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Z-Camera: Wii-Killer?

By seaempty. Friday, 29. February 2008, 19:14:15

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Take a look at the video below. It's taken from Matt Casamassina's blog over on IGN, and is about a new camera peripheral called the "Z-Camera". It measures distances in 3D space, and tracks movement, but more reliably than Sony's Eyetoy. He believes that the technology is more responsive that the Wii's accelerometers, and easier and less complicated to use. Wii Killer? Or if Nintendo can get on board, Wii Upgrade!

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Comments

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I can't see the video since I'm in a corporate network, but I think it's safe to say it won't 'kill' the Wii, at least not anytime soon. Although 3D space measurement sounds cool, it would mean very complicated programming for game developers (otherwise Sony's peripheral would be far more popular and enjoy more game compatibility). Maybe its easier to use, but its definitively not easier to program into a game...and since users don't make the games, well...

By Spook81, # 29. February 2008, 20:24:51

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It looks pretty cool, but I wonder how many people could play in onw scree, would they have to bring their own camer?

By yeeliberto, # 29. February 2008, 20:39:37

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This is why the Wii was the system I bought. It demonstrates forward thinking with the dynamic wiimote. The stuffy controller offered by XBOX is nothing new or groundbreaking. I love the possibilities the Wii has opened up for gaming immersion. Game designers realized that gaming can be taken in new directions. I found this video and it really demonstrates what could be possible in the future.

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1769591

By thedude81, # 29. February 2008, 21:29:52

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TheDude81, I can't see the video in this network... could you describe it? And i agree with you, the WiiMote has opened up a whole new world of ideas... I've seen (and had a chance to use) robotic arms being controlled with a WiiMote (using Bluetooth communications, of course), mouse-like control for PC Projectors, a very funny can shaker (useless, but fun...) and even educational uses. For my masters thesis I developed a remote electronics laboratory (basically you can use a circuit, rewire it, choose components, etc. at a distance and with real time results) and a collegue of mine actually thought of a similar lab but with a WiiMote to simulate the hand movements and not limit the student's experience to just a few clicks of a mouse...

By Spook81, # 29. February 2008, 23:23:17

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Uhm, I think I heard a rumour somewhere that it was for the PS3. But I guess that was false/wrong since Matt said that is was for "any platform". The thing is, how will this work in games that are not the same type as eyeToy/Wii Sports. :confused: I mean, you can hardly play a FPS, RPG or RTS with this thing. Btw, have Matt gained weight again? :rolleyes:

By Zoodar, # 1. March 2008, 06:45:01

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Wow... that's amazing! That does look way better than Wii boxing and although that scares me there's much left to overcome before anyone/thing dominates the Wii.

It's refreshing to see such innovating ideas though.
And this is DEFINITELY good innovation.

By Smithium, # 2. March 2008, 18:17:22

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How would you play a game like Mario Glaxy with this one, though? You have to actually jump around to move Mario? :lol:

By haavard, # 3. March 2008, 12:19:40

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Spook81: The video I posted is a news story on a company that has developed a controller for games, robotics, etc. that uses brainwaves and turns them into commands. They were able to manipulate objects in a virtual room by concentrating on them. They also mention the possibility of using the technology for prosthetics and wheelchairs for people who have been injured.

By thedude81, # 3. March 2008, 15:09:32

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Oh, like the one where they got a monkey to move a robot with the mind? Cool! I think that would be especially great for prosthetics and to get handicapped people to enjoy videogames. I think I also saw something like this but for the Second Life website...

By Spook81, # 3. March 2008, 15:21:35

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