150°

Microsoft confirms motion-camera firm buyout

In February, reports out of Israel and Silicon Valley indicated that Microsoft had purchased the Israeli startup 3DV Systems to acquire its Z-Cam motion-sensing technology. However, Microsoft has steadfastly refused to comment on any such deal. It also has remained mum on whether or not the highly responsive Z-Cam (pictured top) is related to Project Natal (pictured bottom), an eerily similar--and, at times, just eerie (see below)--motion-sensing camera peripheral unveiled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

That has apparently changed this week, according to an article in the Israeli business daily Globes. The newspaper's online edition reports that Moshe Lichtman, Microsoft corporate vice president and head of the software giant's Israeli research and development center--its third biggest in the world--has confirmed the sale. He did so in a Monday speech designed to bolster morale at the center, which apparently laid off 50 employees in January as part of Microsoft's massive worldwide staff cuts.

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gamespot.com
KingKionic 5512d ago (Edited 5512d ago )

Yeah... I wonder...

If it`s coming out next year.

GiantEnemyCrab5512d ago

I'm expecting it Fall of 2010. So still a ways off but they have to get the tech polished up and need to get some games finished for it.

It's just a shame we have to deal with rumors and speculation for at least another year..

KingKionic 5512d ago

lol

I bet Microsoft fueling the rumours..

The irony ...lol

RememberThe3575512d ago

He could not have put that better.

Lifendz5512d ago

when you can buy it? Why have an in-house studio create a new and fresh IP when you can buy timed exclusivity or exclusive DLC on an existing IP? Why charge a reasonable price for a HDD when you can charge whatever amount you want since the consumer has no choice? Why not charge people an annual fee to play games online?

We love you MS!

Willio5512d ago

Thats innovation 101 for us.

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5512d ago Replies(2)
Elven65512d ago

Nothing new, a good deal for the company being bought. Why? They have the capital for those 14 products they are working on and the odds of their motion tech selling are even better now that it has a recognized brand name behind it.

KingKionic 5512d ago

But what are the 14 products...mp3? tv?

I wonder...hmm.

Elven65512d ago

Why the disagree? They teach you this in Business 101, a product with a brand name behind it is likely to sell better then something with a upstart name behind it.

5512d ago
Godmars2905512d ago

That they developed entirely in-house?

/sarcasm

GiantEnemyCrab5512d ago

They wouldn't be talking about the software would they?

I mean it's not like MS isn't a software developer?

/sarcasm

Go back to your commander at SDF HQ and tell him the battle didn't go so well.

Elven65512d ago

According to 1UP I believe, roughly 1/3 of the tech was built in house and then combined with this 3DV stuff.

Igniter5512d ago

I don't think they bought 3DV for the tech, they bought them for the patents. MS will probably buy http://www.mgestyk.com/ next for thier patents!

Qui-Gon Jim5512d ago

I think your right. I think MS bought this company in order to shut out the competition from having access to this tech.
The video in the link below shows that Sony had been looking at this company's technology five years ago.
http://n4g.com/events_e3200...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5512d ago
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120°

Mortal Kombat 9 Is Still NetherRealm's Best Game 13 Years Later

Salman from Tech4Gamers writes "Mortal Kombat 9 revived the series from a low point after bringing it back to 2D combat. It marked a new high-point for the franchise due to its incredible roster, exciting cinematic story mode, and high-octane combat."

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tech4gamers.com
Sonyslave322h ago

I like which ever one, Raiden was speed blasting muthafkers.

monkey6025h ago

I agree. 9 was awesome

Shaolin Monks next please

vTuro245h ago

Shaolin Monks is a forgotten gem. I would love to see a new one, or a remake of the old.

vTuro245h ago

That game was actually goated. It was the first time ever that I actually tried to get good at a fighting game. Unfortunately the online connection was so dogshit it made it hard to enjoy and eventually I gave up. Haven't really played much fighting games since.

220°

Microsoft is discounting the Xbox 360 store up to 90% before it shuts down for good

Microsoft has slashed the prices of games across the Xbox 360 store in preparation for its July 29th closure.

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videogamer.com
Tacoboto8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

The Dishwasher
Vigilante 8

Two non-BC and no-PC-version Arcade titles I downloaded recently. Dishwasher's sequel is on Steam at least.

I've also downloaded Ninety-Nine Nights II (shame the first wasn't available). I still want to download Burnout 3: Takedown before the weekend's up, though that is still the full $9.99 non-discounted price

franwex5h ago

Burnout 3 not available in modern times is a crime to humanity.

I know it’s probably due to the music licensing-though they can simply add other music as Burnout 3’s biggest flaw to me personally-is the music!!!

310°

Xbox gamers warned they've 72 hours before a ton of classic games are gone forever

The Xbox 360 Marketplace is officially shutting down in three days, which means dozens of exclusive, digital-only 360 games will no longer be available to purchase anywhere else once it does.

The Xbox 360 will be almost 20 years old next year, and to celebrate this milestone Microsoft have decided to obliterate all of its online functionality.

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gamingbible.com
shadowT14h ago

Phil Spencer: "Game preservation is critical to us at Team Xbox."

12h agoReplies(7)
darthv7210h ago(Edited 10h ago)

Technically, the games ARE preserved... they are just removing the ability to purchase new games through the 360. They have to keep a full backup of every title (even delisted ones) because they will have to offer the ability to redownload purchased content to users.

I had deleted some games a few years back that had become delisted. I was able to get them back by going through my download history. The games in question were TMNT (classic and re-shelled), afterburner climax and outrun online. Im glad I was able to get those back as they are some of the best on the service.

Lightning779h ago

Well The Ultimate Alliance games have been delisted. I dunno how many old Activision games have been Delisted but MS needs to remake or remaster old Activision games and release them on Xbox and PS. I. Hope that's what they're doing right now.

They can't reserve everything but they 100% can reserve what they got or own.

Vits11h ago

Fortunately, the X360 was jailbroken a long time ago, so a good part of its library is available for download from 'alternative' sources. Still, it's a bummer to see the store going away.

Inverno9h ago(Edited 9h ago)

Dawn of The First Day
-72 Hours Remain-

Also they can keep the store up for life if they wanted.

hiawa238h ago(Edited 8h ago)

Series X for the back compat titles, and OG Xbox and X360 for those not on BC. I pretty much bought all of the digital games I want for the 360 so I am good.

anast6h ago

They are holding games hostage so people spend more money. This is some sleazy stuff.

Reaper22_5h ago

No, not telling you would be sleazy. I have a few more games to buy then I'm good. 360 was and still is a great console. Xbox is the best place to play!

anast4h ago

I'm not sure we are on the same page.

kennyg1231h ago

you guys will really defend xbox no matter what they do

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