Microsoft's Natal Nolonger Needs 4 Meters/13 Feet of Space

[Camel]

Microsoft has revealed that those of you hoping to purchase the company's motion-sensing Natal peripheral will need 13 feet, or four meters, of space to play.

Anyone with a Wii will know that things like furniture, potted plants and dogs can get in the way of a really good game of golf, bowling or tennis. TechFlash cites Microsoft Natal team members as saying you'll need roughly 13 feet of space to play games.

 

TechFlash reports:

 

To be precise, you'll want to clear an area extending at least 4 meters (a little more than 13 feet) away from the television. That's the back edge of the space to be taken into account by the Natal sensors. In terms of width and height, the field of vision naturally expands as it moves from the Natal device to that back edge, ending up a little more than 4 meters wide and 2.7 meters high (about 8 feet, 10 inches).

 

One of the guys in our office pointed out that most homes in Asia don't have that kind of space in their living rooms and though I can't speak for all of Europe, most British and Irish living rooms don't have the space to snugly fit a BMW 3-series (nearly 15 feet long) in front of the telly. In fact, a lot of people living in apartments would be in the same boat.

 

Source

 

 

UPDATE 24/03/10

 

No driving M3's in to peoples living rooms!

 

 

No need to move the coffee table, couch, television and potted plants back against the walls.

 

Microsoft has responded to earlier reports that suggested the Xbox 360's motion sensing peripheral would require 13 feet, or four meters of living room real estate.

 

Earlier this week, the folks at TechFlash attended a media briefing at Microsoft's Redmond campus and got the chance to ask the Natal team all about the device's sensors for measuring the depth of the room, capturing the gamer's movement and ensuring adequate light. While TF did not include a direct quote, they reported users would "want to clear an area extending at least 4 meters (a little more than 13 feet) away from the television."

 

Microsoft has responded to this and according to Kotaku, while it was perceived that you would need at least 13 feet of space to play, this is incorrect.

 

"The comments recently about the play space for 'Project Natal' were misinterpreted," Microsoft told Kotaku. "It is true that the 'Project Natal' sensor reads the configuration of your room and adjusts play space, as appropriate. We know that living rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and have conducted numerous play tests to ensure everyone will be able to jump off the couch and into the fun when 'Project Natal' launches globally this holiday."

 

So the Irish, British, Japanese, college kids in dorm rooms and folks living in apartments will be able to play. What a relief!

[/Quote]

 

Source

[t.]

So basically anyone with it in a bedroom is out. Japan is out. (not that I'm sure they were in to begin with) Student halls are out. Shop displays... can't recall the last time I saw one with that much space around it.

 

Meh, it's a clever gimmick technology and while hugely impressive won't be finding a useful home in any of the hardcore franchises. Plus Peter Molyneux is promoting it, when was the last time he delivered on all his promises?

[iLLGT3]

Well, that kinda sucks for people that don't have the space.

 

What'd be cool is if there was a screen that showed constraints and you could adjust them according to your "play space."

[TimBud]

I would assume that the full space is only needed for 4 player shenanigans.

They should also say what the minimum required space is. :)

[T0M722]

Awwww, I'll have to try it and then take it back maybe. Because i certainly don't have four metres in front of my telly.

[Mb]

Yay i have enough space for that :lol:

[T0M722]

Maybe you should test it Mb. Go get a 3-Series and put in front of your television :D

[Camel]

No driving M3's in to peoples living rooms!

 

 

No need to move the coffee table, couch, television and potted plants back against the walls.

 

Microsoft has responded to earlier reports that suggested the Xbox 360's motion sensing peripheral would require 13 feet, or four meters of living room real estate.

 

Earlier this week, the folks at TechFlash attended a media briefing at Microsoft's Redmond campus and got the chance to ask the Natal team all about the device's sensors for measuring the depth of the room, capturing the gamer's movement and ensuring adequate light. While TF did not include a direct quote, they reported users would "want to clear an area extending at least 4 meters (a little more than 13 feet) away from the television."

 

Microsoft has responded to this and according to Kotaku, while it was perceived that you would need at least 13 feet of space to play, this is incorrect.

 

"The comments recently about the play space for 'Project Natal' were misinterpreted," Microsoft told Kotaku. "It is true that the 'Project Natal' sensor reads the configuration of your room and adjusts play space, as appropriate. We know that living rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and have conducted numerous play tests to ensure everyone will be able to jump off the couch and into the fun when 'Project Natal' launches globally this holiday."

 

So the Irish, British, Japanese, college kids in dorm rooms and folks living in apartments will be able to play. What a relief!

[/Quote]

 

Source

[T0M722]

Ok.. Well that's confusing. But I'm still not sure. I have about one metre in front of my television then it's my bed... :|