Microsoft has confirmed that it has agreed to buy Canesta, a maker of chips that allow game systems and other electronic devices to recognize gesture controls. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Canesta’s technology is very similar to that used in Kinect, Microsoft’s motion-control system for the Xbox 360. Debuting on Nov. 4, Kinect lets you use your body and gestures to control games. It uses technology that Microsoft acquired in its purchase of 3DV Systems as well as technology that Microsoft licensed from GestureTek and PrimeSense.
With Microsoft acquiring Canesta, it may be close to having access to all of the major patented technology in the emerging field of gesture recognition, where a device can detect any movement in a given three-dimensional space such as a living room.
Canesta’s technology goes beyond controlling games. It can also be used to control TVs, computers, cars, toys and other electronic devices.
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