HP’s Got Game, Infiltrates Real Life with GPS and Accelerometers

While we don’t expect to create some portable gaming hardware of their own, HP has got the software side of things covered with a new innovation that will “get kids off the couch.” Instead of shoving players in front of a TV, the new Mscape technology by HP “takes advantage of GPS navigation and accelerometers, similar to the ones found in Nintendo Wii.”

Using this technology, children actually go outside and “actively play in real environments such as a park.” Each participant is equipped with a handheld that is activated by various sensors set up around the game area, triggering certain events in the game, “like a bonus level or an attack by the bad guys.” It’s easy to see how the GPS side of things fits in, but I’m not sure how the motion-sensitive accelerometers are used.

Real-life Counterstrike anyone?