project natal
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Natal, PS3 motion wand inspire new wave of plastic props
Do you get the sense that Project Natal is ... missing something? Accessory peddler dreamGear does. The maker of such essentials as the 3-In-1 Player's Sports Kit for Wii, the 7-In-1 Player's Kit for Wii, the 10-In-1 Player's Kit for Wii, and the 15-In-1 Player's Kit for Wii is already hard at work trying to adapt its enhancements for Microsoft's upcoming motion technology release. "One of the biggest challenges for peripherals firms is keeping up with changing technology, particularly the trend toward interactive gaming started by Nintendo and now embraced by Microsoft's Project Natal," dreamGEAR COO Richard Weston explains to MCV. Molding a plastic steering wheel that fits in everyone's hands is a true challenge, you see."From all the recent revelations at E3 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, motion sensing devices and add-on accessories for these devices will be the main focus in the future," Logic3's sales manager Paul Croucher frighteningly foretells. So then, the snooker cue attachment for the PS3 wand confirmed? Please, make it STOP.
THQ has had Project Natal 'for some time'
With Microsoft revealing Project Natal earlier this month, we've seen some of the things Microsoft and its studios are doing with the peripheral (not to mention the talent enlisted), but what about third parties? We know of at least one developer who has had Natal, and that's THQ. CEO Brian Farrell reveals (via G4) that his company has "had kits for some time," somewhere around "4, 6 weeks, however long they've been available." While not confirming any projects yet, Farrell did say that top men (top men) in his company have been checking out Natal and brainstorming.
Microsoft confirms acquisition of 3DV
Speaking during an annual conference at Microsoft's Israeli research and development center, the head of Israel R&D and corporate VP Moshe Lichtman openly confirmed the acquisition of 3DV's motion technology -- the same motion technology speculated as being used in the company's ambitious Project Natal. "The R&D center helped Microsoft in buying the intellectual property of 3DV Systems, and in the wake of that, dozens of the company's employees were recruited to work at the development center," Globes reports Lichtman said. Though we still don't know the amount Microsoft spent acquiring 3DV, considering the amount of marketing muscle "the big M" is putting behind Project Natal, we're guessing it wasn't exactly a pittance. Now, to arrange for a few sneaky Joystiq operatives in Israel to find out exactly what's happening inside the company's clandestine research and development offices.%Gallery-65582%[Via Edge Online]
Analyst: PlayStation Motion Controller better for core gamers than Natal
Hey, remember that Gamasutra feature where Michael Pachter said Xbox Twitter was the greatest thing of E3? Yeah, well in that very same feature, Cowen and Company analyst Doug Creutz had some choice words for the PlayStation Motion Controller. Specifically, Creutz believes that while Project Natal may have gotten the bulk of E3 coverage, the PlayStation Motion Controller is the better peripheral for hardcore gamers."Natal appeared to me to be a technological solution in search of a problem," said Creutz. "I had a very hard time envisioning playing Modern Warfare 3 using Natal," he said, adding, "By contrast, I had a very easy time envisioning it (and enjoying it) using Sony's control/motion capture scheme." Creutz stated that Microsoft is likely trying to snag some of the Wii's casual marketshare -- "a difficult proposition given that you're essentially asking casual gamers to upgrade twice during the cycle," according to Creutz -- while Sony's device caters more to the core gaming demographic.We must point out that neither Project Natal nor the PlayStation Motion Controller are finished products, so there's no telling how they might be implemented in future games. For example, there's no reason that Natal couldn't make use of both motion sensing and traditional control, similar to Sony's device. Furthermore, we'd say Sony is probably just as keen to capture some of the casual market as Microsoft.
Peter Moore on the state of EA Sports, motion control
Gamasutra has published a very lengthy interview with EA Sports guru Peter Moore, in which he discusses the current plans of the label and the strategies behind sports game development and publishing. Perhaps most interesting are Moore's thoughts on the new motion control technology revealed by Sony and Microsoft during E3. Moore speaks about the possibilities of the new motion controllers, saying they will impact EA Sports "very positively."Moore says that the company is already making plans to bring its "licensed product" and its "fitness product" to these new interfaces. Specifically, Moore imagines how a game like Fight Night or the upcoming EA Sports MMA would work with them, saying, "if it were in a first-person mode it would be very very cool." Agreed. He calls the new motion controllers a "huge opportunity."Other topics in the interview range from the possibilities for smaller, regional titles (like cricket), the future of the Madden series and how EA plans to keep EA Sports Active ... um ... active in consumers' minds. Incidentally, this is the same interview in which Moore stated that Metacritic scores aren't necessarily relevant to the sales of Wii titles.
Ballmer apologizes for letting slip wrong Natal release date
Microsoft has already come out and clarified Steve Ballmer's recent statement that Project Natal would be rolling out sometime in 2010 (possibly in the form of a new Xbox console), but it looks like the man himself also felt the need to set the record straight. Speaking with IGN, Ballmer said that he "confused the issue with my poorly chosen words," adding that, "there is no news in my comments. Things are as reported after E3. Sorry." Of course, this would be somewhat understandable if it were an isolated incident, but as you no doubt recall, Ballmer also recently dropped word of an earlier than expected Zune HD release date, which prompted yet another quick "clarification" from Microsoft. But hey, he only works there.[Via Joystiq, image courtesy guardian.co.uk]
Ballmer sorry about confusing Natal 2010 statement
It's not every day that the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation apologizes to you, so excuse us if we drink deeply of Steve Ballmer's statement to IGN, in which he apologized for referencing a new 360 console to launch in 2010 last week.Specifically, he said "I confused the issue with my poorly chosen words. There is no news in my comments. Things are as reported after E3. Sorry." Tell you what, Steve, you give us one of your patented "World's Greatest Back Rubs," and all is forgiven. (Also, we're sure you meant a new Xbox 360 bundle, right?)
Video: Stephen Colbert unveils the Microsoft XXbox
Taking aim at Microsoft's recently unveiled Project Natal, Stephen Colbert unveiled a new-new console on The Colbert Report the other night. The XXbox (or Ex-Xbox, one of our readers cleverly pointed out) bests Natal's lack of controller by at least one point, lacking a console and games. For about 500 bucks, it sounds like a steal. But you know, we'll buy any new gadget. Video is after the break. [Via Joystiq]
Stephen Colbert unveils Microsoft's next console
Wow, Microsoft has been on a roll lately. First the company unveiled Project Natal at E3. Then came the dreams of fantastic controller-less games, giggling like idiots at a weird, digital boy and squealing like children as we pretended to drive a car. And now, guess what kids? Project Natal is yesterday's news, as Stephen Colbert somehow managed to get the green light from Microsoft to unveil its next Xbox console, the ExXbox.Honestly, we're at a loss for words. Forget Project Natal. Put away MotionPlus. Shelve the PlayStation Motion Controller. The level of innovation here is simply through the roof. Rather than attempt to describe how incredible it is, allow us to direct you past the break, where you can see the future unfold before your eyes (look for it at 1:40 in the video).[Thanks, Jay!]
Engadget Podcast 151 - 06.19.2009
It's been one hell of a month, hasn't it? New Palm phones, new iPhones, a big Kindle, that Natal thing... LL Cool J. Yes, a lot has happened in the past few weeks, and it's tough to contain all of that activity inside one teensy podcast -- but we've tried. Join Josh, Paul, and Nilay for another adventurous adventure through time, space, and love as they explore the deeper meanings of the cosmos, the universe, and consumer facing gadgetry. If you don't love the way you feel after listening to this thing, you may already be a zombie. Update: We had some issues with the MP3 of the podcast -- should be working now. Ping us if you have trouble! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Viva La Vida Hear the podcast 00:02:05 - iPhone 3G S review 00:13:47 - Video: Josh, Jimmy Fallon, and the iPhone 3 Ga-Speed 00:25:54 - MacBook Pro (mid 2009) in-depth impressions 00:41:30 - Nokia N97 hands-on and impressions 00:45:12 - LL Cool J's hilariously aggressive N97 ad: "don't call it a comeback" 00:50:20 - WebOS homebrewers say 'Hello World!' to Palm Pre 00:58:00 - Pre gets NES emulation in Linux; our thumbs are in for a world of hurt 00:59:18 - Amazon Kindle DX unboxing and hands-on! 01:06:30 - Project Natal basis for new Xbox console coming Fall 2010? 01:06:50 - Like weeds: new Natal Xbox rumor shot down, 3D Xbox rumor pops up to take its place 01:07:35 - Project Natal recognizing retail shelves in 2010, says Ballmer (update: maybe not) 01:09:50 - Johnny Chung Lee joins Project Natal team, puts Wii hacking experience to good use 01:13:17 - Olympus E-P1 'digital Pen' gets official, so does our lust 01:15:25 - Olympus E-P1 video samples posted, camera turns up in ad-within-an-ad Blendtec spot 01:19:00 - Engadget Chinese goes hands-on with the Olympus E-P1 01:20:00 - Adamo redux: Dell teases new thin-and-light laptops in Paris with no specs Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Ballmer references Project Natal launch in 2010 [update]
While there's no official release window for Microsoft's motion-sensing camera interface, Project Natal – heck, there's not even an official name of the thing yet! – comments made by Microsoft CEO (and professional stretcher) Steve Ballmer indicate a 2010 launch. TGDaily reports that "Ballmer stated openly during a speech on the recession to those in attendance at the Executives Club in Chicago, a new Xbox 360 will hit the store shelves in 2010."The report never mentions "Natal" and refers instead to a "console" featuring a built-in camera. An example of a writer not familiar with the beat, or an allusion to a new Xbox-branded console, as rumored? Maybe a little bit of both: a console-level launch for the Natal, as mentioned by Shane Kim? The complete lack of reference to "Project Natal" in the report makes us question the specifics regarding a "new Xbox 360." However, a new Xbox 360 SKU featuring Natal could be one alternative possibility – but forget about all that! What's important is the 2010 comment. Regardless of how Natal is packaged, Microsoft's top dog says you'll be flailing your arms next year.We've asked Microsoft to clarify Mr. Ballmer's statements or provide a transcript. We'll let you know what they say![Update: Unsurprisingly, Microsoft didn't have much to say on the matter. They tell us, "As the Xbox team stated at E3 two weeks ago, we are not even halfway through the current console generation lifecycle and believe Xbox 360 will be the entertainment center in the home for long into the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time." So, there you are.]
Project Natal recognizing retail shelves in 2010, says Ballmer (update: maybe not)
Despite our incessant pleading, not a soul at Microsoft -- including newly-minted media darling Kudo Tsunoda -- would give up a release window for Project Natal, except to say "not in 2009." Well, at least we know we won't be waiting too far into the future. Company CEO and cheerleader Steve Ballmer told attendees to his speech at The Executives Club of Chicago today that the Xbox 360 motion control interface is coming in 2010. That's still a large timeframe, but hey, at least you can go ahead and start planning your block-breaking 2011 New Year's Eve party now. Update: Looks like Steve might've spoken out of turn. Microsoft just us over an official statement reiterating that they "have not confirmed a launch date at this time." Full reading after the break.
Ubisoft on next gen costs, current gen motion control
Speaking to CNBC, Ubisoft big cheese Yves Guillemot says that development costs on the next generation of games are going to be huge. With large games currently costing up to $30 million to develop, Guillemot believes that cost could rise to $60 million by the time the next hardware cycle arrives.Regarding Natal, which Microsoft is treating like a new console, Guillemot says that consumers will soon "take the other step - pushed by the environment." Guillemot is happy to keep working with current hardware, saying, "I'd like to stay with this generation as long as possible, but my customers will want the best machine possible." One thing that might push the next generation of games out sooner than expected, according to Guillemot, is the potential of new online consoles like OnLive. "If OnLive manages to make this work," said Guillemot, "we will have a next generation of systems sooner than currently planned."Still, Ubisoft is in no hurry and plans to develop motion controlled games for all the current consoles -- up to 80 percent of Ubi's lineup will likely be motion controlled, actually. That's a lot of Rabbids.
Microsoft denies new Natal-based console, as a new 3D rumor surfaces
Microsoft has responded to the rumor of a new Natal-focused Xbox 360 successor, with two separate sources denying the existence of the new console to Eurogamer. One unnamed source at MS told Eurogamer ""Don't believe nonsense on the internet is all I'll say. We'll do the right thing for Natal." Aaron Greenberg responded in a calmer manner, saying "I think part of the excitement about this announcement is that in many ways we are delivering a next generation experience this generation. With that said, I can confirm that Natal will run on Xbox 360 so no new console investment will be necessary."Conspiracy theorists should note that both of these denials leave the door wide open for the rumor to actually be true. No new console investment will be "necessary" for Natal -- but it certainly could be an option, and there's always the possibility of Natal technology being built into the next console. And "the right thing for Natal" could certainly be "building a whole console around it." Releasing it as a standalone doesn't preclude the release of a later console with it built in.Meanwhile, TeamXbox claims to have inside information about plans for the next Xbox console, specifically that Microsoft will not launch it in 2010 because the company is planning to include stereoscopic 3D functionality in full HD, and is waiting for the proliferation of televisions that support that technology.%Gallery-65582%[Via Engadget]
Like weeds: new Natal Xbox rumor shot down, 3D Xbox rumor pops up to take its place
Rumor mongers seem hell bent on Microsoft building a brand new Xbox, despite what we assumed was wonderful news that current Xbox owners wouldn't have to shell out for new hardware to handle Project Natal. Well, Microsoft has already hit back against 1UP's rumor of a new Xbox coming in Fall 2010, calling the report "nonsense." Others have pointed out that the camera hardware actually does almost all of its own processing, so a slight hardware bump to the 360 would be kind of pointless -- though most seem to agree that Microsoft will package Natal with the 360 in a new SKU akin to the Arcade or Elite. Meanwhile, TeamXbox, the ones who seemed to think the Zune HD was a portable game console of sorts, have a new rumor in the works: the next Xbox 360 won't be out in 2010 because Microsoft is going to wait for 3D-capable TVs to become more commonplace and launch a stereoscopic 3D console at that time. It sounds enticing, but given the fact that the Wii has succeeded directly in the face of its next-gen television empowering PS3 and Xbox 360 competition, we can't say it's the most likely of ideas -- if anything, Microsoft will need to have some solid backwards compatibility for us 2D "Take On Me" types. [Via PC World] Read - Microsoft sources play down reports of new Xbox Read - TeamXbox predicts 3D Xbox
Rumor: Natal part of new Xbox console, due Fall 2010
Remember when Shane Kim acknowledged that the Project Natal launch would be more like a console launch than a simple peripheral launch, saying, "Conceptually, the launch of Natal will be like the launch of Xbox 360"? Well, 1UP is reporting that, if its sources are correct, the Natal launch will be a new console launch! "Microsoft will not only release Natal as an add-on for the Xbox 360, it will come standard with the next Xbox console," 1UP writes. "Yes, there will be a new Xbox console next fall."Lest you think this is going to be a simple bundle, Natal camera included, 1UP "heard it will be considered a new platform and carry a new name (Xbox Natal?)." Suddenly, we're reminded of the rumored Valhalla chipset, which would combine the 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU into one superchip, with reduced cooling and power demands. With that, Microsoft could make a smaller – more Wii-esque if you will – Xbox console, perfect for the mainstream consumer.Incidentally, that chipset is expected sometime around 2010 which is precisely when 1UP pegs the new console's launch: "sources point to next year's Game Developer's Conference as the target for its unveiling and Fall 2010 as the target for release." So, a slightly upgraded Xbox 360 coupled with the Natal camera, targeted towards your parents? Just because we're leaving the speculation there, doesn't mean you have to. Sound off in the comments! %Gallery-65582%
Project Natal basis for new Xbox console coming Fall 2010?
We'd be careful about putting too much stock into an admittedly far off rumor, but the gang at 1UP claim they've heard from those in the know that Microsoft's set to release a new Xbox console in Fall 2010, and that current media darling Project Natal is "the cornerstone" of that evolution. Specs-wise, it's suggested we're looking at only a marginal boost analogous to Nintendo's GameCube-to-Wii transition -- place your bets on how long it'll take to "max out" this time -- as well as a rebranding (Xbox Natal, anyone?) aimed at attracting the highly coveted, more mainstream / casual audience, before Mario and the crew catch a second wind with the oft-rumored Wii HD. There's nothing unbelievable about these whispers, but again, Fall 2010 is quite a ways off and anything can happen in the meantime. First unveiling will allegedly be the 2010 Game Developers Conference in early March, so your best bet for now is to hold tight and keep a close eye on who gets a primetime slot among that event's keynote speeches.
E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup
E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted. We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.
Johnny Chung Lee joins Project Natal team, puts Wii hacking experience to good use
In this time of economic hardship, it warms the heart just to hear that someone's found any job. But when our main man Johnny Chung Lee lands a position on Microsoft's Project Natal team, it's high fives and handshakes all around. And really, it's a perfect fit -- among the many hacks of his illustrious career, he's put together a VR head tracker (and utilized it in a first-person shooter) for the Wii game console. Apparently, Lee's part of the group that is taking the tech we saw at E3 and getting it ready for prime time. As you'd expect, the man is pretty stoked to have landed his dream job. "The 3D sensor itself is a pretty incredible piece of equipment, he says, "similar to very expensive laser range finding systems but at a tiny fraction of the cost." Congratulations, Johnny! If you should feel the need to leak any product pics, you have our email address. [Via Joystiq]
Kim: Microsoft treating Natal launch like a new console
Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Shane Kim, says that the Project Natal launch will be a large-scale endeavour, with its own sizeable launch lineup and everything. "Conceptually, the launch of Natal will be like the launch of Xbox 360," he told Kotaku during E3. "We're not just going to ship it when the hardware and software are ready." He said that Natal would require a "great launch line-up" like a new console.This explains why we don't know the "final" name for the product yet -- if Natal really is being launched like the Xbox 360 hardware, Elijah Wood will reveal the name during an infomercial on MTV.%Gallery-65582%
