Microsoft to Use 3D Tech?

Everyone with a pulse knows that the Nintendo Wii is the hottest thing since sliced bread. All other companies are simply playing catch up. Well, VentureBeat.com is reporting that Microsoft is trying to purchase Israeli-company 3DV Systems for $35 million which it hopes will accomplish exactly that.

What does that have to do with making up ground on Nintendo's motion control? Well, it just so happens that 3DV Systems develops something called ZCam technology. ZCams operate similarly to Sony's EyeToy but are said to have much greater accuracy when it comes to movement. It's aided by 3D cameras that measure an object's trajectory and depth. It does so by using black-and-white imaging to mark far away objects as black which will lighten as they get closer to the camera. The lens is constantly snapping images of the objects in-frame which makes it possible to track movement.

VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi demoed 3DV's technology with flying games -- using his hands to cradle an imaginary joystick -- and a boxing game where punches were accurately gauged by 3DV's ZCam.

Of course, there's no telling how Microsoft will use the new camera technology or if it will even follow through with the supposed buyout. It could be used for virtual keyboards in office applications, with current Xbox 360 games as an add-on peripheral or as a staple and the main controller that powers Microsoft's next gaming system; whatever that may be.

http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954830p1.html