Wall Street Journal Backs Xbox 360 Motion Control Camera Rumor

By Michael McWhertor

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Microsoft is heavily rumored to not only be working on a motion control-enabled camera accessory for the Xbox 360, but to reveal said add-on at this year's E3. That rumor has started to gain traction.

The Wall Street Journal writes today that, yes, Microsoft is prepping the oft-rumored, spy-photographed camera add-on that was allegedly revealed last month. The Journal's report says that the new hardware will "allow players to control games with the movement of their bodies," citing "people familiar with the matter."

Motion detection camera experts 3DV Systems' is suspected of being the supplier of said technology, which can track both full body movements, as well as smaller actions like pinching and grabbing. Microsoft was reported to have been in talks to buy 3DV earlier this year.

The Journal's unnamed source indicates that, while we may see the new tech shown at this year's E3, it might not be released until next year.

Microsoft Plans 3-D Camera for Xbox 360 [WSJ]

eye toy?

They need to just keep upgrading the MicroZCAM and just save this s*** for the next generation. Throwing it out now is just stupid, will make them look stupid, and isn't gonna do jack for sales. Good idea to be implemented IN the next Xbox, but not the 360.

This is almost assuredly not going to be limited to the 360. They will probably offer this to tv manufacturers and other such devices. I can't see playing games with something like this, but it could make interacting with the tv very nice. Maybe something good for video conferencing, etc. This is also probably something that BigGames is working on.

well... if you want to troll that route... webcams have been out longer then the eyetoy..

Not to mention webcam games have been out longer...

We can only hope we get the same entertainment with this cam as the casual games last year at the MS press conference. Duffy (?) not being able to sing her own song was also pretty special but the Wii music presentation?

What has been seen cannot be unseen. :( Sony was just boring besides Tretton looking nervous throughout the whole conference anf clapping at his own comments. :/

So it goes something like this?:

Microsoft to Isreali company: "I'll buy you"

Microsoft to AMD: "Give us a combined Xenon/Xenos and ED-Ram @ 45nm so I may feast on the blood of Sony"

Microsoft to Samsung: "See we have this camera and this software and this game system thrown in for free, all for $99 for you, very low one time offer, you no get better anywhere else. Love you long time!"

Samsung to Microsoft:

Well thats cool to hear. I will be interested to see it in action.

I watched the conference through GameSpot last year and for some reason Duffy's performance was embargoed...so they played a video of a breakdancing Master Chief for 3 minutes.

At this point I'm not sure which is more hilarious.

I'm kinda hoping this motion control camera rumor is true. I don't think it'll do much for the 360 but the internet drama that will ensue from its announcement should be entertaining to say the least.

^^LOL. Could be.