Microsoft has unveiled a “breakthrough sensor” for Xbox 360 that “detects 3D movements and voices,” codenamed Project Natal.

Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, said at the company’s E3 conference: “We can leap into a new era of entertainment without introducing a new console… We make you the controller.”

A press release explains: “Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the ‘Project Natal’ sensor is the world’s first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, ‘Project Natal’ tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.

“In addition, unlike other devices, the ‘Project Natal’ sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognise you just by looking at your face, and it doesn’t just react to key words but understands what you’re saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox Live? Simply step in front of the sensor.”