2007 has seen Nintendo rightly glorying in its decision to incorporate an innovative motion-sensing control mechanic into its Wii console. 2007 has also seen Sony suffer accusations of ‘me too’ copycat tactics via the arrival of the SIXAXIS motion controller for the PlayStation 3.
Are Microsoft and Gyration teaming up to create a motion-sensing system for the Xbox 360? Credit: Gyration.
And now gathering rumour would have us believe that Microsoft is about to jump onto the enhanced interaction bandwagon with a motion-sensing addition for its Xbox 360.
According to the diligent industry watchers over at XboxFamily (who conveniently fail to name their sources), Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. has joined forces with tech company Gyration, Inc. to build a first-party motion-sensing peripheral for the 360.
The add-on, which will apparently be compatible with existing 360 controllers, will officially bring Microsoft to the motion-control arena, with current Net chatter suggesting that Gyration’s technology will be available before the close of 2008.
Gyration , which is based in Saratoga, California, has already logged significant amounts of Brownie points with Microsoft, especially regarding the recent creation of a motion-sensing remote for software giant’s popular Media Center application. Notably, and perhaps more importantly, Gyration also provided prototype design work for Nintendo during the Wii Remote development process.
Of course, those Xbox 360 gamers not content with merely twiddling their thumbs on and off of the present analogue controller’s stick-based layout can always opt for the homebrew route should needs must. Indeed, unofficial add-ons such as the Xilt control modification are already available ahead of anything Microsoft decides to introduce.
Microsoft and Gyration have yet to offer any formal response to the rumour.
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