(Source: Business Wire)
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq "MSFT") and PrimeSense, the leader in 3D sensing and recognition technologies, announced today that PrimeSense will be providing its leading-edge 3D-sensing technology for use in "Project Natal" for Xbox 360.
"We've seen tremendous excitement and anticipation for the arrival of ˜Project Natal' this holiday," said Ilan Spillinger, vice president of Xbox 360 hardware. "PrimeSense has delivered an important component to the technology, helping us deliver revolutionary controller-free entertainment experiences in the living room."
"PrimeSense's technology enables a paradigm shift in the way people interact with consumer electronic devices. The engagement with Xbox 360 establishes PrimeSense's position as a leading supplier of 3D-sensing technology," said Inon Beracha, chief executive officer, PrimeSense. "We are especially honored to have a partner like Microsoft who shares our vision for bringing innovative and engaging natural experiences to consumers."
"Xbox 360 Hardware Engineering teams developed the ˜Project Natal' sensor based on the PrimeSensor reference design to support the special requirements of ˜Project Natal,'" said Aviad Maizels, president and founder, PrimeSense.
PrimeSense is making possible a 3D (webcam-size) camera that captures 2D+ depth data in realtime. Using the depth map, they can create real-time keys and mats that allow for the removal of the background.
The depth map creates all kinds of opportunities for new applications. PrimeSense has made a smart business model decision to be a fab-less semiconductor company and to work with major OEMs to create and market the hardware, while working with creative and software companies to build applications and games on top of their software. They’re currently working with developers and have major companies that are already developing games and other products based on their technology.
They showed us a few sample applications:
- A remote-less media interface that allows you to navigate and control media selection, playback, volume, etc. using only your hands…
- Controlling a preexisting game without modifying the game – in this case, Adi Berenson of Prime Sense is playing a game similar to Dance Dance Revolution, and the camera is watching his movements and mapping them to what the game thinks are keystrokes. It’s like Wii without the need for the controller…
Their strategy is a good one – add value on underlying technology – chips and software/SDK – and let the CE tech giants with distribution in place and the content developers do what they do best.
- They also showed demonstrations of a touch-less touch screen interface for digital signage.
PrimeSense is a company to watch. Look for their stuff out of the whisper suites and on to the floor in the future.
via etcenter.org
PrimeSense is the leader in sensing and recognition technologies enabling consumer devices to "see" environments and allow users to control and interact naturally with those devices in a simple and intuitive way. PrimeSense offers affordable solutions for consumer markets including visual/home computing, interactive entertainment and consumer electronics. PrimeSense products include the PS1080 System on Chip and PrimeSensor reference design, plus cross-platform enabling software to make application development easy and intuitive. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in North America, Japan and Taiwan, PrimeSense is a privately held company. For more information, please visit: www.primesense.com.
