By Hector Cortez Jun 1, 2009, 16:02 GMT
Today, Microsoft opened the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) by premiering exclusive new games and revealing new additions to the Xbox 360 such as Facebook support.
During its briefing, Microsoft showed a lineup of blockbuster games, including “Forza Motorsport 3,” “Alan Wake,” “Halo 3: ODST,” and “The Beatles: Rock Band.” New Xbox LIVE services include instant on 1080p HD streaming movies and television, Facebook and Last.fm support.
Unveiled for the first time to the public was “Project Natal,” pronounced “nuh-tall” and a code name for a revolutionary new way to play, no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the “Project Natal” sensor is the world’s first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2D cameras and controllers, “Project Natal” tracks your full body movement in 3D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.
In addition, unlike other devices, the “Project Natal” sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn’t just react to key words but understands what you’re saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox LIVE? Simply step in front of the sensor.
Microsoft also announced today that version of Facebook and Last.fm would be tailor-made for your TV, only on Xbox 360. Microsoft also announced Xbox LIVE Party for movies, which allows people to watch movies together over Xbox Live.
The addition of Facebook to Xbox LIVE means friends are always connected. But updating your status and sharing photos won’t be the only things you can do. Using Facebook Connect, you can share your gaming moments by posting updates and screenshots from supported games directly to Facebook. The first game to support this new feature is “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10.”
A first for TV, Last.fm, will give Xbox LIVE subscribers access to millions of songs streaming through Xbox 360. Xbox LIVE subscribers will be able to create their own free, personalized radio stations and listen to them locally with friends in the living room or across the country.
That's not all, Microsoft today announced that Xbox would deliver instant on 1080p movies and TV with 5.1 surround sound — direct to consoles connected to compatible HDTVs through Xbox LIVE. In addition, Microsoft announced it will more than double the number of markets where Xbox LIVE offers its TV shows and movies, growing from eight to 18, by adding Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Xbox LIVE members in these markets will have access to instant on 1080p video. New Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace advancements also came for the U.S., U.K. and Ireland specifically:
More choices with Netflix. Plus now with Xbox LIVE Party, you can watch and share supported movies with up to seven friends on Xbox LIVE.
Live TV with BSkyB Ltd. Now, for the first time, watch live or on-demand TV from Sky on Xbox 360, including Sky Sports. You can even share your favorites with up to seven friends in an Xbox LIVE Party.
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