Project Natal: Microsoft’s Playstation Killer

Microsoft has announced Project Natal, a Wii like sensing tool on steroids.

Project Natal combines a RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software to track full body movement while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in the voice.

Other impressive features: Project Natal is not light-dependent, and can recognize a user by looking at their face. The voice recognition tools are claimed to “understand” what a user is saying, allowing users to call up games and more.

Naturally Project Natal is being talked about as a Wii killer, particularly by those who have never really embraced the Wii. But it’s not a Wii killer, and there’s a key reason why: games. Wii succeeds due to its emphasis on casual gaming; while Project Natal might open the door for more casual gaming on the XBox 360, there’s a long way to go. However in fine fashion something should be killed, and in this case it’s the Playstation. Why buy an overly expensive Playstation 3 when you can buy an XBox 360 which also offers a somewhat Wii like experience?

Here’s the Project Natal demo video: