Microsoft 3D video camera for Xbox 360 soon

A Wall Street Journal report has said that Microsoft will offer a 3D video camera for the Xbox 360 that will allow gamers to control games using their bodies and hand gestures.Microsoft’s 3D video camera allows the users’ body movements to act as game controllers. The 3D video camera based on the Z-cam technology allows the user to navigate through screens and control the game using their hands.

The 3D motion-sensing camera will eliminate the need to physically use hardware to control games.

“The camera is based on technology that Microsoft developed inside its sprawling research arm. Microsoft also recently acquired….3DV…which has developed a 3D camera and holds related patents,” reported the Wall Street Journal.

Microsoft’s new 3D video camera for XBox 360 may be introduced in the E3 game industry conference to be held in June 2009. It is likely to hit the markets in 2010.

There is speculation that Microsoft’s 3D video camera is a result of the company’s takeover of start-up 3DV Systems and its Z-Cam camera technology.

The Microsoft Xbox 360 has been facing stiff competition from Nintendo Wii. Nintendo, which sells at lower rates, has captured the market.

Some reports suggest that Microsoft’s 3D video camera may be an answer to the motion-sensitive controller that Nintendo launched in 2006. Recently, Microsoft also lowered the price of its Microsoft Xbox 360.

However, Microsoft claims that they are not in competition with Nintendo Wii.

The Wall Street Journal report says that Microsoft is likely to sell the 3D video camera first as an accessory, and later bundle it with the Xbox 360.

There is no information on how the device will be priced.

The Microsoft Xbox 360, that was launched in May 2005, comes in three configurations, the Arcade, Pro and Elite consoles.

Microsoft has said that it has sold 28 million units of the Xbox 360 worldwide, as of January 5, 2009.