Nintendo big boy Satoru Iwata has announced his firm's next generation console, codenamed "Revolution". I'm sure Gamesblog will be covering all the bases, but I'm intrigued by one particular aspect: how they are changing the input method.
In this interview with BusinessWeek, Iwata says Revolution will erm, revolutionise the interface:
The new interface will allow some new forms of innovation. Already, you're seeing changes in Nintendo DS, which has a microphone, input pen, and touch screen.
We have a number of candidates for a new interface but are not ready to reveal them. All I can say right now is that whatever we choose will be intuitive and easy to use for everyone.
There have been advances in interface design over the last couple of years that have finally started to make some headway. PDAs led the way with stylus input, but in terms of real mainstreaming Sony's EyeToy, for example, is likely to be the progenitor of many new video-based inputs. And, as always, several firms are working on proper voice command systems for PCs, consoles and home entertainment systems.
I'm not quite sure the DS's "breathing-on-microphone" technique is quite the ticket, but it's fascinating to see how in many ways it's entertainment, not business, that is really driving forward the idea of changing the way we use technology.
