Offices adopt gaming technology

Offices adopt gaming technology
Microsoft is moving Project Natal into the office, demonstrating that interactive gesture recognition technology isn’t reserved for gamers. The project, unveiled in June at a gaming exhibition, uses microphones, a camera and a depth sensor to allow players to control a game with their body instead of a controller. Now, Microsoft has revealed a Windows solution that is set to transform the way an office works.

Following revelations that extending the technology to PCs could drastically revolutionise working practices, Microsoft held a demonstration of possible uses. The company showed how multiple touchscreens, combined with voice and gesture control, could create a futuristic office environment.
Technology review site, CNET reported from the Washington demonstration saying that it included hologram-like videoconferencing, a virtual digital assistant and multiple surface computers, along with voice-, touch- and gesture-recognition technology.
The demonstration depicted an office that would completely immerse employees, with a multi-touch surface computer as a desk and displays for office walls. This creates a hugely versatile environment as the wall displays can act as a virtual window or extra workspace. Microsoft demonstrated workspace options, transforming the walls into a collection of digital photos and a corkboard of sticky notes. The demonstrator also used depth cameras to place himself within an architectural demonstration. He was then able to virtually walk around a building concept.