Microsoft might not have an official CES 2013 presence, but that did not stop it from stealing the show at the Samsung keynote with a video of the IllumiRoom "peripheral projected illusion" system.
A Microsoft Research development, IllumiRoom combines Kinect, PC and projector to "expand interaction to any surface in your home." As seen in the video this involves real-time projections on the walls beyond the TV screen, creating more immersive gaming experiences.
Apparently the system first maps room appearance and geometry via Kinect before adapting projections (such as bullets flying out of the display or games playing out on an entire wall), all without custom graphic pre-processing.
Microsoft claims the footage is "captured live and not the result of any special effects,” meaning the technology is effectively in place.
The video is unusually polished for a mere "proof-of-concept," leading to speculation it is actually promotional material for the next generation Xbox or Kinect. As to why it was shown at the Samsung keynote, keep in mind pico and embedded projectors make part of the vast Samsung conglomerate...
Kinect proved to be something of a dark horse in Microsoft's war for the global living room. Will augmented reality be the next step?
Watch IllumiRoom Concept Video