Asustek forms alliance for motion-control devices

A Taiwan-based computer firm is joining forces with a state-funded research institute to find uses for motion-control devices not only for gaming but also for education and medicine. The alliance between PC maker Asustek and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) also seeks to draw more participation from the industrial sector. “Motion-control is a simple, convenient and user-friendly interface. Through this alliance, we hope to set up an industry standard and share resources and technologies," Asustek vice chairman Jonathan Tsang said at the inauguration of the alliance Tuesday, according to a report by Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Both parties will work on the motion-control system using components such as a three-dimensional depth camera, such that a person can wirelessly control virtual images on a screen. Last January, Asustek worked with Israel-based PrimeSense on the “WAVI Xtion" solution at the Consumer Electronics Show. PrimeSense makes the chips at the heart of Microsoft’s Kinect motion-based game controllers. In February, Asustek produced a software development kit (SDK) “Xtion Pro" so developers can build applications that use the sensor technology. Kent Chien, general manager of Asustek’s multimedia business unit, said they plan to sell 100,000 WAVI Xtion units starting end-October. “We will focus on the PC market in China at the first stage, as rivals like Microsoft have not released their game consoles in the country," he said. The CNA report noted China had banned the sale of video game consoles and accessories since 2000 for fear youths may spend too much time in virtual environments. — TJD, GMA News