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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dgamingkinectmotion controllermotion detectionMotion sensingMotionControllerMotionDetectionMotionSensingobject recognitionObjectRecognitionpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesonysony playstationSonyPlaystationTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[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[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[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[Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/#comments
We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop.

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

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion for Mobile Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabsandroidChris AikenChrisAikene3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsiosmobile gamingMobileGamingmocapmotion capturemotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[TriMount turns your Wii, Kinect, and PlayStation sensors into a video game Eye of Sauron]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/#comments All right, we get it. You love motion gaming. You fell so hard for your Wii that you had to run out and buy the Kinect and PlayStation Move the minute they hit stores. And now you've got a lot of sensors, but not much in the way of space atop your flatscreen. DreamGear understands your decidedly first world pain, and is offering up the TriMount, a shrine to gesture-based gaming that has slots for your Wii sensor bar, Kinect sensor, PlayStation Eye, and a clamp for attaching it to your set. The $30 setup ships August 15th, and is available now for pre-order. Until then, you're going to have to manage the old fashioned way: making a younger sibling hold up the sensor while you play Dance Central.

TriMount turns your Wii, Kinect, and PlayStation sensors into a video game Eye of Sauron originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamgeare3gesutre based gamingGesutreBasedGamingkinectmotion controllerMotionControllerplaystation eyeplaystation movePlaystationEyePlaystationMoveps3trimountwiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Avvio G6 Gamer phone is an upside Wiimote (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/avvio-g6-gamer-phone-is-an-upside-wiimote-video/#comments
The biggest problem with the Wiimote? You can't make calls on the thing. Sure you could buy a console and a cellphone, but what's the fun in that? The Avvio G6 Gamer handset, which recently scored FCC approval, can make calls and, when flipped over, transforms into a Bluetooth motion controller for what appears to be a fairly limited set of sports games playable on your PC. No word on pricing or availability, so you can either wait on it or just buy an iPhone and download this thing. It's your call. Video of a dude playing badminton with his phone after the break.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avvioavvio g6 gamerAvvioG6Gamerbluetoothgamingmobilemotionmotion controllerMotionControllerwiimoteWed, 18 May 2011 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft motion controller concept kicks sand in Kinect's puny face]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/microsoft-motion-controller-concept-kicks-sand-in-kinects-puny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/microsoft-motion-controller-concept-kicks-sand-in-kinects-puny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/microsoft-motion-controller-concept-kicks-sand-in-kinects-puny/#comments Think your body's a temple? Turns out it's actually just the antenna the temple's staff uses to watch football when they're done praying. A group of engineers from Microsoft Research showcased a technology at Vancouver's Conference on Human Factors in Computing that offers gesture-based control on a scale that could make the company's Kinect controller downright laughable. The team demonstrated how it could harness the human body's reception of electromagnetic noise to create gesture-based computer interaction that does away with the need for a camera -- though a receiver is worn on the body (the neck, in this case). The system uses the unique signals given off in different parts of the home to help measure the interaction, effectively turning one's walls into giant control pads, which can regulate things like lighting and the thermostat. Hopefully games, too, because we can't wait to play Pac-Man with our bedrooms.

Microsoft motion controller concept kicks sand in Kinect's puny face originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaConference on Human Factors in ComputingConferenceOnHumanFactorsInComputingcontrolcontrollerelectro magnetic radiationElectroMagneticRadiationhands freeHandsFreekinectMicrosoftmicrosoft researchMicrosoftResearchmotion controllerMotionControllerresearchvancouverWed, 11 May 2011 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo-funded eBox gaming console renamed iSec, still can't shake Kinect comparisons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/lenovo-funded-ebox-gaming-console-renamed-isec-still-cant-shak/#comments Coverage of Eedoo's eBox has thus far largely focused on the China-only game console's similarity to Microsoft's Kinect. Perhaps seeking to shift in perception, the system this week was reintroduced to the world as the Apple-esque iSec -- that's short for "Sports Entertainment Center," highlighting its exercise-centric approach to gaming, with martial arts, skateboarding, and good old-fashioned monster fighting titles having already been demoed. The console will also support wireless controllers of some sort, for those sick of all of that pesky exercise. After an initial delay, the iSec is set to hit China at some point in the second half of this year, though the company has no international sales plan -- at least until they move one million units domestically. At the moment, the iSec doesn't have much official competition, since the Wii, Xbox, and PS3 aren't legally available in China, though we're told that they're also not too hard to get your hands on -- for those who are still using their hands for stuff.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecontrolcontrollerHyrdramotionmotion controllerMotionControllerPCPC GamingPcGamingperipheralPortalPortal 2Portal2pricingRazerrazer hydraRazerHydrarelease dateReleaseDateSixenseThu, 21 Apr 2011 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/#comments Unless you're into weird promotional mascots, video games, or measuring the rotation of the earth, the PlayStation Move probably hasn't caught your eye. Here's an idea: what if you could wave it about to control your PC? Earlier this week, electronics hobbyist Jacob Pennock used the Move.me C library to build a gesture-controlled mouse driver, and we've got the project's tech demo after the break. Watch as Pennock launches Facebook by drawing an "F," starts a video with a jaunty "V," and closes a few items with a quick "X" motion over the offending windows. Control motions are loaded through the creator's own gesture recognition library, called hyperglyph, which he claims can record motions with 98 percent accuracy. As Move.me is currently a closed beta, Pennock is keeping the source code under wraps, but he hopes to eventually put the driver to use controlling a gesture-based Linux media center. Pretty neat, but not quite enough to stave off our Kinect hack envy.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)

Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlcontrollerDIYdo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselfdriverdriversgestureGesture ControlGestureControlgestureshackhacksinputinput deviceInputDeviceJacob PennockJacobPennockmodmodsmotion controllerMotionControllermotionplusmousemovemove.mePlayStationplaystation moveplaystation move controllerPlaystationMovePlaystationMoveControllerSONYSun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move, turntable used to track the Earth's rotation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/playstation-move-turntable-used-to-track-the-earths-rotation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/playstation-move-turntable-used-to-track-the-earths-rotation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/playstation-move-turntable-used-to-track-the-earths-rotation/#comments
The above pictured contraption, called Copernitron, features a PlayStation Move controller, a turntable, and a homebrew Helmholtz coil (you know, for canceling out interference caused by our planet's magnetic field). By sending data to a Linux PC via Bluetooth, this bad boy will measure the Earth's rotation, find geographic north, and determine altitude. Apparently, this is achieved by measuring the controller's subtle movements as it spins around at 45 RPM. And while the PS Move gyros are much more accurate than those of any other controller on the market, they're not too accurate: if they were, the designer points out, "ITAR might classify them as missile components. That's why we can't have nice motion tracking." See it in action after the break.

Continue reading PlayStation Move, turntable used to track the Earth's rotation

PlayStation Move, turntable used to track the Earth's rotation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copernitrondiygyroscopehackmotion controllerMotionControllermoveplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesciencescientific instrumentScientificInstrumentvideoMon, 21 Feb 2011 14:50:00 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[Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/#comments If you're looking to get your motion-controlled gaming fix, there are plenty of ways to go -- cameras, electromagnets and accelerometers, for starts -- but most figure you'll buy a single peripheral, a few plastic accessories, and call it a day. That's not the Aiken way. North Carolina startup Aiken Labs wants to sell you a set of tiny boxes that you can stick on any body part or toy you own, each with a full inertial measurement package (three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope) inside. The boxes connect to a base station over 802.15.4 wireless that doubles as a USB recharging unit for the lot, and you can connect up to eight modules to track 24 degrees of freedom at a time. It's not an elegant solution, to tell you the truth, particularly given the hacked-together nature of the prototype devices we saw on the CES 2011 floor, but we love the idea of simply affixing a box to a helmet to get instant head-tracking support in our favorite PC titles. Inventor Chris Aiken tells us a starter set will ship for about $300 with two sensors and the base station in the second quarter of this year -- additional sensors should run $100 each -- and you can see what it looks like in a video right after the break.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabscesces 2011ces2011Chris AikenChrisAikengaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsmotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideoTue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Sony ships 4.1 million PlayStation Move controllers to retailers (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/sony-ships-4-1-million-playstation-move-controllers-to-retailers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/sony-ships-4-1-million-playstation-move-controllers-to-retailers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/sony-ships-4-1-million-playstation-move-controllers-to-retailers/#comments A little press release from none other than Sony informed us this morning that the company has shipped 4.1 million PlayStation Move controllers worldwide. Alas, that number has been widely misreported as the tally of direct end-user sales, which it most definitely is not. What Sony's letting us know is total wands that have left its warehouses on their way to retailers, a number that's one step removed from actual sales results. Still, if you simply must have something to compare against Microsoft's 2.5 million Kinect sales, there you have it.

Update: Our brothers at Joystiq have reached out to Sony and confirmed that these numbers represent shipped units, not consumer sales. Here's Joystiq's exact wording on the (seemingly purposefully) confusing situation:
A Sony representative explained that the 4.1 million actually represents Move units shipped to stores, adding "While we don't disclose our exact sell-through number, the key is that our retailers continue to ask for more Move units and are taking every unit we can supply them with based on their sales." Which, you know, would have been a cool thing to put in that press release, we think.

Update 2: We've also confirmed with Sony that the sales numbers are in reference to retailers, not consumers, and learned that more than 75 percent of the sales in the US are bundles -- meaning new console sales or software groupings.

Continue reading Sony ships 4.1 million PlayStation Move controllers to retailers (updated)

Sony ships 4.1 million PlayStation Move controllers to retailers (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsconsolesConsoleWarsdebunkgamingglobalmotion controllermotion gamingMotionControllerMotionGamingmoveofficialplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMoveps movePsMovesalesshipmentshipmentsshippedsoldsonyunitsworldwideTue, 30 Nov 2010 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect will use only a 'single-digit' percentage of Xbox 360 CPU power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/kinect-will-use-only-a-single-digit-percentage-of-xbox-360-cpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/kinect-will-use-only-a-single-digit-percentage-of-xbox-360-cpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/kinect-will-use-only-a-single-digit-percentage-of-xbox-360-cpu/#comments What do you know, someone's been busy working in Microsoft's labs while we've been waiting for the company's Kinect motion control peripheral to launch itself into our living rooms. The highly sophisticated webcam has undergone some algorithmic optimizations and now Alex Kipman, lead software developer for what used to be known as Natal, tells us that its processing overhead for the Xbox 360 console will be no greater than a "single-digit" percentage. That contrasts very nicely with the last number Alex gave us, which indicated there'd be a 10 to 15 percent penalty for using Microsoft's new motion controller, and should mean your petting sessions with Kinectimals will be running smooth as butter when Kinect hits stores tomorrow. Great news, eh?

Kinect will use only a 'single-digit' percentage of Xbox 360 CPU power originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex kipmanAlexKipmanconsolecpu usageCpuUsagegamingkinectkipmanmicrosoftmotion controllermotion gamingMotionControllerMotionGamingoverheadresourcesxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo announces Wii Remote Plus with built-in MotionPlus tracking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/nintendo-announces-wii-remote-plus-with-built-in-motionplus-trac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/nintendo-announces-wii-remote-plus-with-built-in-motionplus-trac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/nintendo-announces-wii-remote-plus-with-built-in-motionplus-trac/#comments As a follow-up to this morning's announcement, we now have some shots of Nintendo's colorful new Wiimote. Still no extra details, but what we do have is confirmation from Nintendo that they are indeed building the Wii Remote Plus, which combines a Wii Remote with its Wii MotionPlus gyro add-on into one Wii Remote-sized package. We spotted the controller in a FlingSmash bundle last week, the telltale "smile" text below the Wii logo, and now all we really need is a price and a launch date. Hopefully we'll be getting all of these colors when this lands in the US as well, but since this is a Japanese presentation that Nintendo is making this announcement, we can't be too sure.

Nintendo announces Wii Remote Plus with built-in MotionPlus tracking originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllermotion control gamingmotion controllerMotionControlGamingMotionControllermotionplusnintendowiiwii remotewii remote pluswiimotewiimote plusWiimotePlusWiiRemoteWiiRemotePlusWed, 29 Sep 2010 16:13:00 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<![CDATA[Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/xbox-360-250gb-plus-kinect-bundle-priced-at-399-in-us-300-in/#comments Microsoft has chosen the small hours of the night to announce pricing of its second Kinect bundle, which is set for launch along with the standalone and 4GB options on November 4 in the USA and November 10 across Europe. The new package throws in the 250GB slim version of the Xbox 360 to accompany the newfangled motion tracker, a spare conventional controller, and a copy of the utterly unmissable Kinect Adventures! (it has its own punctuation, it must be good). Pricing is a bit on the painful side, with Kotaku reporting a $399 figure for the US and Microsoft confirming to us a £300 sticker for this "special edition" bundle for the UK. Full press release follows after the break.

[Thanks, Ravi]

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360bundlekinectkinect adventuresKinectAdventuresmicrosoftmotionmotion controllermotion gamingMotionControllerMotionGamingpricepricedpricingukususaxboxxbox 360xbox 360 250gbXbox360Xbox360250gbWed, 08 Sep 2010 04:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries to beta testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/#comments As beta testing programs go, Microsoft's Kinect venture has been kind of... leaky. No surprises, therefore, that we've now received our first in-the-plastic pictures of the motion-tracking camera peripheral, replete with a few select shots of its packaging. Redmond's promise that hardware was en route to testers was clearly not a hollow one, and we can now probably expect a bunch more unauthorized disclosures about the user experience with what should be final retail units. The outside of the packaging includes a couple of teasers encouraging users to pick up some of those bodacious PDP stands and wall mounts for their Kinect -- presumably the start of a tidal wave of Kinect accessories.

Gallery: Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries


Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries to beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360cameraexclusivein the wildinputinput deviceInputDeviceInTheWildkinectleakmicrosoftmotion cameramotion controllermotion gamingmotion trackingMotionCameraMotionControllerMotionGamingMotionTrackingpre-launchpre-releasexboxxbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectFri, 03 Sep 2010 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/#comments The PlayStation Move. It's funny to think just 15 months have passed since Sony first unveiled its motion controller, and now we're mere weeks away from hitting the retail market. To be sure, it's not like the company didn't have waggle on the mind already -- patents dating as far back as 2005 reveal as much, and of course the incredible success of Nintendo's Wii proved there's a market for more physically exerting gameplay. And it's not just PlayStation; Microsoft's got its controller-free Kinect motion camera system coming this November. So, in the year where all major game consoles now ask you to get off the couch and earn arm muscle, how does Move fare? Read on for more!

Gallery: PlayStation Move review

Continue reading PlayStation Move review

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arceye petEyePetfightfight 3dFight3dgemgolfheavy rainHeavyRainmotionmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsmovenav controlNavControlnavigation controllerNavigationControllerplay stationplay station 3play station 3 moveplay station movePlayStationPlayStation3PlayStation3MovePlayStationMovepsps 3ps 3 moveps movePs3Ps3MovePsMover u s ereviewRUSEscesceasocomsocom 4Socom4sonysports championsSportsChampionstiger woodsTigerWoodstumblevideoWed, 01 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/hillcrest-labs-brings-lgs-magic-motion-remote-control-to-live/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/hillcrest-labs-brings-lgs-magic-motion-remote-control-to-live/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/hillcrest-labs-brings-lgs-magic-motion-remote-control-to-live/#commentsHillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote control to live, cheekily points out Sony uses it, too We had some fun playing with LG's Magic Motion gesture remote at CES this past January, which lets you change channels with a flick of the wrist, and now we're learning a little more about its fancy innards. Hillcrest Labs, the company behind the Loop mouse/bracelet, is proudly proclaiming that its Freespace tech is what makes LG's remote so magical in the first place. Hillcrest also would like to take this opportunity to point out that Sony has licensed its technology as well, and given we're but a few weeks away from the PlayStation Move launch, many are concluding that gadget has some Freespace up in it too. However, given Hillcrest's nasty patent dispute with Nintendo over the Wiimote, it's possible this is just Sony covering its ample posterior against a similar lawsuit. Or, this could go all the way back to the tech that allows the DualShock 3 to detect movement. (Remember trying to play that dragon game just with motion controls? Man, that was hard.)

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too

Hillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hillcrest labsHillcrestLabslgmagic motionMagicMotionmotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllermoveplaystation movePlaystationMoveremote controlRemoteControlThu, 26 Aug 2010 07:04:00 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[Kinect guide: a preview and explanation of Microsoft's new full body motion sensor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/kinect-guide-a-preview-and-explanation-of-microsofts-new-full/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/kinect-guide-a-preview-and-explanation-of-microsofts-new-full/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/kinect-guide-a-preview-and-explanation-of-microsofts-new-full/#comments We've become so familiar with the "Project Natal" codename over the years that our tongues are still having a little trouble wrapping around Microsoft's new Kinect moniker for it. Still, what's in a name? Microsoft has finally shown us what matters with real games, real gameplay, and real hardware, and after spending some time with it using our very own human flesh to control the on-screen action, we feel like we're starting to get a pretty good grip on the experience. Follow after the break as we break down the complicated workings and emergent gameplay of Kinect.

Continue reading Kinect guide: a preview and explanation of Microsoft's new full body motion sensor

Kinect guide: a preview and explanation of Microsoft's new full body motion sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010full body motion controlFullBodyMotionControlkinectmicrosoftmotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllervideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectThu, 17 Jun 2010 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DualShock can be used in lieu of Navigation Controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/dualshock-can-be-used-in-lieu-navigation-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/dualshock-can-be-used-in-lieu-navigation-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/dualshock-can-be-used-in-lieu-navigation-controller/#comments Remember that rumor a couple years back of PS3 motion control gaming being based around a pull-apart DualShock 3? Well, perhaps it wasn't such a wild idea after all. No DualShock 3s have been harmed in the making of Move, but Joystiq has just confirmed that you can actually use the existing controller for Move gaming instead of springing for the Navigation Controller if you'd like. Obviously, you'll be one-handing the DualShock, not quite as comfortable as the Move's tiny, dedicated quasi-nunchuck, but it saves you $30 for your hassle. You'll only have access to the d-pad or four face buttons, depending on which side you choose, but interestingly, the Nav Controller's X and O buttons are redundant with the full Move wand, so hopefully this won't impact gameplay too greatly.

DualShock can be used in lieu of Navigation Controller originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualshockdualshock 3Dualshock3e3e3 2010E32010motion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllermoveplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps3sonyThu, 17 Jun 2010 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko charge base for PlayStation Move available for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/nyko-charge-base-for-playstation-move-available-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/nyko-charge-base-for-playstation-move-available-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/nyko-charge-base-for-playstation-move-available-for-pre-order/#comments Yes, it looks like the PlayStation Move accessories are starting to trickle in. While we're still lusting after the shooting attachment, we do realize the need for more modest hardware such as that supplied by Nyko. The Charge Station is a pretty straightforward affair: it features four ports for powering up as many Motion Controllers and / or Navigation Controllers, and can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $20. On a related note, we can't wait to see what CTA comes up with for its Move accessories. We hope there are some Sony-compatible wings in our future!

Nyko charge base for PlayStation Move available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accesoriescharge stationChargeStationmotion controllerMotionControllermovenykoplaystationplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMovepre-orderps3 motion controllerPs3MotionControllersonyWed, 16 Jun 2010 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move shooting attachment in pictures: the ray gun you always dreamed of]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/playstation-move-shooting-attachment-in-pictures-the-ray-gun-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/playstation-move-shooting-attachment-in-pictures-the-ray-gun-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/playstation-move-shooting-attachment-in-pictures-the-ray-gun-yo/#comments We heard a mention of the PlayStation Move shooting attachment in Sony's Move E3 press release, but now that we've seen photos of the thing we think we're in love. The trigger of the attachment locks in with the analog "T" trigger button of the slotted-in Move controller for some sweet, shoot-tastic shooting, while the face buttons of the controller remain accessible thanks to a window cutout up top. But while we're sure it works great and all that silly nonsense, we're just totally enamored with the looks: it's like a 1950's ray gun, and with a light-up ball on the end and the future of motion gaming at your fingertips, perhaps that's not so far from the truth. The ray gun part. The 50's were actually a pretty bad year for motion controlled console gaming.

Gallery: PlayStation Move shooting attachment press shots

PlayStation Move shooting attachment in pictures: the ray gun you always dreamed of originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010gunmotion controllerMotionControllermoveplaystation movePlaystationMoveray gunRayGunshooting attachmentShootingAttachmentsonyWed, 16 Jun 2010 04:41:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move demoed for 30 minutes, German-style]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/playstation-move-demoed-for-30-minutes-german-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/playstation-move-demoed-for-30-minutes-german-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/playstation-move-demoed-for-30-minutes-german-style/#comments German publication GamersGlobal may not be familiar to you, but we expect you'll recognize those shiny orbs -- somehow, the website managed to pry a pair of PlayStation Move motion controllers and software away from Sony long enough to shoot an extensive video demo. While we're admittedly jealous of our distant neighbors, we wholeheartedly recommend watching their 30 minute hands-on with Disc Golf, Archery and more -- we've had a turn or two in PlayStation Move's multicolored spotlight already, and we suppose it's time to pass on the torch. Video after the break.

Continue reading PlayStation Move demoed for 30 minutes, German-style

PlayStation Move demoed for 30 minutes, German-style originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010motion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerMovePlayStationPlayStation 3PlayStation MovePlaystation3PlaystationMovePS MovePS3PsMoveSonySony PlayStation MoveSonyPlaystationMoveSports ChampionsSportsChampionsvideoSun, 13 Jun 2010 19:21:00 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[Students program Human Tetris into 8-bit microcontroller, give away schematics for free (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/students-program-human-tetris-into-8-bit-microcontroller-give-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/students-program-human-tetris-into-8-bit-microcontroller-give-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/students-program-human-tetris-into-8-bit-microcontroller-give-a/#comments Sure, Project Natal is the hotness and a little bird tells us PlayStation Move is pretty bodacious, but you don't have to buy a fancy game console to sooth your motion-tracking blues. When students at Cornell University wanted to play Human Tetris (and ace a final project to boot), they taught a 20Mhz, 8-bit microcontroller how to follow their moves. Combined with an NTSC camera, the resulting system can display a 39 x 60 pixel space at 24 frames per second, apparently enough to slot your body into some grooves -- and as you'll see in videos after the break, it plays a mean game of Breakout, too. Full codebase and plans to build your own at the source link. Eat your heart out, geeks.

Continue reading Students program Human Tetris into 8-bit microcontroller, give away schematics for free (video)

Students program Human Tetris into 8-bit microcontroller, give away schematics for free (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 May 2010 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 bit8-bit8-bit MCU8-bitMcu8BitbreakoutDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfhackhacksMCUmicrocontrollermodmodsmotion controlmotion controlledmotion controllermotion controlsmotion trackingMotionControlMotionControlledMotionControllerMotionControlsMotionTrackingopen sourceopen source gamingopen source hardwareOpenSourceOpenSourceGamingOpenSourceHardwaretetrisvideoSun, 16 May 2010 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Student moves quadriplegics with Wiimote wheelchair control (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/14/student-moves-quadriplegics-with-wiimote-wheelchair-control-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/14/student-moves-quadriplegics-with-wiimote-wheelchair-control-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/14/student-moves-quadriplegics-with-wiimote-wheelchair-control-vid/#comments There were certainly a couple whiz kids at Intel's International Science and Engineering Fair this year, but high school senior John Hinckel's a regular MacGyver: he built a wheelchair remote control out of a couple sheets of transparent plastic, four sliding furniture rails and some string. A Nintendo Wiimote goes in your hat and tells the whole system what to do -- simply tilt your head in any direction, and accelerometer readings are sent over Bluetooth. The receiving laptop activates microcontrollers, directing servo motors to pull the strings, and acrylic gates push the joystick accordingly to steer your vehicle. We tried on the headset for ourselves and came away fairly impressed -- it's no mind control, but for $534 in parts, it just might do. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who thought so, as patents are pending, and a manufacturer of wheelchair control systems has already expressed interest in commercializing the idea. See the young inventor show it off after the break.

Continue reading Student moves quadriplegics with Wiimote wheelchair control (video)

Student moves quadriplegics with Wiimote wheelchair control (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 May 2010 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfhackhackshands-onIntel International Science and Engineering FairIntel ISEF 2010IntelInternationalScienceAndEngineeringFairIntelIsef2010ISEFISEF 2010Isef2010John HinckelJohnHinckelmodmodsmotion controlmotion controlledmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlledMotionControllerMotionControlsNintendoNintendo WiiNintendo Wii RemoteNintendoWiiNintendoWiiRemotesciencevideowheelchairwheelchairswii remotewii remote controlwiimotewiimote hackwiimote hacksWiimoteHackWiimoteHacksWiiRemoteWiiRemoteControlFri, 14 May 2010 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellbots get Nexus One upgrade, ad-hoc motion control (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/cellbots-get-nexus-one-upgrade-ad-hoc-motion-control-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/cellbots-get-nexus-one-upgrade-ad-hoc-motion-control-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/cellbots-get-nexus-one-upgrade-ad-hoc-motion-control-video/#comments Sprint and Verizon may have shunned the Nexus One, but that doesn't mean the handsets can't be put to good use: these Android-controlled, Arduino-powered Cellbots now feature the one true Googlephone as the CPU. At Intel's 2010 International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, we got our hot little hands on the DIY truckbots for the first time, and found to our surprise they'd been imbued with accelerometer-based motion control. Grabbing a Nexus One off a nearby table, we simply tilted the handset forward, back, left and right to make the Cellbot wheel about accordingly, bumping playfully into neighbors and streaming live video the whole time. We were told the first handset wirelessly relayed instructions to the second using Google Chat, after which point a Python script determined the bot's compass facing and activated Arduino-rigged motors via Bluetooth, but the real takeaway here is that robots never fail to amuse. Watch our phone-skewing, bot-driving antics in a video after the break, and see what we mean.

Continue reading Cellbots get Nexus One upgrade, ad-hoc motion control (video)

Cellbots get Nexus One upgrade, ad-hoc motion control (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerArduinoCellbotcellbotsDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfGoogle Nexus OneGoogleNexusOnehackhackshands-onIntelIntel International Science and Engineering FairIntel ISEFIntelInternationalScienceAndEngineeringFairIntelIsefInternational Science and Engineering FairInternationalScienceAndEngineeringFairISEFmodmodsmotion controlmotion controlledmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlledMotionControllerMotionControlsN1Nexus OneNexusOnevideoWed, 12 May 2010 17:39:00 EST