PROJECT NATAL (Microsoft™)
INTRODUCING CONTROLLER FREE GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT!
Project NATAL is the code name of Microsoft’s all new gaming platform which aims to allow the user
to connect seamlessly with the device without the need for external controllers through nothing but
human motion and gestures. Project Natal was first announced on June 1 at the 2009 Electronic
Entertainment Expo.
The project is based on an external peripheral that needs to be attached to the XBOX 360 to enable
motion gaming .The sensor recognises motion inputs and also speech recognition. The device not
only takes motion inputs but also interacts with the user.
An approximately nine-inch (23 cm) wide horizontal bar connected to a small circular base with a
ball joint pivot, the Project Natal sensor is designed to be positioned lengthwise above or below the
video display. The device features an "RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone, and
custom processor running proprietary software", which provides full-body 3D motion capture, facial
recognition, and voice recognition capabilities. The Project Natal sensor's microphone array enables
the Xbox 360 to conduct acoustic source localization and ambient noise suppression, allowing for
things such as headset-free party chat over Xbox Live.
The depth sensor consists of an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, and
allows the Project Natal sensor to see in 3D under any ambient light conditions. The active depth-
sensing range of the depth sensor is adjustable, with the Project Natal software capable of
automatically calibrating the sensor based on the gameplay and environment conditions, such as the
presence of couches.
Project Natal is reportedly based on software technology developed internally by Microsoft and
hardware intellectual property acquired from time-of-flight camera developer 3DV Systems
The project will later be extended to cover other digital media and appliances. Soon enough TV
remote controllers may become defunct with is using just our hand motions to control the TV. Flap
your hands to switch on, pinch and zoom to increase/ decrease volume etc.
Time magazine has listed the much hyped motion-sensing control for video games as one of the top
inventions for the year 2009.
Project natal is already getting great reviews from around the world. Some famous ones from the
gaming heavy weights:
“Microsoft ‘Project Natal’ could fundamentally change the way players experience sports
games,” said EA Sports President Peter Moore. “At EA, some of our top development teams
are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on
genres like sports and racing.”
“Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and
how it can transform consumers’ video games experience. We have development teams
working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new
technology affords,” said Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at
Activision/Blizzard.
Project Natal aims to directly take on and do one better than Nintendo’s Wii platform. Here’s hoping
that Microsoft succeeds.
- Nilayan Ahmed -
