Analyst: 'ZCam more exciting than Wii'

While the success of the Nintendo Wii proves that its motion-sensing controller is exciting users, an Israel-based technology firm has unveiled a new device that looks ready to take game control to a whole new level.

3DV Systems has announced the creation of the ZCam, a 3D camera for PCs that allows users to control on-screen action simply by moving their hands and bodies.

"The Wii has shown us the way, but this device can take things so much farther," said 3DV Chief Executive Zvika Klier during a recent demonstration for Reuters.

"Because it can sense depth, the camera tracks movements in three dimensions."

Using only hand gestures, Klier demonstrated controlling an on-screen aeroplane by simply moving his hands from side-to-side, and by raising his thumbs to activate machine-guns.

The system uses similar motion control to the Nintendo Wii, but without any controller being present. Instead, the ZCam reads every movement.

Klier said his company is now in talks with several hardware and software companies, claiming the camera will be ready for mass production in 2008.

Games analyst Billy Pidgeon believes the ZCam is an exciting step up from the Wii. "Devices like this really need to have a sensible bundling strategy," Pidgeon said. "Technologies like this are exciting, but the downside is that as a peripheral to an existing install base, it will only get out to a fraction of that base."