Project Natal still has a multi-processor

As you know the Natal Project is the first worldwide sensor that uses a 3D video camera, a depth sensor, a microphone and a multi-processor that runs the software, all from the same apparatus. Unlike the 2-dimensional cameras, "Project Natal" 3D analysis of whole-body movements while introducing the commands, the direction of movement or even the tone of voice. It was funny to tell us that the image we've all seen the sensor will not be the final aspect of marketing , which now are still working on it, and that between now and Christmas many things can change.

[whateva]

I don't care if they take the price up higher than $50 just to keep the chip in I would rather have a better product that can work better without taking from the 360 CPU than to get a cheaper camera.

[whateva]

they even have a video.

and I used Google translate that's why I linked to PSU because that's where I posted the translated article.

[Bigpappy]

It is the bias media at it again. This time from Spain. In a nut shell, she said she loves Natal and that it responded to her every move. She did not want to stop playing. She thought it would be like Eyetoy but was surprised at how different it is. She also thinks it is completely different from the Wii.
I agree with you guys, M$ must be paying them off, because they are all saying good things about this "Laggy Natal thing". She doesn't look like a real gamer any way (is that a good thing for Natal or bad?). Is she enjoying this POS? All she was doing was making her avatar dance (and doing it in high heels), then playing that boring hit the red ball game we saw 1 million times.
May be Sony should take the move to spain and let her play Wii fit with it. I got a strong feeling the Natal is going to have the same effect on the Wii casuals crowd. They are just going to get in front of it and act like retards, dancing and waving they hands about. At least the hard core can get Move on the PS3. Plus the PS3 has Eye Pet and LBP for the casual crowd. Way more fun that dancing and acting silly. Who wants to do all that when you get home from work.

Disclosure: I am a 360 owner who thinks Natal will be very successful this holiday season. I just wanted to put myself in the mind of a fanboy who refuses to accept what is actually happening. Natal is different and is creating its own hype. Move (not a good name) is too Wii like to create that same type of hype (especially with casuals). Move will have to "out Wii" the Wii to grab the casuals (not likely). Move should focus on grabbing the hardcore for the holidays, then work on creating new experiences for casuals (different from what wii can do).

[Gue1]

If so many people are saying that natal's good then maybe, just maybe (you never know with M$ and their deep pockets) all this can be true?

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

If anything I would rather have the skeleton mapping done on the 360. The 360 has vastly more power and than a small proprietary chip, even 5 years after the 360 launch.

Benefits:

a) lower cost

b) possibility for flexible use of the computing power to Natal i.e. increasing processing for decrease lag. Sure it might affect the look of the game, but games start at the controls.

c) likely easier to update the software

The only one benefit to the proprietary chip is hardly worth it in my opinion.

[Tachyon_Nova]

I don't know why people trust what these dodgy translation from some Spanish website has to say over what Microsoft execs have to say. Oh hang on, they actually say Natal is revolutionary and functions properly. Scrap that.

From what I've seen of Natal, the thing simply doesn't work, It's kinda a nice idea, but their implementation looks rushed and shoddy, which I guess is why its on X360 after all...

[Godmars290]

If that is indeed true, then where's the list of Natal titles that back it up? So far the only games it has are the dodge ball game and the splash paint game, which hasn't been showed since E3.

Maybe, just maybe, all the press people who otherwise normally wouldn't touch a console are being effected by the hype surrounding it. Regardless, anyone who calls themselves a gamer shouldn't be using them as an example especially when they're getting excited over a game they themselves would never bother with.

[AAACE5]

I'm still not sold on this, but I think it has potential!

If they have a couple of games like the ball one, I can see alot of gamers finally getting some exercise. I just want them to show more and then I may finally get excited about it. But for now, I am still burned by how much of a letdown the Wii was for me, so I am very skeptical of the motion control thing.

I will try to keep an open mind until E3 though...

[TVippy]

LOL, It was going to cost above 50 without the chip. Now, with the chip onboard, it'll be priced around the $100 mark.

[fryday]

The press has already seen some new games for Natal, but they are strictly forbidden to talk about them, till MS announces them officially. If they leak information before the announcement, they will be put on a blacklist and will never be allowed to attend such an event again, including all keynotes @E3 @GDC etc

[Omega4]

Guess the eyetoy must have a multiprocessor too.....oh wait

[Sunny_D]

Doesn't matter Sony moved on from the eyetoy, something they did 8 years ago. I guess Natal really is revolutionary.. oh wait. Also, the site is in a different language, how are we supposed to know how credible they are especially if this is the first time hearing about them? And the translated link is from a forum on PSU. Ironic, non the less.

[Pedobear Rocks]

at least get the product name right EyeToy is from the PS2 era.

[captain-obvious]

well no need for that since the PS3’s cell dose that, just like saying it cant do 3D and face recognition

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

so yes the EYEtoy can do MOST of what NATAL can

[Godmars290]

When has Natal been shown doing anything like that?

[whateva]

Move Meets Natal! lol

[kissmeimgreek]

hahahaha nice photoshopping.

OT: If i ca understand what hes saying (not a fan of all these translated articles...) It seems that he felt there was very little lag in his session when he mentions trying to break dance in front of it. Who knows how accurate that description is but maybe its true that the lag has been greatly decreased.

Oh wait forgot i was in the open zone...

*AHEM* Deh projecz gatal has deh laggines. All hail deh suprioir playztation Move.

[Mista T]

if it works then great, but the variety in games are gonna be extremely low mark my words

[Millah]

Lol exactly. Instead of this 3D brick ball game, we'll maybe see a game where you play a goalie and must stop soccer balls. Thats about the extent of variety we'll see in Natal games.

[pantatkaula]

Apparently the goal keeper game has already exist.. there was an interactive game show in my country that have that as a part of the game.. you have to block the ball from entering the net.. I cant recall the name.. it was a lame show and it made the contestant look like idiots on national tv..

[fullmetal297]

I'm so glad Microsoft decides to keep the chip because it'll save so much stress for both Microsoft and the end-user. No more worry about lag and taking already needed resources from the 360. And, transitioning the product over to the next console should be easy now.

[Otheros00]

They removed one of the chips.
Natal was suppose to have two chips from the beginning.

[Software_Lover]

Is that you can still use a regular 360 controller with Natal. I remember reading a while back, on N4G, that Halo Reach might be using Natal. Then all the fanboys, on both sides, starting going back and forth. I believe that you would still be using the 360 controller through most of the game, but use natal and hand gestures on some parts. Like lets say to push a button to open a door. Instead of pressing A on the controller, you would reach up and gesture it with your hand.

I really dont care for natal in that aspect. Not really interested in move at this point (I have a wii and cant stand playing games like that). Im interested in natal for the software aspect. Controlling the 360 dashboard and things like that.

Dont want the Move to fail. Wont change my life either way. Dont want Natal to fail. But wont change my life either way. I'm just amazed at how many people get worked up over this stuff.

One thing you can say and I know people say you get what you pay for, but it looks like Natal is going to be a helluva lot cheaper than move. With move you have to by the Playstation eye and the move controller. In some cases 2 controllers to get the full effect. Have they put out any new info on the nunchuck attachment they showed?

[Pedobear Rocks]

natal kind of defeats the purpose of full body reading...your hands won't be able to act as inputs. MS needs to come out with a stick form factor controller too I think (though it won't seem to need the balls for tracking that Sony does).

[Software_Lover]

But still give the "hardcore" crowd an incentive to try it out. Just another option.

Pop in Halo Reach. It recognizes you have Natal hooked up, during key points it gets you to use it.

Pop in Halo Reach. It recognizes you dont have Natal Hooked up, you go about your business, LOL.

I just hope they dont focus on crappy games at E3. I want to see if they got the minority report dashboard thing going or not.

[hikayu17]

the big theme MS put up E3 2010 : a future of gaming without the control barrier . an easier way to play game without the controller complication. they emphasized that point like ... idk .... over 9000 times ? XD .
anyway , no i dont think natal will be cheaper than move . i think they'll be at about the same price and the both will be sold at a lost to both side . maybe a bit more on MS than sony since MS can and sony cant , not anymore . there's 3 high-precision cameras on natal . they're not that easy to manufacture , you know ?! sure , the move would be around 80$ at least for set of move+nunchuck+eye . at least .
i personally dont care about all these motion crap anymore . i was all hype all about the wii when it launch ( mario , zelda and metroid prime were BIG , really BIG ) . but the wii is just a pain to play imo . i have college work , i have part time job and i just want to rest when i play game , not sweat .
but sure , i would like to see them both competing and no1 prevail . why ? this is the future , regardless how you guys ( hardcore gamers) feel . this is where the big bucks is and , trust me , they wont give a crap about us . i just hope that all games wont get dumbed down and that the competition will push the technology foward . the premature dominance of wii is a complete fail imo .

[Bigpappy]

They are obviously making games where you ARE the controller. Where do they say if you use both you will go to jail, LOL. I am sure they never said you have to throw away your controller.

[DelbertGrady]

You seem to ignore the fact that you can use anything as a controller with Natal. It can track objects. This means you can use a stick as a baseball bat, Move controller as a snowcone etc.

[captain-obvious]

why should i use the controller when MS hype it / advertise it as a 100% CONTROLER FREE peripheral ??

i should use NOTHING at all just like MS is saying

[Eamon]

Captain-obvious loves to troll, don't you?

We both know a game using hybrid (Natal and controller) would appeal to hardcore audiences more than 100% no controller.

[captain-obvious]

no im not trolling
but isnt that what MS has been saying ??
no controller at all even to the hardcore gamers

[Eamon]

It's called marketing. They believe making it appealing to the casual audience will bring in hotcake sales like the Wii did.

But for real games like Fable III, hybrid is a must and one I'm looking forward to.

[captain-obvious]

i don't think NATAL/MOVE can compete or sell as the wii

when MS or Sony want to market something they shouldn't lie
and you've just pproved that no matter what
we'll all go back to our controller

[Time_Is_On_My_Side]

lol, the whole point of "Project Natal" is that it's a *gamepad free controller* gaming experience. When marketing lies, it will be the quality (value) of the product not the use. Yes you can use objects to help with the experience, but not a gamepad that defeats the whole purpose of it because it's another controller. It's like saying I'll use the MOVE and the PS3 gamepad for a hybrid game, when the whole purpose of the MOVE is use motion controls that can’t be done properly with a gamepad, it’s one or the other per person.

[GameOn]

You seem to be finding it hard to understand that one of the real strengths of Natal is that it can be used with a conventional controller. Yes, MS have been talking about controllerless gaming but never the less, there are going to be plenty of games that use this hybrid method and these are going to be the better Natal games whether you like to admit it or not.

[Dorwrath]

From what I've read is:

For example I'm playing fable 3. I can play with my controller for doing battles etc and use Natal to do a pub game with out the need to turn off a controller and turn on a stick.

Not saying this is how fable 3 is gonna be like, but the concept of having natal and controller running together.

From what I understand they be games that use both and games that will just use Natal.

[palaeomerus]

A SEXY snowcone. IYKWIMAITYD...

[Time_Is_On_My_Side]

To me, that don’t make any sense because if you have a gamepad that can do all the things that Project Natal can do, why would you use it if you have the gamepad?

Like for example, with Project Natal you're in the *game space* and let’s say the game is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. How will you incorporate the *game space* as well not interfere with the gamepad (remembering that Project Natal tracks what’s in your hand/body and isn't some preset waggle commands, lol)? Better yet, why would I use my body to cast a spell that can easily be done with a press of a button in my hand (they both defeat the purpose at once, because Project Natal is about *game space*)?

The only way I see both working is "head tracking" besides that, they conflict with each other,and can be achieved with a simple camera; go figure. This is why I like Sony's idea more, they saw this weakness that you need buttons to do certain activities. I see a lot of stationary games with Project Natal, or a boat load of commands; don't you?

[DelbertGrady]

I bet people will find a way to spin this into something bad. Sounds like something good imo. Still want to see software before I decide what to make of it. E3 will be interesting. Casual, hardcore or both?

[PeptoBismol]

natal is going to fail so hard. just look at the picture in this article. goodness. how can that be fun in any way?

[avengers1978]

They talk about it like they have years to perfect the damn thing, but if it's not out this fall they might as well not even come out with the damn thing. PS Move has been shown playing games, and has shown off some of it's own games that were impressive, but Natal keeps showing that block breaker game, and talking about how they still have time to make it better.
News flash to the Bots, it's not going to be any better, MS always does stuff like that to make people think they actually try to improve there equipment but they don't.
LagTal, Failtal, or whatever you want to call it will not add any years to the 360 console life cycle.

[Eamon]

I'm confused, Natal still has multi-processor but only 1 chip?
Isn't that multi-core then?

[The Simple Truth]

you need 6feet just to get the thing to work.

Well, M$, MILLIONS of bots don't have 6ft...

Watch this turd sink...

[AngryTypingGuy]

6 ft. really isn't that much at all.

[GrandDragon]

If Sony release a Sub-Controller+PS-Move+PS-EYE+ Ape Escape 4 bundle then it's all over for Natal, because that bundle would just totally eclipse Natals launch and any of it's bundles.

The funny thing is, Sony will do exactly that because you guys have to realise how long Ape Escape fans have been waiting for a true Ape Escape sequel and it's finally here.

[palaeomerus]

Well, that's some pretty weird thinking. What if Konami doesn't play ball?

[Meryl]

Let me know when Natal can do motion detection as good as this
http://www.psu.com/forums/s... Natal has shown smack all, it's all hype

[JRisburning]

You'd want a wait around for that.....

[whateva]

lol

[Eamon]

gah, reply fail >_<

[bjornbear]

even if it half works people are going to praise it

a processor isn't going to chance anything (except maybe make it work better but that wouldn't change the extremely devout fans' minds about it)

[divideby0]

they have to keep the chip in... software emulation will just tax the 360 CPU.

BOTH motion and Natal, have LAG....you are blind if you dont see it.. the question if you will get used to the lag or not....every single Motion of Natal vid I have watched has to be bad lag... later vids, like this one are shown as to hide the lag

[Morgue]

looks lame.

[Gameplay999]

I'd like to see Natal succeed. C'mon, console wars aside, this device has great possibilities! Sure, its like an evolution from its cousin, the Eyetoy, yet lets face it, the Eyetoy went nowhere really. It was just never fully realized matching gaming possibilities with the Eyetoy, which is a shame. Hopefully Natal can pick up the torch and run with it giving we gamers new hardcore experiences. I am hopeful that the crackheads at MS can get all these technical concerns resolved.

However, if it turns into a casual crapfest, I'll be pissed at the wasted potential. 15 years ago, I had figured we'd be getting into VR territory now in 2010, now its looking like 2020 at the earliest hah. Natal could be something that takes that first step linking the player to the game world more as an 'on the outside looking in' type of thing. I think it would be amazing to play say, BFBC2 in your living room, you are standing holding your hands like you are holding a gun and moving around the world controller-free, headset-free, and just fraggin' the day away.

Sony's Move! is also a trailblazer in terms of precise, fluid motion control but I am worried about the use of attachments and that there will be many that are needed to be enjoyed with specific games = $$$

Either way, things are looking interesting. Who knows, the control pad will always hold a special place in my heart and my hand-eye co-ordination skills are off the charts because of it. Controllers have a lot of benefits whether anyone realizes it or not. To be able to switch games and still know what every button does improves learning, memory, and co-ordination skills.
I am just hoping for something to immerse me further into the game itself and being controller-free Natal could provide that. We shall see what transpires later this year.

[karan8624]

Red balls tech demo AGAIN

[karan8624]

Its the same red balls tech demo AGAIN

Honestly, wow

[hiredhelp]

[[[[As you know the Natal Project is the first worldwide sensor that uses a 3D video camera, a depth sensor, a microphone and a multi-processor that runs the software, all from the same apparatus. Unlike the 2-dimensional cameras, "Project Natal" 3D analysis of whole-body movements while introducing the commands,]]]

so if this has all that and only uses off the shelf componants witch they stated. WHY CANT THEY MAKE SERIOUS GAMES. LIKE SHOOTERS.
GIVE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT . GAMES SHOWING NOW ARE NO DIFFERNT TO WHAT THE NINTENDO WII OFFERS. why not inc there 360 controller in this natel so they can hit the hardcore market too.
sony uses a camera doesnt state its 3d but yet able to do all types of gaming. is microsoft covering something up

[Arnon]

"WHY CANT THEY MAKE SERIOUS GAMES. LIKE SHOOTERS."

You must be talking about this article:
http://n4g.com/xbox360/News...

That was proven false by this article:
http://n4g.com/xbox360/News...

"GAMES SHOWING NOW ARE NO DIFFERNT TO WHAT THE NINTENDO WII OFFERS."

That must be why there's an entire event dedicated to Project Natal. I mean this hour long event (this is my speculation), will obviously show nothing new. We all know Project Natal will only have 1 game throughout it's entire lifespan. /sarcasm

Seriously. Some of you are horribly grasping at straws here. "I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO USE A CONTROLLER." or "ALL WE'VE SEEN IS SOME BALL GAME."

1. You don't have to use a controller. However, using a controller along with Natal is just an added feature.

2. The reason we've only seen one game, is (and anyone with common sense would be able to see this) because they're holding out to show you it all at an event, which is confirmed already.

If you want to actually try and bash this product, at least have something reputable, like oh... "The lag issues are what really bother me." Or how about "I'm worried that this thing will have trouble tracking 4 people at once along with their individual fingers."

[ReBurn]

People who want technology like this aren't looking at it for what you call "serious" games like shooters. They want to play games that are simple, yet fun. Which is something that this industry really has lost.

That's why Nintendo is eating Microsoft and Sony's lunch and that's why Natal and Move have been developed. There are people who like the idea of pretending to bowl or hitting a ball with an imaginary bat because those things are incredibly simple to do. And it's fun to do those things with a group of friends in the same room with you. Microsoft and Sony focused on the solo mission and online co-op, which while cool, obviously wasn't what that mass market wanted since Nintendo has outsold their competition nearly 2 to 1 respectively.

[air1]

arnon, some of these ppl are just short sighted and lack imagination..

to me #1 on your list is the feature im looking forward to and the dashboard, the *real minority report* i dont have to have anything in my hands. i just dont see how ppl can call minority report with move and ignore that natal does it with nothing, you know kinda like tom in miniority report, only he had gloves... so natal even advances on that.

[xxLuckyStrike]

Uhhh Ohhhh PS3 fanboys..... its still got a multi processor...lol

[TVippy]

They said (not long ago) that it will be realised entirely through software. Now back to the hardware decision or what?

[Morgue]

I also failed to realize that girls wearing 6" stiletto's and tight jeans can also play this.

[ReBurn]

I'm curious to see what Microsoft has to say about the technology at this year's E3 That's when the listwars ammo will be announced and we'll see how much the technology has improved in the last year. Until then all of the trash talkers are just doing what they do best, talking trash.

I'm curious to see what improvement there has been with Natal and Move since last E3 when the convention comes around again in June.

[Enigma_2099]

... how much is this gonna cost?

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

This is the true meaning of Play Beyond. Microsoft is taking no prisoners this year. :)

[Enigma_2099]

Were you this happy when the Wii was doing it?

[air1]

i cant believe some of the sh!t im reading in here...

* micro has only been hyping gaming with no controller so to play a hybrid of both controller and natal defeats the purpose of natal"

wtf? seriously? how old are you kids?

i cant wait to play games that use both natal and controller. it would be annoying to do that with move going from controller to move, dont you think?

[Raoh]

LOL is it a demo or a photo shoot?

[IHateYouFanboys]

to the idiots saying that games wont use a controller and natal just because 'the whole point of natal is having no controller', thats one of the most idiotic things ive ever heard.

Natal is giving people a new way to control games on the 360. it is also giving people that play with a regular controller MORE ways to control games. just wait for the first FPS that uses natal for direction-controllable grenade throwing using Natal, i give it 6 months after release at the most. or like Killzone 2 used sixaxis to turn gears etc, youll use your arms to open doors etc.

its not controller OR motion, its controller OR motion OR controller + motion.

[di0medes]

Isn't that the girl from The Guild? Isn't The Guild owned/produced by Microsoft? Oh wow, of course she thinks it's great!
Get real.

[Rageanitus]

why

I cant picture myself playing a single player gaming moving all over the place alone in the living room... then you look a the flip side when you have a bunch of friends over there is limited space in the room to do multiplayer.