Microsoft is preparing a line of sophisticated movement recognition products – or at least readying for improved technology in this space. That, at least is the conclusion many are drawing from its acquisition of Canesta, which designs microchips that it says enable computers to see images in three dimensions.(via Reuters).
The acquisition comes as Microsoft is getting ready to launch its Kinect motion-controller this week.  A camera-based system, the platform will let players control games with body and hand gestures, instead of using the hand-held controllers. Canesta’s technology ups the ante even further: it claims its CMOS 3-D chips allows users to even more quickly react to the actions or motions of individuals and objects in their field of view.

Ad Campaign

Such speculation, though, is off the radar as far as Microsoft is concerned. Last week the launched the beginning of what will be a huge ad campaign for the system: Kinect is being featured on Kellogg’s cereal boxes, Pepsi bottles, in promotions with Foot Locker, Macy’s, Bose, and Burger King.  There will also be a heavy online and social media presence as well.

The system is set to go on sale Nov. 3.