Microsoft says IllumiRoom tech too expensive for Xbox One

Microsoft's IllumiRoom, the prototype technology that mixes a Kinect sensor with projectors to paint your living room with effects, is unlikely to be released to consumers.

"I wouldn't expect you'll see that," said Xbox One director of product planning Albert Penello to Ausgamers during Gamescom 2013 in August.

Penello explained that the prototype hardware currently costs too much for the average consumer.

"It's really super-neat if you're in the lab and you've got Microsoft money and you could totally set up this awesome lab, but… we looked at it, but for an average customer it's, like, thousands of dollars [for the set up]."

In April, Microsoft's original pitch for the device said that "IllumiRoom envisions a next-generation gaming console with a projector that sits on your coffee table and surrounds your television with projected light." The device would project light around your television screen to convey effects, such as shaking when guns are fired, or having falling snowflakes appear to bounce off furniture in the room.

A five-minute video of the technology showed IllumiRoom working with Gearbox's Borderlands and Valve's Portal.