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Project Natal

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Gaming has come a long way since the very first ‘home console’ was introduced in the 1970’s. Since then, technological advancements have allowed gaming to reach new height after new height, bringing advancements in graphics, playability and interactivity to give you a mind-blowing experience with each new aspect. Possibly the two greatest advancements of our generation was the introduction of online  gaming against friends and the Wii’s motion sensing peripherals to bring a whole new level of interaction to the user. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Microsoft X-Box have taken those technologies, combined and bettered them and recently unveiled Project Natal.

Project Natal is a whole new world of technology that seems years ahead of its time. Think ‘Minority Report’. No wires and no controllers; just you and your body is all that you’ll need to use this revolutionary form of gaming hardware. YOU are the controller.

The Natal works by using full skeletal mapping, 3D and motion capture software to create a 3D mirror image of the user. In essence, you become the lead character of the game. You will even be able to use your own gear. A simple ‘scan’ command, and the Natal will scan what you are holding, it will then re-create that in virtual form for use within a game! Neat, huh?

Voice commanded software has been around for a while but this is the first time it will come as standard to a gaming device. Want to play Call of Duty? Simply say ‘Play Game’. Want to watch the movie you’ve selected? Simply say ‘Play movie’. Want to chat with your friend, Dave? Simply say ‘Chat to Dave’.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Natal will be comfortable with facial recognition - it will know who you are and it will load your account and avatar without any prompting. If you don’t have an account, the Natal will scan your hair and body, recognise what gender you are and load the relevant sexed avatar for you to use.

You will be able to navigate menus with a flick of the wrist and play games which will involve the whole family.
Microsoft have not given out a release date just yet, however, working prototypes have been unveiled and tested at gaming conventions such as E3, giving us a tantalising look into what the coming years may hold.
Gaming is about to be revolutionised. By George Bateman