Microsoft says that it will "completely transform how people think about home entertainment" at this year's E3. A newly rumored motion controller that detects "full body" movement may be what the company has planned.
According to a report from Engadget, who cites an anonymous tipster claiming to have knowledge of Microsoft's Xbox 360 plans, the company is working on a new Wii-like sensor bar for the console that can offer motion control minus the actual controller.
Players will allegedly "kick, punch, duck, dive, jump and so forth with [their] body" and even be able to perform more precise controls like hand gestures for "pinching, grabbing and scrolling."
According to Engadget's source, the introduction of the controller will also introduce video conferencing, unique player detection, and will be used in online trivia games, with players clapping to "buzz in." Could they be referring to Microsoft's free online video game version of the 1 Vs. 100 game show? Could that be why the Xbox Live Primetime service was delayed until this year?
Microsoft's been heavily rumored to be exploring the use of motion control, but appeared to be pursuing more traditional efforts based on previous reports. The company's alleged new attempts sound like a more advanced EyeToy, which Sony employed in multiple, camera-controlled titles for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.
Sony is similarly rumored to have a new motion control controller solution in the works, one that may be revealed at E3 as well.
While Engadget's grainy image is obviously suspicious in nature, we've heard from other sources that the information is mostly legit. With E3 now just a few weeks away, we'd expect speculation (and leaks) to reach a fever pitch by mid-month.
When contacted for comment, Microsoft reps said "We do not comment on rumors and speculation."
Xbox 360 to get motion-sensing add-on with full body game control? [Engadget]