Gates: 'Natal tech could come to PC'

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has revealed that the Xbox 360's Project Natal motion sensing technology could also be used with the PC.

Announced last month at the E3 Expo, Natal uses sensors and a camera to pick up body movement to command on-screen action.

Speaking to CNET, Gates indicated his hope for the depth-sensing camera to play an important role in enabling consumers to control a variety of devices.

He explained that this ambition could be realised in "a little over a year" and would not only be applicable to gaming, but also for "media consumption as a whole".

The Microsoft co-founder fully recognises the potential of using the body to control electronic devices, which he believes could be applied in both consumer and business environments.

"I think the value is great if you're in the home, as you want to manage your movies, music, home system-type stuff; it's very cool there," he added.

"And I think there's incredible value [if] we use that in the office connected to a Windows PC."

Gates also said that the technology would improve levels of interaction during collaboration and communication sessions on the PC.