Microsoft rolls out RoomAlive augmented reality system (video)

 October 6, 2014 - 16:56 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Microsoft has unveiled a new augmented reality experience called RoomAlive, Digital Spy said.

Using projectors and Kinect, RoomAlive allows for fully interactive gaming experiences that take up an entire 3D space.

"RoomAlive is a proof-of-concept prototype that transforms any room into an immersive, augmented entertainment experience," reads Microsoft's video description.

"Our system enables new interactive projection mapping experiences that dynamically adapts content to any room. Users can touch, shoot, stomp, dodge and steer projected content that seamlessly co-exists with their existing physical environment."

The proof-of-concept prototype has been demonstrated with games such as Whack-A-Mole, Robot Attack and Traps. In Whack-A-Mole, users must stomp and shoot moles that appear in random places around a room.

Using a traditional controller, Robot Attack lets players control a robot that can move up and down walls, while Traps tasks users with avoiding various dangers that appear from walls. Visual elements are shown to represent damage taken from the various traps.

RoomAlive is the follow-up to Illumiroom, which was unveiled at last year's CES event in Las Vegas.

IllumiRoom is a projector device that can be used to extend the gaming content out of the TV or show in-game elements such as explosions and snow. Microsoft has since said that Illumiroom technology would not be available to consumers.