Microsoft Kinect

This year’s E-3 conference, known as the ultimate event for computer & video games, could see the unfolding of some spectacular gaming technology. This year’s event is being held at the LA Convention Center from June 15-17, 2010. It’s been four years since the Nintendo Wii had created a sensation. Even to this date Wii gaming consoles are selling like hot cakes, almost double the sales of their nearest competitors – Sony’s PS3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

Microsoft’s gaming share could take a giant leap. While Microsoft maintains that Kinect’s development is purely to enhance the Xbox 360 gaming experience , with the use of body movements (it supposedly even recognizes finger movements), gestures, object recognition and voice-commands, this could be a gaming revolution in the making, one where consoles are redundant. When using Kinect, you need a sensor device (smaller than a set-top box) to be perched on top of your TV set. If this is priced well, it could become a huge hit in the Indian market. I’m particularly excited about controller-free gaming as no more would you need nimble fingers or deft hands to become a gaming pro.

Last month, Microsoft had demonstrated some of these controller-free games to a select group: Ricochet, Living Statue, Obstacle Course, River Rush.