Kinect Comes to Computers as WAVI Xtion
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CREDIT: ASUS |
Whatever your feelings are about the name "Kinect" for Microsoft's Xbox 360 motion control system, at least it's short, punchy and memorable. The name of the Kinect clone that ASUS will produce for computers is none of those things.
As rumored , ASUS will release a special camera that looks very similar to the Kinect sensor. It will be made by the same group that developed Kinect, called PrimeSense.
"This user interface is a new paradigm that represents how all CE products will eventually be naturally controlled and operated," said Inon Beracha, CEO of PrimeSense, in a statement.
However, ASUS will call this device the WAVI Xtion. And no, no one is sure how to pronounce that.
The WAVI Xtion will have the exact same function as Kinect; users will be able to control interfaces and games with their bodies. Simple gestures will make it possible to navigate menus and control avatars. The PC version of Kinect will connect to computers wirelessly via a transmitter.
ASUS believes that such a device will help make computers more of a living room feature rather than a desk-bound device. By connecting it to a TV, the computer and WAVI Xtion can provide much the same functionality as consoles and other media devices.
"ASUS combines its wireless cross-room solution with PrimeSense's simple, intuitive, gesture-based control technology to allow users to enjoy and share PC content on TV with gestures. WAVI Xtion is the unprecedented living room experience that will revolutionize users' recreational lives," said Kent Chien, General Manager at ASUS, in a company statement.
ASUS also plans to make a lot of content available for the WAVI Xtion, including an entire app ecosystem that people can use with the motion control sensor. So far there is no firm release date, but ASUS intends to release it sometime in the second quarter of this year.
