Kinect for Xbox 360

Gaming companies are always trying to come up with new and innovative ways to increase the gaming experience. Before the Nintendo Wii brought motion sensitive and point/click controllers into the mix, Playstation had invented the Eye Toy. This Playstation webcam was used for only a few games to create controller-free gaming. Now, The Kinect for Xbox 360 offers a similar, though upgraded gaming experience. Learn everything you need to know about this new device.

The Kinect Camera

The Kinect high powered camera is a serious upgrade from what you may have experienced from the Eye Toy. For those who remember, the Eye Toy required strong light nearby, making night gaming sometimes difficult. The Kinect is a bit stronger at detecting movement and people. One of the coolest features of this device is that it can detect up to four separate people for a game. It understands the concept of multiplayer gaming which can really make the Kinect fun for instantaneous gaming.

The Microphone

The camera also comes with a special microphone copycatting the Nintendo DS microphone idea. One game for the Kinect (intended for young children) involves petting and taking care of a pet tiger. You can teach your tiger his/her name and other commands that you can yell out at your television screen. Fun, definitely, if you don't mind seeming insane to whoever may be watching.

The Games

There are a number of small games that go along with the Kinect, in the same model as Wii Sports. Many of these are sports games which actually are even more fun than their Wii Sport equivalents. Being able to move your arms, lean, and dodge physically really makes you feel like you are in the game. The games so far are a bit limited, however. Microsoft most likely intends the Kinect to make a splash into more serious gaming, but only time will tell.

The Kinect is expected to be sold as an Xbox 360 add on for about $150. Tennis, Star Wars, and a UFC training game are planned for 2011.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect