Microsoft entering 3D realm

Microsoft is close at cutting a deal to acquire 3DV Systems for $35 million

Microsoft, is constantly in a never-ending battle with its technology opponents.  While Microsoft’s Zune struggles to keep up with the innovations of Apple’s iPod, its entire Office suite and developer tools are boldly attempting to catch up with Google by introducing its own cloud computing line-up, Azure.  

It doesn’t end here, Microsoft is now trying to follow Nintendo’s trend of innovation in gaming, stepping into the motion sensor realm of video games.  As we all know, the Nintendo Wii detects the gamer’s motions with a controller, sensor receiver combination.  Well, Israeli company, 3DV Systems has developed something similar, and Microsoft is looking pretty closely at.

According to this Israeli article, Microsoft is negotiating a $35 million dollar acquisition of 3DV Systems.  3DV has raised a total of $38.6 million in funding to date, thus not so quite a successful exit for the Israeli startup.  

What makes 3DV’s technology so special?  Apparently you don’t need a controller.  All of the users motions are sensed by a video imaging technology capable of capturing the depth dimension of objects in real time.  It looks like a typical web-cam, but apparently sees in 3D. 

This technology can be incorporated into gaming, bringing immersive experiences similar to that of the Nintendo Wii games like Boxing, where you throw a punch and your character on screen simulates your motions.  Although this sounds great, I ask the question, where are the buttons?

Besides gaming innovation, 3DV’s technology is aimed at creating 3D web conferencing and also eliminating the mouse and keyboard all together.  Remember the “Minority Report” scene where Tom Cruise moves around files on screen with his fingers at a distance?  Well 3DV is attempting to bring this technology to life.

Aside from gaming, perhaps Microsoft is making a good move here, attempting to lead the way in 3D computing and leaving its technology competitors in the 2-Dimensional dust.