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[Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/#comments Autumn is fast approaching -- and you know what that means: it's round about time for an Xbox Dashboard update. Sure, we got a peek of Microsoft's upcoming harvest back at E3, but the good folks from Redmond invited us to take a closer look at what they're calling the "most significant update to the Dashboard since NXE." Senior project Manager Terry Ferrell was on-site to walk us through an early engineering beta and show us how an updated Metro UI, Bing search and deeper Kinect integration is going to change the way folks manage their entertainment content.

Continue reading Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul

Filed under:

Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingbing searchBingSearchdashboarddashboard updateDashboardUpdateFacebookfall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011gaminghdpostcrossimpressionskinectMetroMetro UIMetroUiMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoftKinectMinority ReportnatalpreviewStar Trekvideo gamesVideoGamesvoicevoice controlvoice controlledvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceControlledVoiceRecognitionWindows PhoneWindowsPhonexboxxbox 360xbox dashboardxbox livexbox live dashboardxbox live dashboard updateXbox-360Xbox360XboxDashboardXboxLiveXboxLiveDashboardXboxLiveDashboardUpdateZuneFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to release Kinect for Windows SDK this spring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/microsoft-to-release-kinect-for-windows-sdk-this-spring/#comments
Looks like we're not the only ones enjoying all those Kinect hacks being dreamed up and implemented by hardworking enthusiasts the world o'er. That's right: it was rumored early this year, and now it's been confirmed -- Microsoft will be releasing the Kinect for Windows SDK. According to Microsoft, "It will be available this spring as a free download, and will give academic researchers and enthusiasts access to key pieces of the Kinect system-such as the audio technology, system application programming interfaces and direct control of the Kinect sensor itself." Commercial licensing details will be made available at some point thereafter.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect for windowskinect for windows sdkkinect hackkinect sdkKinectForWindowsKinectForWindowsSdkKinectHackKinectSdkmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion gamingMotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcproject natalProjectNatalsdksensorsupportwindowswindows 7Windows 8Windows PCWindows7Windows8WindowsPcMon, 21 Feb 2011 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect support for Windows in the works, SDK release this summer?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/kinect-support-for-windows-in-the-works-sdk-release-this-summer/#comments
 WinRumors, citing anonymous sources, reports that the official software developers kit (SDK) for Kinect is currently in the works and will be released in beta some time in the next few months. Apparently, support for the device will become a part of Microsoft's XNA Game Studio and also be integrated into Windows 8 in a big way. These details come hot on the heels of CEO Steve Ballmer's statement at CES that the good folks in Redmond would eventually support the device's use on computers, but he set no timetable for the SDKs release. We can't confirm the story, but given the level of detail in the report and the author's confidence in the info, we won't be surprised if Microsoft gives all you Kinect hackers something to cheer about very soon.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect hackkinect sdkKinectHackKinectSdkmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion gamingMotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcproject natalProjectNatalrumorrumor millRumorMillrumorssensorSteve BallmerSteveBallmersupportwindowswindows 7Windows 8Windows PCWindows7Windows8WindowsPcxna game studioXnaGameStudioWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect rumored to have PC support in waiting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/kinect-rumored-to-have-pc-support-in-waiting/#comments There's been no shortage whatsoever of PC control schemes using Kinect, but up until now, every bit of it has been without Microsoft's official blessing. Of course, the company eventually caved to the massive amount of hacking going on and confessed that it didn't have any hard feelings for those giving it a whirl, but is it really fixing to take things one step further with bona fide PC support? That's the talk emanating from South Korea, where game developer GamePrix has reported that at least one of its titles (Divine Soul, if you must know) is "scheduled to support Kinect." Continuing on about the game, the company's Jason Lim was quoted as saying that "Kinect will soon be available as a new PC controller," but naturally, we've our doubts. For starters, why wouldn't Microsoft be working with a more major developer if honest-to-goodness PC-Kinect interactions were planned? Secondly, there's a definite possibility that GamePrix could really be referring to unofficial support, which would make everything seem a lot more sensible. Either way, we'll definitely be keeping an ear to the ground for more, and with GDC under three months away, we ought to know the truth sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Rashad]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Divine SoulDivineSoulGamePrixgamergamingkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotionmotion gamingmotion sensingMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalpcpc gamingPcGamingprimesenserumorrumor millRumorMillrumorssensorwindowswindows 7Windows7xbox 360Xbox360Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Wired chronicles the (brief) history of Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/wired-chronicles-the-brief-history-of-kinect/#comments Got your Instapaper bookmarklet prepped? This is a bit of a long one: Wired UK has put together an in-depth creation history for the soon-to-be-released Kinect. While a "one man against all odds" story might be a little quicker to read, the story of Kinect (or Project Natal, as it's been known for most of its lifetime) is actually a pretty remarkable collaboration. An original demand and vision for the Xbox 360 from Don Mattrick (in pretty obvious response to the Wii), project leadership from Alex Kipman, gameplay creativity from Kudo Tsunoda, camera technology from PrimeSense, computer vision algorithms from Andrew Blake and Jamie Shotton -- and that was just the incubation stage! The vision was cast in 2007, the project really started in 2008, and we'll have the finished product (along with the all-important games of course) in our living rooms in November. While the most immediate battle for Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft is who can sell the most games and the most motion control hardware, it's clear that Kinect is a major technical achievement with some pretty broad reaching implications for human / machine interaction going forward. Still, we wonder: can it run provide an effective user interface for Doom?

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmilomolyneuxnatalpeterpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxproject natalProjectNataltedted talkTedTalkvideoThu, 19 Aug 2010 00:57:00 EST<![CDATA[250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle tipped on 4GB packaging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/250gb-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-tipped-on-4gb-packaging/#comments Well, well -- what have we here? We already knew that Microsoft was planning to ship a 4GB Xbox 360 bundle that included Kinect, and now it seems as if the Big M will also package its forthcoming motion sensor with the 250GB 'box. Based on the packaging of a 4GB bundle over in Australia, it definitely looks as if consumers will have a more capacious option if buying an Xbox 360 for the first time with Kinect, but we're all waiting with bated breath to hear the official confirmation (or denial, but mostly just confirmation) from Ballmer's crew. Anytime now, folks....

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

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

Gallery: Microsoft's Kinect patent application

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dvgamingGesturekinectmicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectmotion sensingMotionSensingmovementnatalpatentpatent apppatent applicationPatentAppPatentApplicationprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalsensorsensorswebcamThu, 05 Aug 2010 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Xbox 360 now listed for $150... at Microsoft's own online store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/kinect-for-xbox-360-now-on-sale-for-150-at-microsofts-own-o/#comments Listen Microsoft, we know you've been wanting to stay absolutely mum on Kinect's price since its official E3 unveiling, even as GameStop and Walmart say $149.99. Included is the Kinect sensor itself, power supply cable, manual, and WiFi extension cable (huh?), and it shows up in our virtual shopping cart just fine. So, now that your own official online store is giving that price tag on a pre-order page, don't ya think this guy deserves something akin to a legitimate press release for its MSRP?

[Thanks, Steven W.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: E3 2010 - Kinect Sports preview

Gallery: E3 2010 - Joy Ride preview

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>care3e3 2010E32010impressionsjoy rideJoyRidekineckinect sportsKinectSportsmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectnatalpreviewproject natalProjectNatalracerracingsportsvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Dance Central preview, or how we learned to stop caring and love the groove (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/kinect-dance-central-hands-on-or-how-we-learned-to-stop-caring/#comments We're gonna level with you, internet at large, we jumped at the chance to be on camera for our hands-on with Dance Central for Xbox 360's Kinect. It's not because we think we're good dancers -- we don't -- but it was subsequently decided that a lack of shame was more fun. So let's get on with the details. Menu navigation was a little janky at times, but selection was a simple swipe from the extreme right to left of an arm's length. As we saw earlier, the game is a progression of dance riffs you have to emulate with the on-screen dancers. It took until the first chorus of MIA's "Galang" to really get a feel and comfort for the pace; by that point it was easy enough to keep an eye on future moves and correct past mistakes of similar grooves. Frankly, inherent embarrassment notwithstanding, it was very entertaining. Pictures below and video after the break -- and don't you worry, we'll be going back for seconds.

Gallery: E3 2010 - Dance Central preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Live from Microsoft's E3 2010 keynote!

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron greenbergAaronGreenberge3e3 2010e32010greenbergjasperkinectliveblogmicrosoftnatalnew xbox 360NewXbox360project natalProjectNatalslimxboxxbox 360xbox 360 slimXbox360Xbox360SlimMon, 14 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect to go on sale in November, somewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsoft-kinect-to-release-in-november-somewhere/#comments
What you're looking at is the latest status update to the Xbox MySpace page showing a November release for Microsoft Natal Kinect. You know, just in case you were looking for something to purchase in the run up to the holidays. How much is the big question now.

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

[Thanks, Bharat R.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Microsoft Kinect Official Pics

Continue reading Microsoft Kinect gets official, Video Chat announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectnatalobstacle courseObstacleCourseproject natalProjectNatalriver rushRiverRushvideoFri, 04 Jun 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal to cost $149 by itself, $299 with 360 Arcade, according to latest rumors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/project-natal-to-cost-149-by-itself-299-with-360-arcade-acco/#comments Here we go with those trusted sources again. Edge has it on good authority that Microsoft's midlife rejuvenator for the Xbox 360, Project Natal, will cost a cool 149 bucks when purchased as a standalone accessory, or $100 when bundled together with the $199 Xbox 360 Arcade console. That's a mighty steep hill for early adopters to climb, but Microsoft did warn us that Natal will not be an impulse buy. An October 26 date is also proffered for the official launch, but that might shift, leaving us with the same window of expectation as before. Interestingly, the Natal name is expected to definitely change for the final retail product, which we should be learning a lot more about at E3 in a couple of weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3kinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalsaudi arabiaSaudiArabiaSyed Bilal TariqSyedBilalTariqvideoxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slim Xbox 360 and Natal bundle to debut at E3? (Rumor update: false)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/slim-xbox-360-and-natal-bundle-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/slim-xbox-360-and-natal-bundle-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/slim-xbox-360-and-natal-bundle-to-debut-at-e3/#comments It's always good to see rumors coalescing into neat little bundles, which in Microsoft's case means that its expected 360 hardware refresh and Natal re-introduction will coincide at E3 this year. Surfer Girl, one of the gaming industry's more notorious rumor hounds, is telling us that Microsoft is about to unveil a slimmer Xbox 360 at the upcoming E3 in June, together with Natal hardware bundles. She describes the new system design as "pretty neat" and suggests there'll be a shift to black as the console's primary color, to go along with Natal's darker hue, which in turn was dictated by the fact it'd have to sit alongside dark and moody HDTV sets. Very feng shui of Microsoft indeed. For the final, and most unbelievable of her predictions, she tells us -- while highlighting the initials M.G.S. -- that we'll be "very surprised and very pleased" by one of the Natal games revealed at the show. Seriously, Metal Gear Natal?

[Thanks, Lander]

Update: Looks like this was all a hilarious hoax perpetrated by someone pretending to be Surfer Girl. Yeah, we've heard plenty of "real" rumors about a slimmer Xbox and Natal bundles, but it looks like there's no weight to this one.

Slim Xbox 360 and Natal bundle to debut at E3? (Rumor update: false) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010e3-2010E32010Electronic Entertainment ExpoElectronicEntertainmentExpokinectmicrosoftnatalrefreshrumorslimspeculationsurfer girlSurferGirlupdatexboxxbox 360xbox 360 slimXbox360Xbox360SlimMon, 26 Apr 2010 03:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal spotted in the wild, user manual and all?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/project-natal-spotted-in-the-wild-user-manual-and-all/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/project-natal-spotted-in-the-wild-user-manual-and-all/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/project-natal-spotted-in-the-wild-user-manual-and-all/#comments
 My, how you've grown. Since the day we learned that PrimeSense was behind Microsoft's Project Natal, we've been under the impression that the 3D camera hardware would be a cute little face with three eyes. So why are we staring at another hammerhead shark? Perhaps because this latest leak isn't real -- or perhaps because Microsoft hasn't nailed down (or rightly doesn't trust testers with) the final hardware. Either way, Multiplayer.it has a host of pictures of an alleged Natal test kit, complete with user manual, and if their sources are legit, it seems Natal will have a motorized tilt function and require additional power (via wall wart) as a result. The better to track your body with, we suppose. See more pics at our source link.

[Thanks, Skipper]

Project Natal spotted in the wild, user manual and all? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in the wildInTheWildkinectleakleaked photosLeakedPhotosleaksMicrosoftMicrosoft Project NatalMicrosoftProjectNatalNatalProject NatalProjectNatalprototypeprototype hardwarePrototypeHardwarex360xboxXbox 360Xbox360Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft gives us a look through Project Natal's eyes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/microsoft-gives-us-a-look-through-project-natals-eyes-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/microsoft-gives-us-a-look-through-project-natals-eyes-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/microsoft-gives-us-a-look-through-project-natals-eyes-video/#comments Ilan Spillinger, Microsoft's Xbox 360 VP, was on hand in Tel Aviv yesterday for a showcase of Project Natal. Although there wasn't much in the way of groundbreaking stuff, the resulting video does show off the motion control system's gender recognition (done through Natal's facial recognition ... you filthy child) and ability to track two players within the frame at the same time. A tipster from the audience tells us that earlier lag issues have been eradicated, although some jitter was indeed apparent when the second person stepped into Natal's field of vision. Either way, it's looking like Microsoft's Xbox 360 peripheral is progressing well toward its release near the end of this year. Go past the break to see for yourself.

[Thanks, Roy]

Continue reading Microsoft gives us a look through Project Natal's eyes (video)

Microsoft gives us a look through Project Natal's eyes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360cameraconsoledemogaminggaming peripheralGamingPeripheralIlan SpillingerIlanSpillingerisraelkinectmicrosoftmotion cameramotion controlmotion gamingmotion sensingMotionCameraMotionControlMotionGamingMotionSensingnatalperipheralproject natalProjectNatalvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[PrimeSense fesses up: it's the magic behind Microsoft's Project Natal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/primesense-fesses-up-its-the-magic-behind-microsofts-project/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/primesense-fesses-up-its-the-magic-behind-microsofts-project/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/primesense-fesses-up-its-the-magic-behind-microsofts-project/#comments Up until now, we haven't actually been able to find out too much about the ins and outs of Project Natal. For all we knew, it's a technology designed in the back stall of a unicorn barn, and the final name will somehow involve diphthongs from both "lasers" and "Robot Apocalypse." All jesting aside, this really does mark the first bona fide announcement about the nuts and bolts behind Microsoft's forthcoming motion sensing add-on for its Xbox 360, and lo and behold, the revealing is being done by the same company we sat down with earlier this month at GDC. Quite a few of you assumed that PrimeSense's webcam was indeed Project Natal in camouflage when we posted up our original hands-on, and while we couldn't confirm or deny those suspicions at the time, we can today. So, what's this mean for you? It probably means that PrimeSense is actively looking to get its 3D-sensing technology (which has obviously been tweaked quite a bit by Microsoft, to its credit) into as many living room scenarios as possible, so what you're seeing in Natal might just appear elsewhere in the very near future. Did your imagination just run wild? No? Have a look back at our GDC experience and try again.

Continue reading PrimeSense fesses up: it's the magic behind Microsoft's Project Natal

PrimeSense fesses up: it's the magic behind Microsoft's Project Natal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingkinectmicrosoftmotion controlmotion controllermotion sensingmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionSensornatalPrimeSensePrimeSensorproject natalProjectNatalsensorwebcamxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoga Natal game appears on GAME retailer's Xbox 360 release schedule (update: Amazon UK too!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/yoga-natal-game-appears-on-game-retailers-xbox-360-release-sche/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/yoga-natal-game-appears-on-game-retailers-xbox-360-release-sche/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/yoga-natal-game-appears-on-game-retailers-xbox-360-release-sche/#comments Time for some more salacious prognostications about the future, courtesy of the wily folks over at vg247. The team there claims to have obtained internal documents from UK video game retailer GAME that lists the release dates for forthcoming Xbox 360 titles. The listing is headlined by new iterations of Crysis, Call of Duty and Metal Gear Solid, but the highlight for us gadget junkies is at the very end: Yoga Natal, scheduled for an October release. Now, even if this doc comes straight from the horse's mouth, game release dates are notoriously prone to fluctuation, so let's not read too much into that October date. What's intriguing is that Microsoft does indeed seem intent on creating specialist games for its Natal experience, and it may be that they'll all include Natal in their titles to make compatibility abundantly clear. Or this may be just a big bad April 1-related hoax, we'll live either way.

[Thanks, Matt R.]

Update: We've now also discovered a pulled Amazon listing for Yoga Natal, and we've stashed a screenshot of its Google Cache version just after the break [Thanks, Ian].

Continue reading Yoga Natal game appears on GAME retailer's Xbox 360 release schedule (update: Amazon UK too!)

Yoga Natal game appears on GAME retailer's Xbox 360 release schedule (update: Amazon UK too!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole gamingConsoleGaminggamegamesgamingkinectmicrosoftmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingnatalperipheralproject natalProjectNatalvideo gamesVideoGamesxboxxbox 360Xbox360yogayoga natalYogaNatalMon, 29 Mar 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto says that Wii is 'honored' to be in such great company as Move and Natal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/26/miyamoto-says-that-wii-is-honored-to-be-in-such-great-company/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/26/miyamoto-says-that-wii-is-honored-to-be-in-such-great-company/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/26/miyamoto-says-that-wii-is-honored-to-be-in-such-great-company/#comments
While Sony might be doing its best to heat things up with its Wii-baiting "realistic movements" ad campaign, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto is taking the high road. Elaborating on recent comments that he made about the threat posed by rival motion controllers (or lack thereof), the elder statesman, whose career stretches back to the beginnings of the video game industry and includes everything from Donkey Kong to The Legend of Zelda and beyond (don't forget Nintendogs), said that "[c]ompeting with other companies" in a specific product category was "never our top priority." Rather, the company will continue to do what it does best: creating "unique and unprecedented entertainment." So how does he feel about PS Move, then? "The user experience we have created is going to be intensified by the advent of new machines from other companies. It's a new experience that we originated. So we really see it as a great honor." Class act, that guy. We'll see how he feels when we beat him to market with our Engadget Vitality Sensor.

Miyamoto says that Wii is 'honored' to be in such great company as Move and Natal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miyamotomotion plusMotionPlusmovenatalnintendoshigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamotowiiwii motion plusWiiMotionPlusFri, 26 Mar 2010 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal 'experience' to premiere at E3 on June 13th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/project-natal-experience-to-premiere-at-e3-on-june-13th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/project-natal-experience-to-premiere-at-e3-on-june-13th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/project-natal-experience-to-premiere-at-e3-on-june-13th/#comments No big surprise here, but Microsoft is bringing its full Project Natal setup to the E3 games show in LA this year, with a "world premiere" event on Sunday, June 13th, followed by a media briefing on Monday the 14th. It's good to know they're on track for showing this off, after a no-show at the PlayStation Move-dominated GDC, and we'll of course be there in force, waving our arms around like we just don't care. From the looks of our invite, which puts the name "Project Natal" in quotes, we're not convinced that's even the final name for the device, but we suppose we'll find out for sure in June. Microsoft promises this will be our "first look at the future of fun," and we imagine some near-final hardware and beta game experiences will be on display as well. No word in the invite, but we imagine a Fall launch is still in the cards, with Jonathan Ross's "October" tweet as the most recent morsel on that front.

Project Natal 'experience' to premiere at E3 on June 13th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010invitekinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move ad pulls no motion-controlled punches against Wii, Project Natal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/playstation-move-ad-pulls-no-motion-controlled-punches-against-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/playstation-move-ad-pulls-no-motion-controlled-punches-against-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/playstation-move-ad-pulls-no-motion-controlled-punches-against-w/#comments Sony's VP of Realistic Movements Kevin Butler (boy, does that guy have a large business card) is at it again, this time in a video ad for the PlayStation Move. He's back from the future to thank us all for the success of the motion control device, and make a few jabs towards Nintendo and Microsoft for their efforts. Here's a few choice quotes.
  • "Because real boxers don't hit like this [flails arms exasperatingly]"
  • "It's also got what we in the future call buttons, which turn out to be pretty important to those handful of millions of people who enjoy playing shooters, platformers, well, anything that doesn't involve catching a big red ball."
  • "C'mon, who wants to pretend their hand is a gun. What is this, third grade? Pew, pew, pew."
Check out the futuristic -- or now-eristic, rather -- commercial after the break. And if you ask, sorry, we still wouldn't bet on Kansas City in six.

Continue reading PlayStation Move ad pulls no motion-controlled punches against Wii, Project Natal

PlayStation Move ad pulls no motion-controlled punches against Wii, Project Natal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadscommercialkevin butlerKevinButlermotionmotion controllerMotionControllermovenatalplaystationplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveproject natalProjectNatalpsps moveps3PsMovesonysony playstationSonyPlaystationwiiwii motion plusWiiMotionPlusWed, 17 Mar 2010 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Ballmer teases new Xbox 360 form factors, price points and options]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/06/steve-ballmer-teases-new-xbox-360-form-factors-price-points-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/06/steve-ballmer-teases-new-xbox-360-form-factors-price-points-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/06/steve-ballmer-teases-new-xbox-360-form-factors-price-points-and/#comments Turns out Steve Ballmer's talk up at the University of Washington delivered even more saucy info than we were initially led to believe. In a transcript of the subsequent Q&A session, Steve is shown to have delivered the following statement on the topic of large-screen televisions and Microsoft's related hardware strategy:
For that big screen device ... there's no diversity. You get exactly the Xboxes that we build for you. We may have more form factors in the future that are designed for various price points and options, but we think it's going to [be] important.
It's safe to assume new form factors point to a smaller rather than larger 360 chassis, though the price points and further options he mentions are wide open for speculation. It wouldn't be unreasonable to forecast Microsoft pushing out its own slimmed-down console to match up with Sony's PS3 Slim, but we also shouldn't discount the idea of an Xbox 360 with Project Natal hardware integrated into its shell. In other words, we really don't know what Steve has going on under that shiny dome of his, we just hope it's as exciting as he makes it sound.

Steve Ballmer teases new Xbox 360 form factors, price points and options originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360ballmerconsolesgamesgamingkinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalsteve ballmerSteveBallmeruniversity of washingtonUniversityOfWashingtonxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Project Natal lag calculated to be a tenth of a second]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/microsofts-project-natal-lag-calculated-to-be-a-tenth-of-a-seco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/microsofts-project-natal-lag-calculated-to-be-a-tenth-of-a-seco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/microsofts-project-natal-lag-calculated-to-be-a-tenth-of-a-seco/#comments
Eager for a bit more Project Natal news now that Jonathan Ross let slip what may or may not be a launch date? Then you're in luck, as MTV's Multiplayer blog has taken advantage of a recent Natal demo session to peg down exactly how much lag we can expect from the motion-sensing system (assuming it's not fine-tuned any further, that is). After timing some 40 movements with a stopwatch, the site found that "life-to-screen" transitions ranged from 0.08 seconds to 0.12 seconds, or about a tenth of a second on average. That's obviously a bit slower than the response of an old fashioned controller (or even a Wiimote, for that matter), and is just enough to be noticeable when you're playing. Of course, it's the games that will ultimately matter the most, and we still haven't seen much more news on that front.

Microsoft's Project Natal lag calculated to be a tenth of a second originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laguna beachLagunaBeachmicrosoftmicrosoft project natalMicrosoftProjectNatalmotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllernatalproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal coming in October, says Jonathan Ross (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/project-natal-coming-in-october-says-jonathan-ross-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/project-natal-coming-in-october-says-jonathan-ross-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/project-natal-coming-in-october-says-jonathan-ross-video/#comments As unexpected sources of tech news go, UK television presenter Jonathan Ross is pretty high up there. But lo and behold, the man's had a chance to spend some quality time with Microsoft's Project Natal setup and while he's not altogether impressed with the current state of it, his note on when it's coming out is the one thing nobody has known for sure yet. "Got until October" may mean an October release, or it may imply they can work on it through October in time for an early November release (something we heard earlier), but altogether we find this both credible and logical considering the natural urge to try and get the latest gaming tech in well before the holidays. Need more convincing? Skip past the break to see the Wossmeister having a whale of a time with that balloon-blocking game that's embarrassed many a journalist already.

Continue reading Project Natal coming in October, says Jonathan Ross (video)

Project Natal coming in October, says Jonathan Ross (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360breaking newsBreakingNewsconsoleconsolesgamesgamingmicrosoftmotion controlmotion control gamingmotion gamingMotionControlMotionControlGamingMotionGamingnatalperipheralproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal makes a Smallville cameo, does not guarantee ability to fly*]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/project-natal-makes-a-smallville-cameo-does-not-guarantee-abili/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/project-natal-makes-a-smallville-cameo-does-not-guarantee-abili/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/project-natal-makes-a-smallville-cameo-does-not-guarantee-abili/#comments We didn't get any more details about Microsoft's Project Natal add-on for Xbox 360 from the X10 event, but tonight Smallville viewers got to watch someone else whipping their arms and legs around trying to catch imaginary balls flying out of their TV screen. Short of some actual time gesticulating wildly in front of that motion sensing cam this is the closest thing we've got to actually using it, but as the clip (embedded after the break) shows, girls are likely to be more impressed by someone that can fly.

Gallery: Smallville Project Natal scene

Continue reading Project Natal makes a Smallville cameo, does not guarantee ability to fly*

Filed under:

Project Natal makes a Smallville cameo, does not guarantee ability to fly* originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cwgesture controlGestureControlmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalscreen grabsScreenGrabssmallvillexbox 360Xbox360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal prototype spotted on a makeshift Gorillapod stand, sensing your every move]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/project-natal-prototype-spotted-on-a-makeshift-gorillapod-stand/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/project-natal-prototype-spotted-on-a-makeshift-gorillapod-stand/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/project-natal-prototype-spotted-on-a-makeshift-gorillapod-stand/#comments We're not sure if this is a hint toward the final form factor, or merely the simplest conglomeration of parts available to get working Project Natal sensors in the hands of developers, but The Seattle Times has posted a picture today a developer prototype of the motion-sensing unit. The seems clearly slimmer in proportion than the soundbar-styled renders we've seen thus far, but also quite a bit different than the hacked together hardware used for the Jimmy Fallon demo of the tech. Of course, the fact that the assembly has been slapped atop a Gorillapod makes it hard to believe this is near-final hardware, but it's still fun to see this stuff as evolves toward our living rooms.

Project Natal prototype spotted on a makeshift Gorillapod stand, sensing your every move originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gorillapodin the wildInTheWildkinectmicrosoftnatalproject natalProjectNatalprototypeprototype hardwarePrototypeHardwareThu, 04 Feb 2010 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo said Ninten-no to Project Natal in 2007?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-said-ninten-no-to-project-natal-in-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-said-ninten-no-to-project-natal-in-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-said-ninten-no-to-project-natal-in-2007/#comments Great balls of console wars fire! A top-level Nintendo insider has revealed that the motion-controlled gaming setup we now know as Project Natal was offered to the Japanese company way back in 2007 and promptly turned down because it was considered too expensive. We're told this decision came from supremo Satoru Iwata himself, who was worried about latency and the purported inability to sell it at "mass-market prices." This implies, of course, that 3DV Systems was fully responsible for Natal -- which Microsoft staunchly denies -- but CVG seems to consider its informant's words to be beyond suspicion. All we know for sure is that the stuff's coming, and awkwardness at house parties is about to reach a whole new level.

Nintendo said Ninten-no to Project Natal in 2007? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dv systems3dvSystemsconsoleconsole warsconsolesConsoleWarsgamesgamingiwatakinectmicrosoftmotion controlMotionControlnatalnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiproject natalProjectNatalsatoru iwataSatoruIwatawiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:19:00 EST