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Xbox 360 motion-sensor reveal rumored for E3

Source: See below.What we heard: Last week, ye olde rumor mill churned out a report that Sony would reveal the motion-sensing controller that it patented last year at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.Now, it's Microsoft's turn.The speculation stems back to February, when reports out of...

Source: See below.

What we heard: Last week, ye olde rumor mill churned out a report that Sony would reveal the motion-sensing controller that it patented last year at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Now, it's Microsoft's turn.

The speculation stems back to February, when reports out of Israel and Silicon Valley indicated that the software giant had purchased the startup 3DV Systems to acquire its Z-Cam motion-sensing technology.

The Web site for 3DV describes its technology thusly: "For the first time ever, you can use your body freely to control games, no wearables required, no limitations attached. Move your hand, leg, head, or finger in any direction and setting, moving quickly or making fine, minor movement--all these gestures are easily detected and understood by the system, creating a unique, personalized, and immersive gaming experience. This experience is complemented by the ability to combine your own 3D image inside the game scene, in real time."

The Microsoft motion-sensing front remained largely quiet until last Friday, when popular tech blog Engadget posted a photo of a motion-sensing camera peripheral hooked up to an Xbox 360. The controller's capabilities sounded virtually identical to that of the Z-Cam, with "full body and hand gesture control of games [and] characters" including the ability to "kick, punch, duck, dive, [and] jump." The add-on will also apparently recognize "hand gestures like pinching, grabbing, and scrolling" and will also feature live video conferencing, among other features.

Then, amid the Cinco de Mayo revels on Tuesday, top-tier tech site Ars Technica and the British newspaper The Guardian both posted articles saying that they had already demoed the 3DV Z-Cam--at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show more than one year ago. The latter even has video of it in action (at time count 1:17), which indeed shows Minority Report-like functionality, with correspondent Bobbie Johnson navigating a series of menus with a few hand motions.

The CEO of 3DV Systems, Zvi Klier, explained to the Guardian that "while a regular camera sees color per pixel, this [Z-Cam] camera sees distance per pixel, and because we see exactly what's happening in front of the camera, we can understand human gestures very easily."

Both the Guardian and Ars Technica go on to describe the Z-Cam's features as being exactly the same of those outlined by Engadget. And with the technology so far advanced, both postulate that the enhanced 360 add-on might be the centerpiece of Microsoft's E3 press conference on the morning of Monday, June 1.

The official story: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--Microsoft spokesperson.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Microsoft is working hard to catch up in the motion-sensing control race. But will the 360 add-on be ready by E3? It certainly looks close...

326 Comments

  • killa32130

    Posted Nov 7, 2010 6:05 pm GMT

    @Autolycus ""not happening, they are too far into it and people arent willing to change (and that includes developers). MS isn't stupid, so why would you be stupid enough to believe this is coming out for the 360?"' Lol @ comment, even if it's a year old.

  • mataphysical

    Posted Sep 18, 2009 6:02 pm GMT

    Im happy Xbox is producing a motion sensor.
    mainly for games like wii fit
    but i hope they dont completly take our contorllers away.

  • fckinretard

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 1:42 pm GMT

    I Can Dig It. Like For Star Wars Games! Sick! Or Like Fable! Or Like Soul Calibour!

  • agafu

    Posted Jul 18, 2009 11:20 pm GMT

    its greattttttttttt

  • Excedra

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 11:16 pm GMT

    natals awesome

  • TyroneBlak

    Posted Jun 10, 2009 10:29 pm GMT

    might as well do those things in real life

  • InuHanyou1701

    Posted May 28, 2009 12:09 am GMT

    Hmm... I think if this can be implemented properly it could be pretty cool. I'll be watching to see how well they do this.

  • Gorthin

    Posted May 19, 2009 4:49 pm GMT

    this could be fun...as long as u can still sit n' play

  • SPD_WeBmAsTaH

    Posted May 18, 2009 9:13 pm GMT

    I think this will be a failed attempt for the gamers but a magnet for the idiots who barely play.

  • st25

    Posted May 18, 2009 5:10 pm GMT

    Maybe I am just lazy. But I just got tired thinking about all the running and kicking, shooting, passing and jumping I would have to do to use this.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted May 18, 2009 12:48 pm GMT

    Its an option!

  • Petercairns

    Posted May 15, 2009 9:33 pm GMT

    so tru josiah4972

  • josiah4972

    Posted May 14, 2009 1:47 pm GMT

    Why?... Just why? people buy the 360 and ps3 to escape the Wii!

  • BlackBaldwin

    Posted May 14, 2009 6:13 am GMT

    interesting concept but just another piece of junk that I'm more then happy to do without...

  • bennae66

    Posted May 14, 2009 12:01 am GMT

    if it 'works' it will be cool. the eyetoy and playstation eye were 2 of the WORST investments i have made to gaming. im almost embarrassed.

  • bballabarry

    Posted May 13, 2009 6:24 pm GMT

    didnt they just post an article not to long ago that sony was doing this? gamestop is running out of ideas.

  • mazniq

    Posted May 13, 2009 6:58 am GMT

    This is so not intriguing... |-(

  • QOSMSTR

    Posted May 13, 2009 6:14 am GMT

    Ok thats good. your right its 'choice' and i personally am not going to buy it. but its your choice.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted May 13, 2009 12:36 am GMT

    @QOSMSTR,

    Its simply an optional 'Addon', in the same way the 'Eye Toy' was on the PS2.

  • QOSMSTR

    Posted May 12, 2009 3:36 pm GMT

    @thenephariouson

    Will this be "either or" or are they going all motion sensing? because i have got mixed reviews from diferent sources.

  • Autolycus

    Posted May 12, 2009 11:17 am GMT

    not happening, they are too far into it and people arent willing to change (and that includes developers). MS isn't stupid, so why would you be stupid enough to believe this is coming out for the 360?

  • thenephariouson

    Posted May 12, 2009 4:14 am GMT

    @QOSMSTR,

    Personally i dont think that will ever happen, as ultimately its simply a case of technological evolution, there has always been a symbiotic relationship between games companies whereby company A brings out a design, then this is further developed by company B and so on, take 'Online Gaming' for example, in a strange way they are actually dependant on each other to push the boundaries even further, which i think is great, be it games themselves, hardware or otherwise.

    I dont see this as copying at all, just a case of evolution, which is no bad thing, and ultimately, no ones making you purchase it are they? so whats the problem? cos i dont see one.

  • QOSMSTR

    Posted May 11, 2009 6:26 pm GMT

    if the Xbox turns into a Wii im going to kill myself...

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted May 11, 2009 10:20 am GMT

    And another thing that I think, IF microsoft was so rich,then why would they want a motion controller,its not like we havnt ever seen that before. (sixaxis,and of course Wii)

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted May 11, 2009 10:19 am GMT

    @whitebum 123

    I disagree with your theory that Sony isnt going to be here in the coming future,now I'm not trying to start a argument,i am just saying that i think that they will be around because they have so many products to offer,and thats should keep them alive. Just my opinion against yours,but not an argument.

  • whitebum123

    Posted May 11, 2009 3:10 am GMT

    I GUARANTEE Microsoft's pockets are a lot deeper than Sony's and Nintendo's. They are here to stay whether you like it or not.

    Nintendo...MAYBE, just maybe, I can see that. Sony...as a whole?! With movies, music, all forms of electronics - TV's, PC's, stereo systems, cell phones, cameras - I'm gonna have to say I don't think so on that one.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    According to to the 2008 logistics report provided by forbes.com sony is ranked 182, Whilst microsoft is ranked 83. This number "is based on sales, profits, assets and market value to rank companies according to size".

  • TehUndeadHorror

    Posted May 10, 2009 11:11 pm GMT

    This is just silly...

  • don_bidarian

    Posted May 10, 2009 6:09 pm GMT

    awful
    i like classic controllers.

  • payne6705

    Posted May 10, 2009 4:03 pm GMT

    I don't understand what all the fuss is with motion controls most of the Wii games aren't that good with the motion control no matter how many time I tweak the damn thing also I loathe the PS3 motion controls I feel they break gameplay and just make the games more frustrating I rather microsoft work on something else if I wanted a motion sensor type of game I wouldn't have bought both a 360 or PS3 but stick with the Wii

  • Shantrix

    Posted May 10, 2009 10:06 am GMT

    LOL whats the matter microsoft? intimidated by nintendo's super awesome profit? Want some of it? Well guess what?? You are late.... 3 years late.....

  • MacBrother

    Posted May 9, 2009 1:12 pm GMT

    Horribly stupid plan by Microsoft. Unless a perpetual comes with the original console no one will buy it. The Wii motion controls is successful because every game uses it to an extent. Only a select few titles will by Microsoft and maybe some 2nd parties will develop for this. They should have invested this technology in the next generation or just make another good game.

  • jlevin860

    Posted May 9, 2009 11:49 am GMT

    this is just the first step towards virtual reality video games. it will come....

    also whoever said microsoft breaks even and they do it to protect their pc market.... you are wrong. how do you even justify that statement?
    the pc market is not enough alone and they wanted some of the ps2's market share. duuuuhhh

  • guyguyguy1234

    Posted May 9, 2009 9:57 am GMT

    NO

  • fps_d0minat0r

    Posted May 9, 2009 8:08 am GMT

    M$ and sony are both being silly now.....

    if we wanted motion sensing we would have bought a bloody wii.

    ppl only bought 360's and ps3's for their graphical capabilities, classical controllers and exclusives......we dont want this motion sensing rubbish!

    sixaxis is a perfect balance of motion control and button/analogue control in games and for sony atleast, it should stay that way.

    xbox however doesnt have a choice except put everything they got into the market......they already have the worst lineup for 2009, actually their just as bad as the wii's lineup.

    nothing at all to bother god of war, gran turismo, uncharted 2, infamous, heavy rain, MAG ect....
    i can already see xbox users coming to PS3 by the end of this year and also the serious wii gamers.

  • haloshalo

    Posted May 9, 2009 7:39 am GMT

    ohh poor nintendo every one is trying to get a piece

  • mhder

    Posted May 9, 2009 4:08 am GMT

    BrandonC3000 said:

    @mhder
    Why do they need to justify and defend this? I believe the statement is "More power to us!"
    Remember, we don't need to buy this stuff, but the fact that it's out there is a signature of the Xbox 360's superior flexibility over both the PS3 and the Wii. No, it may not be "fair" in the eyes of those who say that Microsoft is stealing idea's, but honestly... who in the right mind cares? Microsoft wants our money, and we want to pay for good technology. As long as I get to do that I will.

    @ brandon. It's not to you or MS. I'm talking about THOSE fanboys that came here laughing at Nintendo or sony for making people waggle to play games. They often said - I wanna play with a real controller. Now good for MS, they are trying something new but I just want to hear what some of those hardcores who refused to give an alternative control scheme a chance reply to the direction "their console" is taking now. I never take a hard stance on things because things can change and it can come back to bit me in the butt. For those MS fanboys who called the Wii a gimmick.. well doesn't this fall into that line too?

  • MarcjinJaume

    Posted May 9, 2009 3:18 am GMT

    now it's getting interesting

  • haloshalo

    Posted May 9, 2009 1:22 am GMT

    how about a devise that can sense what gamers want, call it gamers sensor, any way its better to clean the wii from dust now since they all want garbage sensor, and no one can be as creative as nintendo

  • MagicOneUp

    Posted May 8, 2009 8:32 pm GMT

    @aldovalera69
    that would be AWESOME with Ninja Gaiden's!!!! a real body work out! flicking ninja stars or slashing enemies with ultra rapid movements!!!

  • MagicOneUp

    Posted May 8, 2009 8:30 pm GMT

    at lease this is better than Sony's attempt with their disco LED's and Swiss knife controller add-ons. this is the real deal, full body motion sensing!! very cool MS!

  • necronaux

    Posted May 8, 2009 10:37 am GMT

    'bout 4 years too late.

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted May 8, 2009 9:04 am GMT

    @XanderZane
    i back up my facts aswell

    ps3 sales in 2008 = 11,004,360
    http://vgchartz.com/hwtable.php?cons%5B%5D=PS3®%5B%5D=Total&start=39446&end=39817

    Ps3 sales in 2007 = 8,103,463 http://vgchartz.com/hwtable.php?cons%5B%5D=PS3®%5B%5D=Total&start=39082&end=39453

    and comparing 3months is not a way to decide that ps3 is doing rubbish

    also the $1.5billion loss made from sony in 2008 was the whole of sony, not just ps3, and microsoft is making a loss aswell. atlease sony nearly breaks even with every ps3 sold

  • PAKMANN2K

    Posted May 8, 2009 4:55 am GMT

    I think everyone thinks a little too much about sports games and action games. Think bigger. Play Simcity with your hands. Flight Simulator when you can reach out and touch the controls. A racing game without a $100 steering wheel. Play poker and really throw the chips in. Play pool without a stick, or maybe with a real stick. Mechwarrior without a $200 controller. Even navigating the dashboard will be cool using your hands. I have heard of technology like this that can recognize your face. When you come home, your xbox could say hello to you. Think big! This is more than just another way to bowl in your house.

  • aldovalera69

    Posted May 8, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    Imagine if it works with Assassin's Creed?? Ninja Gaiden II, and DMC 4?

  • -Squirrel-

    Posted May 8, 2009 1:42 am GMT

    Well I won't condemn or promote it till I see and play it, but once again it looks real if-fy. We know Wii Motion + works and we know it's not very expensive, but a camera just reminds me of the Sony Eye Toy's full body control. I bet we'll see it at E3, but unless it is truly revolutionary control then I doubt it will make a big splash. Especially if Sony does the same thing, and when we already know Motion+ is days after E3.

  • prytherce

    Posted May 7, 2009 10:10 pm GMT

    @noahphoenix
    by the way i do have a wii, and when i first got it back when it first came out i was ecstatic, and thought it was quite awesome, but as i have had it for a while, the graphics are starting to get frustrating something which i accepted at first and didnt care about because of gameplay and cool motion controls. the wii isnt bad by any stretch i just think they couldve done a better job in the long term its seems to have fizzled out, unless the wii motion plus can breathe some new life. and yes onlive has amazing potential the only problem it has is that the game selection might be limited, to games other than the core console games, but whatever, currently im starting to get tired of the wii, and the majority of the library is ridiculous, we shall see where things go.

    and im just hating on microsoft, 360's not that bad, not that big a deal, its just games

  • rpgnutt

    Posted May 7, 2009 9:37 pm GMT

    i think its not the same as the wii motion sensing but better,if they can pull it off hands free game play for like certain games who will not wont that. MS is looking at the bigger picture for motion sensing capturing body movement as a whole. some will want it some will not but i for one was waiting for something like this for xbox 360.MS is selling more units then sony and i dont need to look up any stats to no that. its not being a fanboy its just reality.

  • hattorihanzo32

    Posted May 7, 2009 8:36 pm GMT

    question how would u walk forward with no controller

  • enragedrenegade

    Posted May 7, 2009 7:24 pm GMT

    By this time around, I thought that MS would move on to something different other than motion sensing since it's already been established by Nintendo and to a lesser extent Sony. Its really not innovative at all. Plus, 360 has an established gamer base but I guess they're trying to make it more lucrative to the other potential customers who either don't have 360 or is bored with the Wii and would like to try something different.

  • todsnet

    Posted May 7, 2009 6:58 pm GMT

    the wii has allready done it, leave it alone. I hate the wii. When I come home from work I don't want to work out to play a game I want to have fun sitting in front of the tv relaxing and playig a video game with my hands on my controller and my thumbs on the thumbwheel simple as that. So Sony and Microsoft stop trying to be like the Wii.

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