Follow G4 on Twitter
X

Time Names Project Natal One Of The 50 Best Inventions Of 2009

JGaskill
46 Comments

Posted November 12, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Rumors About A New Xbox 360 Have Been Refuted And RevisedMicrosoft’s hands-free motion-control technology Project Natal was named the fifth best invention of 2009 by Time Magazine. As always the list is filled with fascinating and “Whoa!”-inducing selections, but what’s more interesting than Natal taking the number five spot is that it beat out the teleportation of data between atoms, a telescope that can see previously invisible stars, and the first immunization that protects against HIV infection.

Considering all we’ve really seen from Natal at this point, is that it lets you have a creepy relationship with a virtual boy and can be used to flail around while rubber balls bounce off your avatar, including Natal so high on the list, and ahead of some truly inspiring inventions, seems a bit premature in my opinion. That is of course unless Natal ends up curing AIDS some day, in which case I will retract this opinion posthaste.

What do you think of Project Natal’s inclusion on Time’s list? Am I wrong in thinking that it was ranked a bit too high?

Source: Time

Time Names Project Natal One Of The 50 Best Inventions Of 2009
http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/700672/time-names-project-natal-one-of-the-50-best-inventions-of-2009/
http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/163190_S/Rumors-About-A-New-Xbox-360-Have-Been-Refuted-And-Revised.jpg
BlogThread_700672
  • asherdelampyr

    "the vaccine is modestly effective, reducing infection 31% among those receiving the regimen vs. those getting a placebo."

    Sounds like they used real test subjects. but if it hasnt been tested on humans, and with the low success rate, its no wonder most people havent heard of it yet
    Read more: http://www.time.com/time/speci als/packages/article/0,28804,1 934027_1934003_1933952,00.html #ixzz0WhP41pRp

    Posted: November 12, 2009 5:34 PM | Reply | Report
    asherdelampyr
  • LocoCabasa

    A gimmick that makes you spaz in front of the TV, instead of going outside and getting real exercise, is considered more important than a cure for AIDS? WTCSMF?

    Posted: November 12, 2009 5:16 PM | Reply | Report
    LocoCabasa
  • chabos9

    They forgot to mention that the number one is moot.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 4:59 PM | Reply | Report
    chabos9
  • Spoonpwner

    is it necessary for every sony fanboy to flock to an article about the xbox achieving something. like really, get over it. Im absolutely tired of getting on a article bout the 360 then scrolling down to the comment section and seeing people put "RED RING OF DEATH" and "stupid M$, its gonna cost millions". Get a life,if your system is so good why arent you playing it?

    Posted: November 12, 2009 4:05 PM | Reply | Report
    Spoonpwner
  • TheSiwentKiwwah

    are you sure this list is in order? it may just be a list, no order.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:54 PM | Reply | Report
    TheSiwentKiwwah
  • Blue_Vortex

    I think the writers for Time Magazine are big fans of the movie minority report

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:52 PM | Reply | Report
    Blue_Vortex
  • Adrenalyn915

    That list is BS, it always has been. Have you ever really looked at it? Its filled with crap that most people wouldn't even consider inventions, and the things that prove to be useful, either aren't on the list, or are lower than the guy who made a youtube video! I have to say, the technology used in Natal is impressive, but hardly revolutionary, and barely new!

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:35 PM | Reply | Report
    Adrenalyn915
  • tarbis

    I lost all respect for Time Magazine

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:24 PM | Reply | Report
    tarbis
  • kenerhai

    Wait, how can it be the 5th greatest invention of all time (or at least this year), and it's not even out yet? Did I miss something?!?!?

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:13 PM | Reply | Report
    kenerhai
  • scottyrob82

    Where is mighty putty or the slap chop?

    Posted: November 12, 2009 3:08 PM | Reply | Report
    scottyrob82
  • river_tron

    Sounds a bit premature to me. It also sounds like they just threw that in there because they needed to fill the spot with something culturally relevant. I wonder if the Wii got the same sort of props the year it launched?

    All the games for Natal could suck for all we know. And we'll definitely know come November 2010.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:44 PM | Reply | Report
    river_tron
  • FuzzyHammer

    Way too high.... should have been lower on the list

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:38 PM | Reply | Report
    FuzzyHammer
  • fatman2008

    So... Natal beats the Aids vaccine? and the electric eye?

    wow....what is this world coming to?

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:38 PM | Reply | Report
    fatman2008
  • h4x121

    natal is essentially a more accurate version of the Sony eye toy and its number 5 on the list? are you serious....almost everything on that list should be higher than natal. I mean don't get me wrong natal is pretty cool, but one of the best inventions of 2009? One of the most fun maybe but if this list is based on importance this is just fail.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:30 PM | Reply | Report
    h4x121
  • AngrySeniors

    number two was tuna that was bred in a tank!!!???!!!!?????!! are you FnCkin kidding me

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:30 PM | Reply | Report
    AngrySeniors
  • pwnagninja12

    This is ridiculous.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply | Report
    pwnagninja12
  • ImpurestCrowd

    MS paid Time something for this award. Poor misguided fools

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply | Report
    ImpurestCrowd
  • scottyrob82

    If it matters, which it won't to fan babies, the polls list it at #29. And what is #1? A rocket that hasn't even proven itself. But the best is the #2 spot which is....tank bred tuna! If you think fish grown out of a tank is better than a new concept or one that could save millions of lives, or the same fish found in the wild, than this poll is for you.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:24 PM | Reply | Report
    scottyrob82
  • AngrySeniors

    first off yea it shouldn't be over the HIV vaccine at all, because it could save live no ones life will be saved by playing with a natal. i mean yea its cool but its cooler that we are getting so close to creating a vaccine for HIV. but to me natal shouldn't even be on the list because we don't know anything about it yet we don't even know if it will work

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:23 PM | Reply | Report
    AngrySeniors
  • BigDizzleBizzle

    If Wii never came out with motion controls or avatars, Microsoft wouldn't have jumped on the band wagon and Sony wouldn't have it either. At least Sony tested their motion controls (not hands free) live at E3 unlike Microsofts' prerecorded video. So if anyone deserves it no one does cause everyone is ripping everyone off.

    Posted: November 12, 2009 2:22 PM | Reply | Report
    BigDizzleBizzle

Add a Comment

Limit 5,000 characters | 5,000 characters remaining
Log in to Comment
Post to Facebook
Post to Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT

Blog Tags

g4tv.com

AdChoices