What you need to know about the Kinect for Xbox 360
Besides being a complete entertainment package, Xbox 360 is also a revolutionary gaming system. Kinect Xbox 360 is a bigger part of the gaming vision of now. This highly sophisticated device is completely redefining the prevailing gaming approach as it eliminates the requirement of separate controller. In the present scenario, Xbox 360 is already known for its qualitative games, largest on-demand music library, high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games.
But, Xbox 360 Kinect is a new controller which could track the movement of a player (s) by using cameras on a TV webcam-like device. With hand gestures the user would be able to give commands to the device. By saying commands like: Xbox PLAY, Xbox STOP, Xbox MUSIC a owner can control the video. And also not to forget the provision of Xbox LIVE or MSN Messenger on a video chat is possible for upto 4 people.
Kinect First Impression
At the very initial look, it was found that the camera-based motion sensor is not that effective. The Microsoft Kinect (previously known as Project Natal) is surely an add-on for the Xbox 360. It might resemble the Nintendo Wii but its interior has been crafted with never heard technology. Its virtual sensor-camera monitors the movement of the player's body and perceive action commands accordingly. A few questions might be raised regarding the overall performance of the device but still the motion-sensing technology has left Nintendo Wii far behind in terms of controls.
The feel
More than just functioning as a gaming device, Kinect also guarantees extraordinary entertainment. superior controller-free facility to arrange your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports at one strategic point are some unique options. The user may start from anywhere or anyplace in the running program. You may watch a HD movie in 1080p and if it gets boring, just say “Xbox, play” for instantly playing a college bowl game. By just waving his hand the user can access a huge song library. With the help of Xbox LIVE or MSN Messenger you can make new friends to have fun.
Pricing and Availability
The prices of the gaming consoles manufactured by Microsoft may vary from $199 to $399. The Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect has been priced at $299.99. Another variation of Xbox 360 which is a 250GB Console with Kinect costs $399.99. The third version of Xbox 360 4GB Console has been priced at $199.99. Xbox 360 250GB Console can be availed at $299.99.
What’s great?
With so many interactive and intriguing no controller features the gamer remains active in exploring new ways to play a game. With this technical advantage, Xbox has differentiated itself with Nintendo Wii. The system is absolutely free from the technicalities of the cords and everything is completely hands-free. Lastly, the feature of direct conservation with your system is unprecedented in the gaming history. The Microsoft Kinect package would include 5 games along with it. They are:
Dance Central
This musical game has been developed by MTV Games. There are variety of dance styles in this game which can be played only through Kinect.
Joyride
A furious racing game designed specifically for Xbox Live. Here, The game players would enter the racing arena with brand new avtars.
Kinectimals
A simulation game featuring 20 animal care virtual cat species that can be maintained. The players would have to take care of the cats ranging from children to grow into an adult cat.
Kinect Adventures
The challenge in this game is to control a boat raft that floats on the river torrents. This game too would be controlled only through body movements only.
Kinect Sports
Several type of sports have been included in this game like: boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, athletics, soccer, and table tennis. Kinect Sports is actually a Microsoft version of Wii Sports which heavily demands the usage of bodily volitions.
What’s not so great?
Although, the Kinects vision is to make everyone play a game but still this Microsoft's $500 million marketing needs to rectify some serious issues. While testing the game, two dark skinned employees of Kinnect faced face identification problems. After repeated calibration attempts it was found that the device was not recognizing dark skinned employees at all.
The Kinect camera is the heart and soul of the entire device. If the camera system and sensor doesn't work properly then the entire device becomes useless. The system is capable of 640×480 pixel resolution and it captures objects with a spatial horizontal resolution of 3mm (0.01). The range of the sensor is very limited. It only works in a range between 0.8m to 3.5m (2.4ft to 10ft) to the user. If a family of 4 or members is playing games then the device becomes problematic.
Limited body recognition is another disadvantage of the game. As per the ING's report, Kinect’s sensors don't recognize skeletal movements (Microsoft says 48 skeletal points, down to fingers, are tracked) while the gamer is sitting. That means, Kinect games work effectively when you are standing up. The user may face problems if he is sitting on a couch while playing a simple game.
Can you think of driving a car without holding a physical device in your hands, this is what the company has told about Kinect. This is a irrational thought which would deprive the users from a good VR experience. In this case previous Xbox machine will be preferred. Microsoft is saying that it will make such devices in future. But the hardcore gamers prefer a controller, steering wheel or other physical accessory for a realistic game experience.
Content of Kinect is very much different from the content of Xbox 360 which included the popular Metal Gear Solid or Halo. This change in content poses a tough challenge for Microsoft in convincing its hardcore gamer base. The new gaming system demands a lot of bodily volutions which might be a way of physical workout but how far can a hardcore gamer is going to accept this truth?
Warning to Kinect buyers!
If you are thinking of buying the new Xbox kinnect then you should also plan to arrange some additional equipment and space for the setup. Which could ultimately cost you some more extra dollars. This $399 gaming console would be out of reach for many households. So this expensive devise can became the pain for Xbox resulting into the gain for Sony or Nintendo.
Warning! Kinect Shrinks People
A strange side-effect has been associated with the Microsoft's new motion controller. Felicia Williams demoed the game twice on Monday. A shocking news was unveiled when Felicia compared herself at the Your Shape Fitness demos from the Microsoft and Ubisoft press conferences. When Ms. Williams was scanned, her height was 5'8 but at the Ubisoft press conference after 7 hour, her height measured only 5'6". Incredibly, she shrunk two inches in less than half a day. At this diminishing pace, Felicia might vanish in some days time by using Kinect.
Verdict
It can be safely said that Kinect would bring the games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways. The no controller philosophy of the company is also a big step forward in the VR segment which can let anybody play. The product might be facing many issues related to face identification, content and performance but still it has got the potential to make everyone in the family laugh and cheer. It shall be remembered that the game has not been made for hardcore gamers. Kinect is actually a blend between the gaming the entertainment console. It is a futuristic device which lets you to kick a ball, watch an HD movie and that too with a wave of the hand. The $399 device might sound expensive but its another variation has been priced at $199 which is even cheaper than Sony. One of the new features announced during the E3 includes the partnership with ESPN. If we will consider all these facts than it becomes quite clear that the device is worth buying.
Alternatives
PlayStation Move
The PlayStation Move is a combination of PlayStation 3, the PlayStationEye camera and the PlayStation Move motion controller. The motion gaming technology included the motion controller and the eye camera. A high degree of precision can be achieved with the motion controller which allows the eye camera to pinpoint every movement and position within the room. This tracking is again translated into the gameplay. The package includes 320 GB PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions game, Bonus game demo disc and DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. You can avail the entire package of PS3 move for $399.99.
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo's Wii is a revolutionary motion controlled gaming console for people of all ages and families. Astonishing games like: Wii Sports, Wii Fit Plus, and New Super Mario Bros are available on Wii. The user can connect online to download new and classic games, stream TV episodes and movies via Netflix. Nintendo Wii package encompasses: Wii Sports Resort, Wii Remote Plus controller, One Nunchuk controller, Sensor Bar, Standard composite cable and Power cord. Wii has been priced at $199 by its makers.
Further readings
Famous blogger, Josh says that “Kinect is a “controller-free gaming and entertainment experience” for the Xbox 360 video game platform.” Similarly, Scott Stein has said that “The Move is for hard-core gamers, according to Sony, and the button-covered design may come off as a bit intimidating for the Wii crowd. The Kinect is controller-free, and the motion-heavy gaming is perfect for fitness nuts, families, and casual players with luxurious living rooms. The Wii is still for nearly anyone, but mainly kids, casual gamers, and those without HDTVs. “
