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New Tech Ditches the Remote Control

Consumer Electronics Show previews Project Natal, Hitachi TVs

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2010 8:30 AM CST
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(Newser) – Losing your remote control will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to new technology that embraces motion control, making it possible to channel surf with your hands. Hitachi televisions, for example, will allow you to change the channel by twisting your wrist, the New York Times reports. Microsoft’s Project Natal, to be released later this year, will compete with the Nintendo Wii—but without controllers, allowing you to use just your body to dodge balls and do skateboard tricks.

Such devices, previewed at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show, employ gesture technology cameras to capture the world in 3D—meaning that, unlike past attempts in 2D that proved disappointing, these technologies really work: In one demonstration, a chip could even differentiate between a person’s jacket, shirt, and undershirt. Computers with similar technology are also expected later this year.

A demonstration is given of 'Project Natal' at Microsoft's XBox 360 media briefing to open the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) on June 1, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.
A demonstration is given of 'Project Natal' at Microsoft's XBox 360 media briefing to open the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) on June 1, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
In this product image released by Microsoft, a Project Natal sensor for the XBOX 360 is shown.
In this product image released by Microsoft, a Project Natal sensor for the XBOX 360 is shown.   (AP Photo/Microsoft)
Misty May-Treanor playing 'Project Natal,' a revolutionary new way to play with no controller required, at the Xbox booth at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Calif., June 2, 2009.
Misty May-Treanor playing 'Project Natal,' a revolutionary new way to play with no controller required, at the Xbox booth at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Calif., June 2, 2009.   (Evans Ward / AP Images for Xbox)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
NotEvsie
Jan 13, 2010 10:56 AM CST
West Wing, Band of Brothers, In Treatment, The Wire... not all still on the air, but certainly tv shows from the last decade that are among some of the finest ever made.
spraynard
Jan 13, 2010 3:35 AM CST
OH SHIT! Yeah! If Band Of Brother's doesn't make you feel proud you're a shitty american.
yummines
Jan 13, 2010 3:16 AM CST
yep, not to mention the camera on the tv...

 
technology • Microsoft • Nintendo Wii • Hitachi • Consumer Electronics Show • gesture • Project Natal • motion sensor • gesture recogntion • gesture technology

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