Controller-free gaming with Microsoft Natal

Last week saw Microsoft unveil the Natal controller-free gaming system for its Xbox games console. This new technology tracks the movements of your body so you can do everything from kick a ball to bust a groove with no handset or controller required.


So how does it work? A camera fitted with infra-red sensors tracks the user's movements and then simulates their gestures and the speed with which they're made. The problem is that you have to be four metres away from the camera for it to detect movements correctly. Oh, and anyone who's overweight might just make the system crash.

Natal is, however, still a prototype and some of these issues will almost certainly be overcome. In the long term, Microsoft is also planning to include voice and facial recognition, as well as the ability to 'scan' objects and transpose them into the gaming environment. This new concept of gaming should help bring a more fun dimension to the image of the Xbox console.

Microsoft hasn't yet given any pricing information but release is scheduled for Christmas 2010.




> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products