing and dicing, players can exorcise their cantaloupe and kumquat demons in a life-sized fruit cleaving frenzy -- with none of the Gallagher-style mess. See it in action after the break, just be sure to don your Kikou first.

Continue reading German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video)

German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavefh wedelfh wedel universityFhWedelFhWedelUniversityFruit NinjaFruitNinjahackhacksmotion controlMotionControlvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrwiimoteTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II shows off motion-zoom option in TouchWiz 4.0 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-shows-off-gyro-zoom-option-in-touchwiz-4-0/#comments It's skinny, it's fast, and it can do some seriously fun stuff with its gyroscope accelerometer. Yes, we're talking about the Galaxy S II, Samsung's upcoming followup to one of Android's biggest successes to date, the Galaxy S. The new handset will bring with it a revised version of Sammy's Android skin, TouchWiz 4.0, which will harness the motion sensors inside the phone to allow you to zoom in and out of webpages as well as navigate the UI with the movement of your hands. Basically, instead of the traditional pinch-to-zoom, resting two fingers atop the screen will allow you to zoom in by bringing the S II closer to your face or zoom out by holding it further away -- a naturalistic gesture that makes all the sense in the world to us. Moreover, when adding new widgets to your home panels, you'll be able to move between them by propelling the phone laterally. It's quirky and appealing stuff, see it on video below.

[Thanks, Lawrence]

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgalaxy s iiGalaxySIigyrogyroscopemotionmotion controlMotionControlsamsungsamsung galaxy s iiSamsungGalaxySIitouchwiztouchwiz 4.0Touchwiz4.0videozoomzoomingTue, 29 Mar 2011 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/#comments We've already seen Evoluce toy around with Kinect hacks and multitouch displays, and it's now inevitably managed to combine the two. The company has just announced its new I-Voluce display, which fuses a standard 46-inch LCD with some integrated "3D depth sensing technology" that's apparently not simply a repurposed Kinect -- exact details on it are light, but it will apparently work from a distance of up to 13 feet, and it relies on Windows 7 for an OS. That's obviously not designed for home use, but Evoluce does see plenty of potential for the displays in public spaces like museums, as well as in office and education environments. For those that prefer a more hands-on approach, Evoluce also has an updated version of its Surface-style multitouch table, the Evoluce Two, which also packs 3D depth sensing technology and can accommodate up to six users simultaneously. Of course, neither exactly come cheap -- look for prices to start at €3,995, or about $5,600.

Continue reading Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors

Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d sensor3dSensorevoluceevoluce twoEvoluceTwogesturegesture controlsGestureControlsi-volucemotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsmultitouchFri, 18 Mar 2011 03:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster iMotion adds gesture control to your iPod, cigarette lighter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/monster-imotion-adds-gesture-control-to-your-ipod-cigarette-lig/#comments We haven't always gotten along with Monster or enjoyed the MSRP of its products, but this latest one shows a bit of promise -- and a bit of price gouging too. It's the Monster iMotion, a car adapter for your iPod or iPhone that not only will charge it via the cigarette lighter but lets you get your motion control on, too. A wave of the mitten can be used to change tracks and the universally familiar "talk to the hand" gesture can pause. It doesn't look quite as comprehensive as EyeSight's tech, but it does have the advantage of being available now -- for $120. Hey, check out that gold-plated connector!

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleimotioniphoneipodmonstermotionmotion controlmotion detectionMotionControlMotionDetectionFri, 28 Jan 2011 03:24:00 EST<![CDATA[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[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[Razer Hydra Sixense motion controller eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/razer-hydra-sixense-motion-controller-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/razer-hydra-sixense-motion-controller-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/razer-hydra-sixense-motion-controller-eyes-on/#comments The technology behind the Hydra Sixense motion controller has been in development for a while now, but Razer was actually showing it off at CES this year. Unfortunately, it was strictly a hands-off situation at the booth -- we could only look on with jealousy as the Razer rep played through some gorgeous Portal 2 level. What we could see is that the magnetics-based controllers are very responsive, spatial, and multi-dimensional; these aren't your parent's simplistic Wii-style flick controls. There's still no word on price or a release date, but we're hearing "under $100" and "early" this year. It's hard to get totally excited about a PC hardware peripheral, given the smaller quantity of games (particularly hardware-specific titles) over in desktop land, but with Valve support and what appears to be the perfect control scheme (dual analog sticks, dual fully 3D-sensing motion controllers), we'd say the Hydra has a better shot at winning us over than anything else of its ilk. Check out a video after the break for a bit of Hydra action.

Gallery: Razer Hydra Sixense motion controller eyes-on

Continue reading Razer Hydra Sixense motion controller eyes-on

Razer Hydra Sixense motion controller eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011hydraimpressionsmotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerpreviewrazerrazer hydraRazerHydrasixensevideoTue, 11 Jan 2011 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/#comments ASUS may not be anywhere close to ready for its Wavi Xtion to hit retail shelves (we're hearing Q2 of 2012), but that didn't stop our brethren over at Engadget Spanish from stopping by for a hands-on demonstration at CES. We'll spare you the details on how it works, but in practice, we learned that it's quite similar to Kinect. Not shocking considering that PrimeSense is behind both boxes, but the primarily difference seemed to be the reaction time. ASUS' solution wasn't quite as snappy as the Kinect, being slower to recognize and translate motions in testing. Of course, we wouldn't expect a product that's 18 months out from mass production to be completely on top of its game, but feel free to head on past the break to see exactly what we mean.

Continue reading ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video)

ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5GHzASUScesCES 2011Ces2011gesture controlGestureControlkinectmotion controlMotionControlOpenNIPrimeSenseset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbstreamervideoWaviWavi XtionWaviXtionwirelessXtionXtion PROXtionProTue, 11 Jan 2011 16:52:00 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[Movea SmartMotion Air Mini Keyboard remote and Air Mouse revealed alongside Sunrex partnership]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/movea-smartmotion-air-mini-keyboard-remote-and-air-mouse-reveale/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/movea-smartmotion-air-mini-keyboard-remote-and-air-mouse-reveale/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/movea-smartmotion-air-mini-keyboard-remote-and-air-mouse-reveale/#comments Don't quote us on this, but we've got a feeling that remotes will be more than just remotes by the time 2012 rolls around. HDTV companies have been slyly adding motion support to their remotes here at CES, and with PrimeSense's technology going over so well in the Kinect, there's an obvious next-step when looking at TV control. Movea -- the company responsible for the Gyration Air Mouse and Air Mouse iOS app -- has just teamed up with Sunrex here at CES, with the newly formed relationship expecting to yield new kit based on the former's MotionIC platform and SmartMotion technology. We're told to expect the first products to be available in Q1 of this year, with the SmartMotion Air Mini Keyboard remote and SmartMotion Air Mouse being named in particular. The former includes a full four-row QWERTY keyboard and relies on 2.4GHz wireless technology, but no images, pricing and availability details are available just yet.

Gallery: Movea SmartMotion Air Mini Keyboard remote

Continue reading Movea SmartMotion Air Mini Keyboard remote and Air Mouse revealed alongside Sunrex partnership

Movea SmartMotion Air Mini Keyboard remote and Air Mouse revealed alongside Sunrex partnership originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air keyboardair mouseAirKeyboardAirMousecesces 2011ces2011controlgesturehdtviptvkeyboardmotion controlMotionControlMotionICmousemovearemoteremote controlRemoteControlSmartMotionSunrextelevisionSat, 08 Jan 2011 01:31:00 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[LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader, new Magic Remote eyes-on at CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/lg-st600-smart-tv-upgrader-new-magic-remote-eyes-on-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/lg-st600-smart-tv-upgrader-new-magic-remote-eyes-on-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/lg-st600-smart-tv-upgrader-new-magic-remote-eyes-on-at-ces/#comments We took a closer look at the new LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader after LG's CES 2011 press event, and while we weren't allowed to handle it for as long as we would've liked, we did manage to snag a few brief impressions. The box is designed to provide consumers with older TVs access to LG's latest SmartTV functions using just an HDMI link. Size-wise, the set-top box seems close to the Apple TV, although it's clearly chunkier. In terms of connections, we spotted an HDMI and Ethernet port in the rear, with at least one USB port on the side. As the image shows, LG's upgraded Magic Remote was also present -- though it's not compatible with this box due to a lack of integrated motion controls. The new wand will ship with LG's latest Smart TVs, and has a more rounded form factor than its predecessor. The enter button was also swapped out for a more prominent Home button. LG is really touting the device as a simpler way to navigate through an ever-growing list of TV extras, but we can't help thinking it's just a streamlined Wiimote.

Gallery: LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader

LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader, new Magic Remote eyes-on at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011eyes onEyesOnlgLG Magic Motionlg st600LG ST600 Smart TVLgMagicMotionLgSt600LgSt600SmartTvmotion controlmotion controlermotion controllermotion controlsmotion remoteMotionControlMotionControlerMotionControllerMotionControlsMotionRemoteremotesSmart TVSmartTvWed, 05 Jan 2011 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs intros embedded motion control system for TVs, hopes for the best]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/hillcrest-labs-intros-embedded-motion-control-system-for-tvs-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/hillcrest-labs-intros-embedded-motion-control-system-for-tvs-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/hillcrest-labs-intros-embedded-motion-control-system-for-tvs-ho/#commentsPrimeSense had a feeling this kind of revolution would take over the television world when we spoke with them last March at GDC, and sure enough, said revolution is happening. LG's already integrated motion controls into its sets with its Magic Remote, and now Hillcrest is providing a solution just in case the rest of the world wants to buy in. Hailed as a "turnkey solution," the Freespace MotionEngine is now integrated with Broadcom's BCM35230 digital TV SoC and BCM20730 single-chip Bluetooth solution. That's a lot of technobabble, for sure, but the long and short of it is this: by integrating this into televisions, Freespace / BT-enabled remotes that are equipped with the right sensors can allow TV viewers to control channel switching, volume levels and who knows what else with just their hands. The outfit will be busting out a demo here in Vegas, so we'll be doing our best to catch a glance.

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs intros embedded motion control system for TVs, hopes for the best

Hillcrest Labs intros embedded motion control system for TVs, hopes for the best originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBCM20730BCM35230cesces 2011ces2011FreespacegestureGoogleHillcrest LabsHillcrestLabsHoMEcastLinuxmotion controlmotion engineMotionControlMotionEngineremoteremote controlRemoteControlsmartvsoctvtv controlTvControlWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/primesense-and-asus-team-bring-kinect-like-wavi-xtion-to-your-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/primesense-and-asus-team-bring-kinect-like-wavi-xtion-to-your-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/primesense-and-asus-team-bring-kinect-like-wavi-xtion-to-your-h/#comments PrimeSense provides some of the brains behind Microsoft's Kinect, and wants a bigger piece of the pie; ASUS has a reputation for announcing wonderfully wacky peripherals every year. At CES 2011, the Wavi Xtion will check off both boxes nicely. In a nutshell, the Xtion is a PrimeSense 3D depth camera built exclusively for PC, but with an important twist -- it connects to a pair of ASUS Wavi boxes, which wirelessly streams its data to your living room PC between your TV and a Windows PC over the 5GHz band. Oh, and should ASUS attract enough developers, it will even pull down applications from an Xtion online store. ASUS says we'll see the package commercially available around the world in Q2 of next year -- with a UI and selection of apps and games on board -- but they'll release an Xtion PRO developer kit in February to tempt all you Kinect hackers into coding magical things for the platform. No more details for now, but there's an event in Vegas this week where ASUS is all but guaranteed to show it off. PR after the break.

Update: Did we say HTPC? Turns out it doesn't quite work that way -- the Wavi are actually a pair of boxes that wirelessly sling data between them. You put the Xtion sensor on top of your TV, connect it to Wavi #1, then plug Wavi #2 into a PC up to 25 meters away. Mind you, it looks like the Xtion may not be quite as capable as Microsoft's unit, as there's only infrared hardware inside -- it might be fine for gesture control, but don't expect any augmented reality lightsaber fights. See some mockups below!

Gallery: ASUS and PrimeSense Wavi Xtion and Xtion Pro press images

Continue reading PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update)

PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5GHzASUScesCES 2011Ces2011gesture controlGestureControlkinectmotion controlMotionControlOpenNIPrimeSenseset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbstreamerWaviWavi XtionWaviXtionwirelessXtionXtion PROXtionProMon, 03 Jan 2011 13:11:00 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 used to control Super Mario on a PC, redefine convergence (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/kinect-used-to-control-super-mario-on-a-pc-redefine-convergence/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/kinect-used-to-control-super-mario-on-a-pc-redefine-convergence/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/kinect-used-to-control-super-mario-on-a-pc-redefine-convergence/#comments If, like us, you've been waiting to see Kinect in control of a truly marquee game, your wait has now come to an end. The same fella that brought us the Kinect lightsaber has returned with a hack enabling eager nostalgics to enjoy a bout of Super Mario controlled only by their body contortions. OpenKinect was used to get the motion-sensing peripheral -- originally intended exclusively for use with an Xbox 360 -- to communicate with his PC, while a simple NES emulator took care of bringing the 25-year old plumber to life. The video awaits after the break.

Continue reading Kinect used to control Super Mario on a PC, redefine convergence (video)

Kinect used to control Super Mario on a PC, redefine convergence (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classiccontrolleremuemulatorgaminggesture controlGestureControlgestureshackhackingkinectmariomicrosoftmodmoddingmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingnesnintendoopenkinectpcretrosuper marioSuperMariovideoSun, 28 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer Sixense controller becomes virtual camera for your next machinima epic (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/razer-sixense-controller-becomes-virtual-camera-for-your-next-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/razer-sixense-controller-becomes-virtual-camera-for-your-next-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/razer-sixense-controller-becomes-virtual-camera-for-your-next-ma/#commentsRazer Sixense controller becomes virtual camera for your next machinima epic (video) Fan of machinima? Then you're used to static shots in which a character walks into the scene, says his line, makes a silly joke, and then walks off again. Panning and smooth, flowing shots are not the forte of films created in a virtual world, but the repurposing of some Razer Sixense controllers could let the director really get into the scene thanks to researchers at Abertay University. They borrowed an idea from Avatar, in which James Cameron commissioned cameras with motion-tracking viewfinders so that he could see the virtual world through which the actors were moving. The team at Abertay uses Sixense controllers similarly to control a virtual camera, which would let gamers find dramatic, sweeping angles for their replays. Or, you know, just get a super closeup of that post-melee victory dance.

Continue reading Razer Sixense controller becomes virtual camera for your next machinima epic (video)

Razer Sixense controller becomes virtual camera for your next machinima epic (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abertay universityAbertayUniversitymachinimamotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingrazersixensevideovirtual cameraVirtualCameraTue, 09 Nov 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer building motion-sensing exercise peripheral using Sixense tech, handheld sticks slated for 2011 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/razer-building-motion-sensing-exercise-peripheral-using-sixense/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/razer-building-motion-sensing-exercise-peripheral-using-sixense/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/razer-building-motion-sensing-exercise-peripheral-using-sixense/#comments We're honestly not certain what it has to do with Intel, but here's some welcome news for the gaming and home exercise fronts -- Razer told the IDF 2010 crowd that the Sixense motion-sensing sticks it showed off at CES will finally arrive sometime "early next year." What's more, the company's been hard at work miniaturizing the one-to-one motion control tech into an exercise band, and while we've no word on when that's due or how much a "personal doctor" might cost, you can find a close-up (of a render, natch) after the break to see what it might look like (and video of the handheld sticks, if you're game).

Continue reading Razer building motion-sensing exercise peripheral using Sixense tech, handheld sticks slated for 2011 (video)

Razer building motion-sensing exercise peripheral using Sixense tech, handheld sticks slated for 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IDFIDF 2010Idf2010motion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsperipheralrazersix sensesixensesixsensevideoMon, 13 Sep 2010 16:26:00 EST