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Microsoft's IllumiRoom Concept Makes Your Living Room Terrifying

News

by Dan Ryckert on January 09, 2013 at 01:09 PM

31,239 Views

153

Microsoft is no rookie when it comes to experimenting with new gaming technology, as they've spent over two years trying to convince us that Kinect is a thing worth owning. Based on a new tech demo video showcased at Samsung's CES keynote, they're working on a new display-based accessory that incorporates the gamer's living room.

I'm no expert on display technology, but it appears that the IllumiRoom accessory makes it so a whole bunch of crazy crap gets shined all over your walls. The video below showcases flames erupting out of the side of the television, city streets and other backgrounds scrolling by on the room's back wall, and assorted particles flying all over the entertainment center's drawers and shelves.

According to the official Microsoft Research YouTube page, this video is a real time demonstration. A thread on NeoGAF is currently speculating that the tech may be related to this patent.

No details regarding a potential retail release were discussed, but the Microsoft Research site says that more info is coming in late April at the CHI 2013 conference in Paris.

Email the author Dan Ryckert, or follow on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and Game Informer.

Filed under: News, Microsoft, tech demo, crazy lights, illumiroom, proof of concept

Comments

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by The Destroyer Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:16 PM

I was literally talking with my friends today about the patent MS did for this..o.o
by kmcroc Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:17 PM

That is awesome looking can't wait to try it .
by The Car Geek Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:17 PM

That's kinda cool, but you would have to have a pretty big wall with nothing but your TV on it.
by Jetsam Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:17 PM

Why, yes, Microsoft, I have read "Farenheit 451." Yes, I think it is a little too close to that. No, I don't want that in my living room.
by Hyper Refl3x Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:19 PM

Can that thing induce seizures?

Yeah
by AirshipGraveyard Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:23 PM

I wish Micro would spend less time with gimmicky experimental technology and more time making good games for the technology that's actually in peoples hands. Their exclusives as of late have been pretty bad.
by Jeremyx5 Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:24 PM

Only works with N64 games...
by Ozz0912 Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:25 PM

It is a neat concept, however I could not use it. Seems to distracting to me.
by Zig Zaggler Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:25 PM

I don't think many people would buy something like this, it seems a bit unnecessary. Although, I'd like to see how this sort of technology improves.
by Jangle Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:25 PM

It might just be me, but that does not look appealing at all. Except for the snowflakes. That's cool. Everything else just looks ridiculously dumb and more eye stress than it's worth. I would not use this.
by raghavrocks Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:27 PM

This is so similar to the PROJECT FORTALEZA leaked document.

Could be a next Xbox tech.
by Cinder Soldier Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:28 PM

I feel like its too distracting, having to pay attention a faded image around my hd tv. I'd like to see how it works in the dark on a flat wall. Interesting idea and hats off to microsoft for trying it out, but the way i see it this device makes for a large display, but also an inconsistent one and I have never found inconstancy immersive. I might still keep an eye on this, but my real money is on vr headsets like the oculus rift
by that_sterlin_kid Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:28 PM

With a bit more work ad a reasonable price, I'd totally buy this. Looks great so far, at least in my opinion.
by justinq Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:28 PM

I was dead set on getting a PS4 when it comes out. After seeing this, I may consider an Xbox 720 (or whatever it's called). I hope Sony has something up their sleeve to compete with this tech. The only thing I'm worried about is developer support. Hopefully this projector will be part of Kinect 2 and will be included in the box with the new Xbox.
by Seth55125 Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:36 PM

I've been waiting to see how this patent would manifest. Very cool.
by DarthNefario Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:39 PM

Honestly, I could see this technology being a great shot in the arm for the Survival Horror genre.

Think of it, Silent Hill, walking through the iconic fog, stuff all over your wall with movements barely catching your eye, focus the camera where you thought you saw movement. Bam.

Or some such.

A lot of opportunity to play tricks on the eyes in some amazingly spooky ways.

I could see Alma appearances being particularly scary with this. Hopefully F3AR didn't kill that franchise.
by veeronic Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:41 PM

I believe it is fairly obvious the effects are an extension of the tv screen
by Wraith31337 Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:43 PM

This looks extremely immersive.
by ThatBoyNice247 Wednesday, January 09, 2013 at 01:45 PM

That looks Awesome, I can't wait for something like that to come out. technology is getting better and better.