Fusion: The cross-platform motion-sensor

Motion-sensing technology for all gaming systems might be possible as a wireless motion sensor system – codenamed Fusion – is now in development. This means that Wiimote-like controllers/peripherals will be accessible to all you [insert console here]-fanboys out there.

Fusion is being developed by the people responsible for the Gametrak controller, In2Games, and is set to be available around the third quarter of 2007. The developers claim that what sets their system apart from existing controllers is its extended capabilities. For example, if you apply the technology to a peripheral for a Tennis game it can not only track the player’s swings and motions, but also where they are on court, the angle of the “racket” as it hits the ball, and the precise arc of the swing.

What’s really interesting about this plug-and-play system is that it’s capable of emulating any other motion-based controller. This will allow games designed specifically for the Wii to be brought to any other format. Wii-style games on the Xbox 360? On the PS3? A nice thought isn’t it?

The developers claim that the Fusion system does not rely upon the gamer pointing a controller at the screen, and that their system does not restrict the gamer to limited movements. They say that it combines patent-pending ultrasonic and RF technologies with 3-axis accelerometers to record the precise absolute position and orientation in 3D space of almost any wireless accessory. Be that accessory be a golf club, a baseball bat, a tennis racket, or a bowling ball.

Michael French, editor of Develop Magazine had this to say about the Fusion prototype that he’s seen: “This kind of technology could level the playing field and have a serious impact on the direction of the next generation console market.”

So what Wiimote intensive game would you like to see go cross-platform?

Motion-sensing technology for all gaming systems might be possible as a wireless motion sensor system – codenamed Fusion – is now in development. This means that Wiimote-like controllers/peripherals will be accessible to all you [insert console here]-fanboys out there.

Fusion is being developed by the people responsible for the Gametrak controller, In2Games, and is set to be available around the third quarter of 2007. The developers claim that what sets their system apart from existing controllers is its extended capabilities. For example, if you apply the technology to a peripheral for a Tennis game it can not only track the player’s swings and motions, but also where they are on court, the angle of the “racket” as it hits the ball, and the precise arc of the swing.

What’s really interesting about this plug-and-play system is that it’s capable of emulating any other motion-based controller. This will allow games designed specifically for the Wii to be brought to any other format. Wii-style games on the Xbox 360? On the PS3? A nice thought isn’t it?

The developers claim that the Fusion system does not rely upon the gamer pointing a controller at the screen, and that their system does not restrict the gamer to limited movements. They say that it combines patent-pending ultrasonic and RF technologies with 3-axis accelerometers to record the precise absolute position and orientation in 3D space of almost any wireless accessory. Be that accessory be a golf club, a baseball bat, a tennis racket, or a bowling ball.

Michael French, editor of Develop Magazine had this to say about the Fusion prototype that he’s seen: “This kind of technology could level the playing field and have a serious impact on the direction of the next generation console market.”

So what Wiimote intensive game would you like to see go cross-platform?