Microsoft Corp. intends to release its highly-anticipated code-named Natal motion-sensing device sometimes around the fifth anniversary of Xbox 360 video game console, in November 2010, according to a media report. The software giant reportedly also wants to make the product as affordable as possible.

Microsoft told its partners among game developers from the United Kingdom that it would release its Natal in November ’01 and will try to make it affordable enough to ensure impulse purchases, reports MCV web-site. In particular, Natal motion sensor may cost less than £50, which translates into considerably less than $79 in the U.S. or €79 in Europe. In total, there will be five million of Natal available separately on the day of launch, besides, they will also be available bundled with consoles. According to the media report, 14 games are set to be release along with Natal.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Microsoft Project Natal device is the world’s first set of sensors to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. The depth sensor, which is an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, allows Natal to see the room in 3D (as opposed to inferring the room from a 2D image) under any lighting conditions. The RGB cam delivers the three basic color components and helps, among other things, to enable facial recognition. The Project Natal sensor is not light-dependent, it can recognize gamers just by looking at faces, and it does not just react to key words, but understands what is said, according to Microsoft. Natal motion sensor is supported by 14 game developers.

Tags: Microsoft, Natal, Xbox