Project Natal: Xbox 360 Motion-sense technology

Any proper gamer would’ve heard of Microsoft‘s Project Natal by now, although we won’t really blame you if you don’t. What we do know about this exciting Xbox 360 accessory is truthfully, not very much, and just a little bit more than all of you who lived under a rock until now.

Project Natal is the code name for a “controller-free gaming and entertainment experience” by Microsoft  for the Xbox 360 console gaming platform. Based on camera sensor add-on peripheral  for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a game controller through a natural user interface using gestures, spoken commands, or presented objects and images. With the huge success of Nintedo’s Wii platform, the project is aimed at broadening the Xbox 360′s audience beyond its typical gamer base.

Project Natal's camera sensor

According to Engadget, a developer of webcam technology called PrimeSense has ‘fessed up to be the leading handler behind Project Natal’s “magic camera”

Here’s a video of what Project Natal can currently do:

While the PlayStation 3 is harping on internal storage and a blu-ray drive — (an PS3 external hard drive is available if the internal one ain’t enough for you, as well as blu-ray media) — and the Nintendo Wii on it’s action controls, Microsoft intends to barge into new technology for it’s flagship gaming console, Project Natal for Xbox 360. That, plus the cool new accessories for Xbox 360 coming out right now, like this Xbox 360 portable hard drive. The Project Natal technology is rumored to be on schedule for a Q4 launch. Hold on to your hats, gamer boys.

Bonus: Have a look at PrimeSense’s demo to Engadget here.