Augmented reality is just one step away. It won’t be long until we can alter this reality and be able to do amazing things in a virtual one. Microsoft’s RoomAlive is the latest augmented project that has been announced this week and it looks awesome. The video really looks like something from a sci-fi movie. Want to know what Microsoft’s RoomAlive really is and how it works? The RoomAlive is actually a sophisticated system of projectors and cameras that turns any room into a big screen where people can actually play video games. The room itself becomes the playground, the game’s setting. Sounds cool, right? The new Microsoft’s RoomAlive is somewhat similar to their previous project called IllumiRoom, but that one was used for turning an entire wall into a TV. Microsoft’s RoomAlive is using all kind of projectors that are paired to Kinect sensors. This determines the actual layout of the room and the way people are positioned in it.
The IllumiRoom focused on one wall only while Microsoft’s RoomAlive uses a bunch of projectors to transform an entire room and make it interactive. Microsoft’s RoomAlive also uses special software that detect surfaces and their relation to the different objects in the room like the walls, ceiling and floor. Microsoft’s RoomAlive also uses special tools to create unique experiences, which means that developers can create their own game content within the room.
Microsoft’s RoomAlive is in the testing phase and it’s just a prototype for now. No one knows for sure when it will be available for commercial purposes but we’re expecting that in a year or so that will happen.
If the Microsoft’s RoomAlive will pass all the tests it could change the 3D gaming experience and take it one step forward. There are plenty of developers who experiment with augmented reality and transforming the traditional screen. Sony and Oculus have created virtual headsets and Google made their Google Glass eyewear. Microsoft’s RoomAlive is even more exciting because they are transforming a whole room which you can actually see, unlike the headsets.
We’re looking forward to Microsoft’s RoomAlive latest updates and we will keep you posted.