At the E3 2010 trade show, Microsoft announced the new gaming system – Microsoft Kinect. What had been code-named Microsoft Natal, the XBox Kinect is already creating excitement among gamers and non-gamers alike. Much like the Wii gaming system, the Xbox Kinect encourages real movement – but unlike the Wii, the Kinect will focus on full-body movement. The Kinect will release in October or November as an add-on to Xbox 360.
Article Source: Microsoft Xbox Kinect – Motion-controlled gaming goes hands free
The way the Microsoft Kinect operates
In order to capture your motion, the Kinect uses a two camera system. One camera uses RGB color sensors, while the other recognizes depth. This system tracks full-body motion and movements by combining input from these two cameras.This means there could be no controllers and no separation between game and player.
Playing on the Kinect
Xbox will offer games bundled with the Kinect, as well as on Xbox Live and on discs. These games will include a Star Wars game from LucasArts. You will find also six “base” games the Kinect can be released with. The most exciting thing, for many gamers, is the possibility that Xbox games like Halo Reach may migrate over to the Kinect also.
Alternatives to the Microsoft Kinect
Since the success of the Nintendo Wii, numerous game console makers have been developing a lot more interactive game systems. If you are willing to wait, the Microsoft Kinect won’t be your only choice for this kind of gaming. Sony’s “Move” can be a similar system, but will cost half as much. The original success of the Nintendo Wii proved that gaming consoles could be sold to someone other than just hard-core gamers. Considering the first Microsoft XBox lost over $ 1 billion, it isn’t a surprise they are trying to “add on” instead of release a new system.
Additional information at these websites
Engadget.com
edition.cnn.com
VG247.com
