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Project Natal and other natural user interface products that Microsoft is working on are helping usher in a new generation of human-computer interaction.
Bill Buxton first used a computer in 1971. It changed his entire perspective on life.
Even four decades ago, Buxton could picture a future enhanced by technology. Eventually he came to dream about humans and computers having close interaction – being able to operate a computer by gesturing at it or by touching it, or having a computer recognize your voice and face.
Bill Buxton, a principal researcher for Microsoft, talks about working on new systems that allow people to work more naturally with computers.
“I’m excited more now than I have been since I’ve been in the business because I can taste it now,” says Buxton, a principal researcher at Microsoft since 2005. “Stuff I’ve been working towards and thinking about and dreaming about for 20 or 30 years is now at the threshold of general usage.”
Touch, face- and voice-recognition, movement sensors – all are part of an emerging field of computing often called natural user interface, or NUI. Interacting with technology in these humanistic ways is no longer limited to high-tech secret agents and Star Trek. Buxton says everyone can enjoy using technology in ways that are more adaptive to the person, location, task, social context and mood.
He sees a bright future in which entire “ecosystems” of devices and appliances co-exist with humans in a way that makes life better for people. Microsoft, with researchers like Buxton, is a leader in developing these new, more natural ways of interacting with computers. The company will showcase some of this technology at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week.
Project Natal, which turns game players into human controllers, is among the most high profile examples of the coming shift in technology, Buxton said. Microsoft announced at CES this week that the Xbox gaming device will be available in stores this coming holiday season.
Project Natal is the code name for an Xbox 360 add-on that incorporates face, voice, gesture, and object recognition technology to give users a variety of ways to interact with the console, all without needing a controller. It’s a “delightful” new way to spend time with friends and family playing games, watching TV shows and movies, and listening to music, says Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division.
Bach says Project Natal and other NUI-related products will offer more natural ways to interact with video games, computers and other technology.
“For me, when people talk about touch and voice technologies, or anything related to Natural User Interface, it all comes back to what’s most natural for the users,” Bach says. “That’s why you’ll see a variety of user interfaces that are considered natural, because each one is tuned to the environment in which it operates.”
The holiday 2010 release of Project Natal will come exactly one decade after the first Xbox console hit the shelves in the holiday season of 2000.
“Natal is a next-generation experience that we’re actually delivering this generation,” says Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360. “And they don’t even need to buy a new console.”
August de los Reyes, principal director of user experience for Microsoft Surface, says says natural interfaces are just the latest in a long line of evolving human-computer interaction.
Project Natal and other Microsoft-focused NUI projects represent a fundamental shift in the way people can interact with technology. The term Natural User Interfaces actually describes a wide-ranging category of technology that is perhaps most easily identified by what it lacks – the traditional methods of input including mice, keyboards, and controllers.
The goal of natural interfaces is not to make the keyboard and mouse obsolete, says August de los Reyes, principal director of user experience for Microsoft Surface. Instead, NUI is meant to remove mental and physical barriers to technology, to make computing feel more intuitive, and to expand the palette of ways users can experience technology.
Continue: Natural User Interfaces Voice, Touch and Beyond Project Natal and other natural user interface p
Datel has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft after the Xbox 360 platform holder's most recent dashboard update disabled support for third-party memory units.
The complaint, filed in San Francisco federal court by Datel's representatives Howard Rice, accuses Microsoft of "exclusionary, predatory, or anticompetitive acts".
It also dismisses the company's official explanation for the patch - that third-party memory units can be used to cheat on Xbox Live - as a "pretext" for establishing a monopoly on third-party accessories.
Just over a month ago, Microsoft announced it was banning third-party memory units and that anyone using one should buy an official alternative or they would lose access to their profile and saved games.
Datel founder Mike Connors has said that the third-party peripheral company has sold more than 50,000 such unofficial memory units, and that the only difference between its offerings and Microsoft's is that the official unit "offers only one-quarter the memory while listing for the same retail price".
"Microsoft has taken steps to render inoperable the competing Datel memory card for no visible purpose other than to have that market entirely to themselves," said Howard Rice director Marty Glick in a statement.
Datel sues Microsoft over mem unit ban News Xbox 360 Eurogamer
I know some of you are already enjoying many of these features through the Preview Program, but I am happy to announce that the next update that contains Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune video will be available to all Xbox LIVE members launch Nov. 17.
Here is the full description of what’s new
•Facebook – Update your status to share what movie, game or entertainment you're enjoying, connect with friends and view their Facebook stream, status updates and photos on the big screen – all seamlessly integrated and custom-built for Xbox 360. You can even compare your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists to see which of your friends are on LIVE. • Zune – Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers a full fidelity experience with instant on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering, it's there at the press of a button. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen – it puts a whole new spin on "movie night." • Twitter – Stay in the know by discovering, posting and replying to Tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who's tweeting about your favorite game. • Last.fm – Discover more music and explore endless personalized radio stations with Last.fm on Xbox 360. Skip, "ban" or "love" tracks to create your perfect mix-we've even built in "Gamer Stations" with game-related types of music selected specifically for the gaming community (Available in the U.S. and UK)
In addition to these social features, Xbox LIVE will also be debuting "News and More," a new section of the "Inside Xbox" channel, transforming Xbox LIVE into a full-fledged media portal. With a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert, "News and More" brings the latest in current events, arts and entertainment right to your fingertips.
Source: Major Nelson
November 2010 release, 5m units global ship, 14 games, and super-low sub-£50 price
Our sources say the innovative controller-free 360 camera will be released worldwide in November 2010.
This and other details have emerged following a behind-closed-doors Microsoft tour of UK publishers and studios – the format-holder has been demoing the tech and detailing its 2010 plans in order to spur more development support.
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NewEgg.com, perhaps inadvertently breaking the news, is listing that a Microsoft Xbox 360 wireless N Networking Adapator will be going on sale today for $100.
The adapter, which shows official Microsoft packaging and uses model number PHD-00001, is said to increase the speed, range and wireless security features of the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter.
Via Kotaku
Neowin member Liam has tipped us off to some big news for those waiting on the Sky TV announcements for Xbox 360. According to Liam, over at http://xbox.sky.com there's a bunch of XML data which feeds the Sky Player application. Currently it's providing data for Live TV channels that are available. The following channels will be available:
Full Information at Neowin
I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox LIVE Update Preview program for upcoming features such as Zune, Facebook and Twitter. Much like we have done in the past, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag. Once you do that, you need to fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey in order to be considered for receiving the Preview System Update. We're asking a few questions about where you live, your home network, ISP connection and a few other pieces of information. We are looking for a good cross-section of our members in order to get the best feedback we can. The Xbox team will then review all of the applications and if you’re selected we’ll send you an email notifying you of your acceptance in the program. A couple of points before you head off to register:
Continue At Source
With the holidays just around the corner, Xbox 360 has announced two new offerings to make shopping season a breeze, the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle and the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack. Start building that holiday wish list, or give the gift of games and entertainment to your family, friends or yourself!
When the weather outside is frightful, Xbox 360 offers more value in the box with the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle, including a premium Xbox 360 Elite console and two games the whole family can enjoy – at no added cost. Enjoy making your way through Gotham City by building, driving, swinging and fighting in Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s “LEGO Batman: The Videogame ” featuring the DC Comics superhero, Batman – and his deadly foes! And, perform incredible stunts while jumping from massive peaks in the award-winning and critically acclaimed “PURE,” a quad-based action sports game from Disney Interactive Studios. Plus, with a 120GB hard drive to download and stream movies, TV shows and Game Add-ons, the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle provides endless entertainment this holiday season. The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle ships to retailers today and will be available for $299 (U.S. ERP).
The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack is a perfect gift or stocking stuffer at a great price. This bundle includes a black wireless controller along with four hit Xbox LIVE Arcade games including, “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2™,” the latest version of the frenetic retro shooter game, “Lumines LIVE!,” the award-winning music-based puzzle game, “Bomberman LIVE!,” which allows you to compete with up to eight players online as you battle through exotic arenas, and a downloadable token for “Ms Pac-Man®,” an arcade classic. You’ll also receive a 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold Trial to experience everything Xbox LIVE has to offer. Add the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack to your holiday fun, available this November in all countries where LIVE service is supported for $59.99 (U.S. ERP).
Source: Gamescoreblog
Late last week, we reported that Italian site MondoXbox had spotted an ad for an Xbox 360 802.11n adapter in the Gears of War 2 Game of the Year Edition box. Prior to that, the device was reviewed by the FCC. Speaking to Joystiq, Microsoft has confirmed that there is indeed such an adapter in the works. Unfortunately, the confirmation was accompanied by few actual details.
Full Story at Joystiq
Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.
There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements (Facebook/Twitter/Last.FM) that will arrive later this year.
Via majornelson
Beginning today and running through October 5th, when you purchase an Xbox 360 Elite for $299, we’ll kick back fifty-bucks your way in the form of a rebate. Cash money. This is for US purchases only, and you should visit Xbox.com/eliterebate (when it is live later today) for details and rebate requirements. Read the official press release here.
I am in Los Angeles at a Modern Warfare 2 press event where we just announced the Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console. It is available for pre-order today at U.S. retailers, and in other regions later this week. The package includes the custom designed console, 250 GB hard drive, two wireless controllers and a standard edition of Modern Warfare 2 for US $399.99. Edit: You can now Pre-Order the console on Amazon
Via Major Nelson
As an Xbox 360 user from day one, I will again assert that this wonderful console is a double-edged sword. It has the best games and the best network of any console. But when it comes to reliability, the Xbox 360 puts up Yugo-like numbers. It's just an industry joke. The latest evidence comes courtesy of a new study by SquareTrade:
Game Console Failure Rates: Wii 9 times more reliable than Xbox 360, 4 times more than PS3 SquareTrade analyzed failure rates for over 16,000 new game consoles covered by SquareTrade Care Plans and found that the Wii experienced one-fourth of the common failures that the other systems have.
Game Console Failure Rates: Wii 9 times more reliable than Xbox 360, 4 times more than PS3
SquareTrade analyzed failure rates for over 16,000 new game consoles covered by SquareTrade Care Plans and found that the Wii experienced one-fourth of the common failures that the other systems have.
You can download the entire study in PDF form. Among the details:
Looking at the first 2 years of ownership, 2.7% of Wii owners reported a system failure, compared with 10.0% of PlayStation 3 owners, and 23.7% for Xbox 360 owners.
More info at winsupersite
Always read the fine print. Part of a footnote from this morning's Xbox 360 price cut press releasebore this little oh-by-the-way: "Xbox Live Gold Membership will be required for Twitter and Facebook when they are available." When MCV followed up on the tucked-away tidbit, a Microsoft spokesperson suggested that the press release's statement was "inaccurate" and that the company was "still formulating its plans" for integrating the social networking services into Xbox Live. A few short hours later, those plans appear to be formulated. A Microsoft representative has clarified for Joystiq, "Facebook and Twitter on Xbox Live will be free to Gold members, with a free trial period also available for Silver members."
Full Story at joystiq
Now that the Xbox 360 Elite has had its price trimmed, there is room at the top for something even MORE elite... And now that gap has been filled. Coming to South Africa in October will be the Xbox 360 'Super Elite', the new big daddy of the range, featuring a massive 250GB hard drive and two wireless controllers.
Below is a BT Games advert showing off an upcoming 'Super Elite' offer:
Head on over to xboxgaming.co.za for more information