MICROSOFT SET TO BRING 3D MOTION CONTROL TO XBOX360 & PC GAMES

First reported as a rumour by Israeli news outlet Haaretz, Dean Takahashi, a veteran journalist now writing for VentureBeat states that his sources also confirm the takeover deal in a recent column. Microsoft stands to acquire 3DV Systems for the relatively small sum of $35 million. 3DV Systems has raised over $38 million from investors like Rafael Development Corporation and The IDB Group since its inception in 1997. Obviously this will result in a significant loss for the investors.

With the acquisition of 3DV Systems, Microsoft is looking to gain a stronger foothold in the video game console market. The company’s Xbox 360 is currently in a distant second place in this generation of video game consoles behind Nintendo’s Wii; a system that relies heavily on motion-based control, often considered easier for “non-gamers” to play.

Though the Xbox 360 and its nearest competitor the PlayStation 3 from Sony already have camera peripherals that can be used as control devices, the software for these has been less than stellar. The titles are always played on a 2D plane, leaving little room for innovative game design and the devices themselves are often imprecise or require excessive lighting to function.

The ZCam, which will undoubtedly be renamed by the time it is released to the public, was first announced back in 2007. It differentiates itself from the current Xbox Vision Cam, Wii Remote and PlayStation Eye by allowing users to make gesture inputs in a fully 3D space without the need to hold or wear an external input device.

The Zcam is also capable of rendering a user’s own 3D image within software in real-time. This feature could provide an unparalleled amount of realism for just about every video game genre. Microsoft has not yet officially announced their takeover of 3DV systems, so it is unclear if they will incorporate the technology into the Xbox 360 or wait until it’s next-generation console debuts in a couple of years

[via gamingfront.net ]

Rumor Limit: Microsoft’s next “box”?

Check out this article. Next box in rumored to have virtual mapping, better games, and come out in the next 2 years. I really hope not. i have spent thousands of dollars on the 360, accessories, and games.

In the video game industry rumors are always flying. Four years into this generation of consoles rumors are starting to spread throughout the industry about Microsoft’s new console that is in the works. Rumors that Microsoft is looking to integrate a interface similar to that we saw in the 2002 Thriller Minority Report have been tearing through the industry since Microsoft announced its purchase of Caligari, a developer of 3-D Modeling Software.


Imagine the possibilities if this technology would make it way into consoles. The hands on strategy could be integrated into games in many different ways and in a sense reinvent gaming. Could this be the end of the controller? If so could this technology be the final blow to Sony in this Console war. Microsoft as you may have remembered strategically launched the 360 early to get a quick lead on Sony. If Microsoft were to launch this supposed new technology within the next 2 years before Sony’s Playstation 3 has reached it’s full potential Microsoft’s strategy could win them yet another lead in the next-generation race.

All Press releases show Microsoft’s move to buy the Company geared toward the improvement of their Virtual Earth mapping system. Could this be a cover up? All bets are that Microsoft has something huge planned for this years E3 could this be it? Are we ready to give up the controller we have had in our hands for decades? Although this is just speculation its very exciting hype as we gear up to enter the next generation.

[via gamerlimit.com]

Sony, Nintendo, Nokia Sued Over Wireless

It looks like Sony, Nintendo, and Nokia are in trouble.

Sony, Nintendo and Nokia are currently infringing on patents related to the connectivity of handheld gaming devices, a new complaint says.

A court filing obtained by Edge from February 13 shows that Plano, Tex.-based Wall
Wireless LLC is suing Sony, Nintendo, Nokia and related companies including Sony
Computer Entertainment America and Nintendo of America for allegedly infringing
upon U.S. patent 6,640,086, named "Method and Apparatus for Creating and
Distributing Real-Time Interactive Media Content Through Wireless Communication
Networks and the Internet."

The patent explains that the invention "pertains ... to methods and systems that allow an operator to distribute messages having aural or visual content that is generated by the operator using handheld apparatuses such as mobile telephones."

Wall Wireless alleges that Sony's PSP, Nintendo's DS, as well as certain real-time online multiplayer games such as Mario Kart and WipeOut Pulse infringe on the patent. The plaintiff also says that Nokia's mobile devices N81, N82, N93 and N95 infringe on the patent, along with the mobile game Reset Generation.

Wall Wireless' namesake, Corbet Wall, filed for the patent in 2001 in Taiwan and the U.S. The U.S. Patent Office issued the patent in 2003.

The complaint said that each defendant received a notice of the patent in question "at least as early as October 2008." Defendants have yet to take a license under the patent, the filing stated.

"Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Defendants from infringing the ‘086 patent, Wall Wireless will be irreparably harmed," the complaint added.

Aside from a permanent injunction, Wall Wireless is seeking damages, costs, expenses, attorney's fees and pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.

"As a result of Defendants’ infringement of the ‘086 patent, Wall Wireless has suffered monetary damages that are compensable ... by no less than a reasonable royalty," the filing stated.

[via edge-online.com]

Microsoft is buying 3DV Systems

Check out this article. It basically describes what "3dv systems" is and what it can do fot the 360.

A report surfaced last week that Microsoft was buying 3DV Systems, a company
that makes motion-detection technology, for $35 million. My sources confirm that
this is true.

Microsoft and 3DV declined to comment to me last week.

Motion-detection will be big for the future direction of Microsoft, as
it reacts to the Nintendo Wii, which revolutionized the game console industry
with its motion detection technology.

As I’ve mentioned, buying 3DV
would be the opening gambit in a next-generation user interface battle. It has
bearing on the future video game console war, but also likely involve the future
of gesture controls for the PC and TV.

The purchase price was very
small, thanks to the weak economy and the long gestation that this technology is
going through. 3DV has raised $38.5 million. 3DV’s investors include Elron, a
member of Nochi Dankner’s IDB group, Pitango, Kleiner Perkins Caufield &
Byers, and RDC Rafael Development Corp.

3DV has been working on its
ZCams for some time. These cameras function much like Sony’s EyeToy, but they’re
much more accurate at detecting motion. That’s because they’re 3-D depth
cameras, which sense how far away an object is from the camera. In the camera’s
black-and-white imaging, the closer objects are lighter and the more distant
objects are darker. The camera captures the locations of objects many times per
second, so it can detect an object and its trajectory, making it perfect for
game control purposes.

When I did a demo of the technology, I was able
to control a game just by waving my arms around. I could fly a plane by
pretending to hold a joystick and also box against a virtual fighter by throwing
punches toward the camera. The motion detection was accurate, much more so than
with the Wii, which uses relatively cheap but primitive accelerometers and
infrared technology for motion detection.

But 3DV’s cameras could also
be used to control a computer or serve as a remote control for a TV. 3DV is just
one of a bunch of companies in this area. Other 3-D depth camera makers include
Canesta and PrimeSense. Softkinetic is making software to make the technology
more usable, and GestureTek has a bunch of non-gaming gesture-based technologies
on the market. Sixense is making another kind of gesture-control interface using
magnetic fields.

Microsoft could either use 3DV Systems’ technology in a
new game that comes with a gesture-control accessory, or it could put the 3DV
technology into a brand new video game console. If it did the former, it could
very quickly introduce something better than the Wii for use with the current
Xbox 360 or the PC. The gesture-control accessory could work with just one game,
much like Activision Blizzard packages a guitar accessory with its Guitar Hero
games.

The risk of that strategy is that game developers aren’t likely
to develop games that take advantage of that accessory unless that game is a
massive hit. More ideally, Microsoft could wait until it can introduce the new
gesture-control technology with a new game console in a few years. That way,
developers can create games for it knowing that every single console sold will
have the gesture control. The risk of waiting is that the Wii is likely to clean
up in the meantime.

The Wii is the No. 1 game console, even though its
graphics aren’t as good as the Xbox 360’s or the Sony PlayStation 3’s.

[via venturebeat.com]

GTA4: Lost and the Damned Xbox Live Week

This week is a big week for Grand Theft Auto 4 fans. Today "GTA4: The lost and the Damned" expansion pack was released and is avalibe for download on Xbox Live Marketpalce for 1600 micrsoft points. Theres a "The Lost and Damned Sweepstakes", Game with Rockstar, new avatar clothing and more. Check it out below.

First some info on the new episode.

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned is the groundbreaking new add-on episode with a plot that intersects with the main storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV. Featuring Johnny Klebitz, a member of The Lost Motorcycle Club, The Lost and Damned offers an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new missions, multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, and a diverse soundtrack with additional music.



Join a biker gang in The Lost and Damned.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting new adventure in Liberty City, Xbox and Rockstar Games are bringing you The Lost and Damned LIVE Week, with exclusive contests and great prizes, plus the chance to experience the new multiplayer modes free of charge for all LIVE members throughout the LIVE week, including during the Game with Rockstar and Game with Fame events.




The Lost and Damned Sweepstakes

Download the gamer pic to register and then download The Lost and Damned from Marketplace or play a multiplayer match of Grand Theft Auto IV between 12:01 A.M. Eastern Time (ET) on February 17 and 11:59 P.M. ET on February 22, 2009 to enter the big sweepstakes.

Get more details on the Lost and Damned Sweepstakes.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States (includes the District of Columbia) 18+. Game ends February 22, 2009. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see the Official Rules.


Game with Rockstar

The developers behind The Lost and Damned are taking their game online February 20 to join the Xbox LIVE community. Rockstar Games will be playing Friday night from 5:00 – 9:00 P.M. ET (2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. PT) to showcase the new multiplayer modes, so join the party for some insider tips from the talented people behind the game.

Get more details on this Game with Rockstar event.


New avatar clothing

There are new avater clothing incuding

A hat
leather jacket
leather pants
torn jeans
a ring
2 new earings
new boots
and new gloves.

Check them out on my avatar.





most of this information can be found at xbox.com

New Bnet Feature Preview

When Halo 3 launches next week we will be ushering in a new and improved version of Bungie.net to blow your mind and offer an unprecedented amount of stats and features to embellish your Xbox LIVE experience. The Bungie.net team has been working overtime to cram a crazy amount of content onto the site. If you thought the Halo 2 / Bungie.net integration was cool... you aint seen nothin yet.

Chris Gossett, Bungie.net Development Lead, spoke with Team Xbox and gave them some additional details about what's in store for Bungie.net. You can check out a laundry list of features, new screenshots of the site and some insights right HERE.


This Wednesday, the first step towards Bungie.net interweb domination begins with the launch of our new framework and some infrastructure that's needed for the Halo 3 hoopla.

Then, this weekend, we will be pulling back the curtain and turning on all of the Halo 3 features. This means that starting on Saturday, if you start poking around Bungie.net, you could very well stumble across some information you may not want to see before you get the game. This would include things like the names of missions, achievements and - screenshots. Members of the press will start receiving their Halo 3 game discs later this week and there's a high likelihood that some people in the media will start to experiment with Bungie.net and upload screenshots to their gallery.

Read more

Some image previews of the new Bungie.net. Click links to view them.

User Profile

Screenshots

Saved film Feature

Service record

Game History

Login Screen

Halo 3 How-to: Forge Object Editing

Bungie posted this:

It's a big article about the How to's on Forge. It describes alot about forge so don't miss out on reading it.


Advanced Forgery

On the surface, the Forge is pretty straight forward. Create fusion coil, hurl at friend, repeat ad infinitum. However, there are some other things that you may choose to make yourself aware of if you wish to master your tools.

Inventory and Budget

The number of objects you can place in the Forge is ultimately limited by two things: Inventory, which is the number of a specific object that you can place, and Budget, which is an overall total that keeps things in check.

There’s actually a third limit that kicks in when you’ve got a whole heck of a lot of objects on the map, but really, you need to be looking for trouble to bump into that one. The Forge will just squawk at you and give you a polite error message if you try to go above it. Don’t bother, it’s not that spectacular.

Read more

Halo 3 How-to: Forge Basics

Bungie Posted this:

What Is The Forge?

In the beginning, there was a single sniper rifle on Colossus. And it was not so good. One of the new multiplayer features introduced in Halo 3 is the Forge. The Forge is an object layout editor, a tool to allow players to rework the various weapons, vehicles, and scenery that Bungie’s multiplayer designers have thoughtfully placed around Halo 3’s multiplayer maps. Better still, the Forge is a multiplayer editor in every sense of the word: you can enlist the aid of a few friends to edit a map with you, in the same game, over the usual gamut of multiplayer situations (splitscreen, system link, or Xbox Live.) Of course, any gathering of friends inevitably devolves into shootings. Fortunately, the Forge also plays host to a variety of novel combat conditions, and even a couple of peculiar games made possible by the lax rules and on-the-fly editing.

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Interactice Halo Diorama

Microsoft and Bungie put an interactive version online of the Diorama featured in the Believe campaign. Visit the John-117 Monument and get a hands-on look at the amazing detail that went into crafting this stunning tribute.

The exhibit is filled with first-person accounts from the soldiers who were there, fighting for our very survival. From billows of smoke erupting from a cannon to the sweat dripping from a Marine's brow, you can explore this painstaking recreation of our greatest fight, and Earth's greatest Hero.

You can take screenshots and the result make a great wallpaper. You even get to see master chief and its great. I will be posting a zip file with all the wallpapers to you don't have to. http://halo3.com/believe

Halo 3 To Quickly Push $200m In Sales

Posted by Xbox Family:

Following a meeting with Microsoft Xbox execs, Lazard analyst Colin Sebastian has estimated Halo 3 sales could quickly reach $200 million in "one of the largest and most successful product launches in digital entertainment."

Sebastian says the launch prediction is "based on our conversations with Xbox management as well as our own industry checks," with "significant preorders and broad consumer anticipation" of the Xbox 360 title.

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Unite to Fight: Halo 3 Launch Week

posted by TeamXbox

“Unite to Fight: Halo 3 Launch Week” Invites Fans to Join in the Biggest Entertainment Launch in History

The world is a mere two weeks away from the launch of “Halo 3,” the most highly-anticipated game of all time and biggest entertainment event in history. Fans everywhere are eagerly gearing up for battle. Plans are being made for vacation or “sick days” so gamers can score a copy of the game as it hits store shelves and pre-orders for Legendary and Limited edition versions of “Halo 3” are skyrocketing and are expected to sell out before launch.

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Best Buy’s Golden Gift to Halo Players

Frankie just posted this on Xbox Family

We get a lot of stick for how big Halo has become, with T-shirts, sodas, action figures and so on, but sometimes our promotional partners give you something to really sink your teeth into. Such is the case with our friends at Best Buy. And this one is BIG.

During the launch period of Halo 3, the 25th, 26th and 27th of September, Best Buy will be sponsoring the Xbox Live Gold service and making it free for everyone. Think of it as Halo Free Gold Days. That means that even if you only have Xbox Live Silver, or you picked up a 360 just for Halo 3, that you’ll be able to try almost all of the features

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Linkin Park plays Halo 3

A concert put together and founded by the main headliners Linkin Park. LP has been during their thing for years, bringing great music groups together on one tour for an all around kick-ass show. So if a few a members of the band want to get in on the Halo 3 action, whose going to stop them? Sitting down to play some multiplayer with everyone were band members Chester, Phoenix, and Mr. Hahn. And you thought you were jealous before! Being big fans of the game, the LP guys were just as excited to play as the lucky gamers. With My Chemical Romance playing in the background, gamers got to show off their Halo skills to the three LP guys, and they got to show their fans that they’re not too shabby either.

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