Microsoft purchasing 3dv system - works better than Wii

[shams]

BrainBoxLtd said:

shams said:
Its not even close to the Wii.

It would work for some types of games - MS could do a convincing WiiSports title for instance.

But with no buttons, and no easy/accurate way of selecting or controlling things on-screen - its only half a solution.

Having to pick up a 360 controller to do 'everything else' wouldn't be that great (otherwise, its basically just EyeToy...)

 

 Matt C. demoed this thing at was pretty impressed with it, claiming it out Wiied the Wii. (Wish I had found this video first.)

This happened at the 2008 CES, before Wii Motion Plus was introduced.

Still it looks like really cool, and the people behind seem to have some level of practical solutions behind a lack of traditional interface options. But your point stands Shams about the Wii Remote’s ability to encompass numerous input options in one small device.

People who don’t understand the Wii Remote simply assume motion controls is the only reason why it’s a success. The Wii remote versatility is what makes it truly shine. I aim at the screen I’ve got a pointer. I turn it on its side I’ve got a NES controller. I plug a nunchuck into it and I’ve got a traditional controller set-up. I can stick it in a plastic shell to make it resemble a gun, or steering wheel. Oh, and it has motion controls. And you can combine these different elements in dozens of ways. All in something that looks a remote control.

I like off-beat controllers, and if this Z-cam comes out with something to play at a decent price I’ll probably get one to along with my PS Eye and XBOX Vision Cam. But I doubt I’d find as many uses for it as my Wii Remote.

I have no doubt it beats the Wii - with Motion+ - for many types of games.

But - the brilliance behind the Wii is the "all-in-one" solution.

 - want a normal controller? turn it 90degrees, and done.

 - want to select things on the screen ala mouse? Just point at the screen, and done.

 - want 'broad' gesture recognition? Just swing it around - done.

The Wiimote has a speaker, has force feedback, shows which player you are (and the battery level), etc.

...

If this tech is accurate enough to detect 'button presses' (i.e. tiny twitches in the fingers) reliably - then it may well be game on. MS can release several 'shells' (plastic) to make it more intuitive to use - and the tech could take care of the rest.

Personally, I don't care *that* much about gestures for the Wii. The screen pointing interface is much more important.