NEWS - Wednesday, May 10, 2006
E3: Microsoft Licences GestureTek Technology
May 10, 2006 -- GestureTek Inc., the world leader in computer vision for gesture-based control of information and entertainment systems, today announced that Microsoft has licensed GestureTek's video gesture control technology for use with the Xbox Live Vision camera for Xbox 360. A library of GestureTek's basic Video Gesture Control tools will be made available to all Xbox 360 developers who are part of the XDK program, allowing the opportunity for innovation and personalization to the gaming experience. In addition, GestureTek Inc. will shortly release an advanced library of Video Gesture Control tools to Xbox developers for adding more sophisticated gesture control features. Standing in front of the Xbox 360 camera, gamers will interface with games using natural full body gestures, while immersing their real time image into the game. As part of Xbox Live, the gesture technology will enable gamers to customize their game experience while socializing in their game worlds in ways they never could before. GestureTek Inc. will be demonstrating its gesture recognition on the XBOX 360 at the E3 expo, in Los Angeles - California, May 10th - 12th, 2006 - KENTIA HALL Booth #6736. "Gesture recognition and control is a logical evolution in gaming. Our technology has been thrilling and entertaining users in public and private installations around the world since well before the movie Minority Report popularized the concept of gesture control. This offering opens doors to unlimited applications in the gaming experience. We are very pleased to work with Microsoft to offer their game players and development partners this exciting user interface," says Bill Leckonby, CEO of GestureTek Inc. Xbox Live Vision camera support is deeply integrated into the Xbox 360 operating system and Dashboard, making every Xbox 360 console owner a potential customer for the camera and camera-enabled games. The gesture-based control appeals to a wide range of audiences, from the most casual to the hardcore gamer. "The fusion of GestureTek technology and the Xbox 360 will enhance the entertainment and gaming experience for our customers," said Aaron Greenberg, group product manager, Microsoft. "As the Xbox 360 camera offering enables a more immersive and integrated gaming experience, gesture control will further redefine entertainment." Gesture control technology will add a dimension to gaming never before experienced. Imagine logging into Xbox Live and sitting down at a virtual table to play poker with immersed players from all corners of the world. Imagine standing in your living room as you snowboard down a mountain, where leaning right and left lets you cut across the slopes, and springing upward guides you over jumps. Camera enabled gaming combined with motion control technology is endless in application, whether it is a game of volleyball, playing along with the music on virtual instruments, fly fishing, shooting hoops, goal tending, dodging bullets, or even fighting ninjas; the game controller is the gamer's own body.Source: http://www.tmcnet.com/
