Microsoft Unveils Project Natal a 3D Motion Sensing Camera

Microsoft, in an attempt to challenge the Wii motion remote, has unveiled a new 3D motion capture camera that integrates full-body motion into the Xbox 360 game console.

Code-named Project Natal, the 3D camera is able to translate movements into onscreen play - without even holding a remote or device in your hand.

Furthermore, the XBox 360 3-D motion sensing camera is also able to recognize facial and speech movements that allow a more personalized experience with the gaming console.

The Project Natal video below shows a demonstration of how the new Xbox 360 works. It shows several demonstrations; one showing a kid using his own skateboard told the xbox 360 to "take picture" and the camera took a picture of each side of the board in a few seconds. A few seconds later, the kid was flipping through skateboards in a skating game and selected the one he just imported and began skating.

Other examples of the 3d motion sensing camera shows a girl taking a call from another friend. The two were able to see each other in live color and able to talk normally using the speech recognition built-in the camera. There was also a fighting game where you see the instructor following you around the room as you walked from side to side.

Pricing and Availability of Project Natal / Xbox 360 3D Motion Camera has not yet been released. Microsoft did say that the camera would not be ready for the 2009 season.

Microsoft already announced that the XBox would be getting more social by adding Facebook, Twitter, and Last.FM to the gaming console. With all of these additions, Microsoft could be positioning themselves in a very good spot to compete with the Wii.