Xbox 360 Motion Camera Revealed

Yesterday, Microsoft revealed their rumored answer to the Nintendo Wii. Project Natal was the code name for a motion camera used to play and control your Xbox 360 - hands free. Presented at the currently ongoing E3 Expo 2009 (Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009) at the L.A. Convention Center.

Just like the Wii's sensor bar, the Xbox 360 "controller bar", including a camera, a microphone and sensors, sits either on top or below the TV and tracks your movement and translates it into digital signals:

"Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the "Project Natal" sensor is the world's first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, "Project Natal" tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.

In addition, unlike other devices, the "Project Natal" sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn't just react to key words but understands what you're saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond."