The Xbox Kinect: A Demo of the Future

The new Xbox Kinect is a combination of 3D camera technology integrated with voice commands. The Xbox Kinect has many problems and flaws but does a better job than Sony's Move or Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus units. We will first look at the list of what works good and then the list the bad things.

The Good Stuff

1. Your feet and hands are free. Games that use leg and foot motion with no attachments are possible. More complex dance moves can be performed than with the competitors units.

2. Voice commands are possible with 100% accuracy. Xbox Kinect integrates full body motion with voice control into the games.

3. Games are being launched at the same time as the unit and cost around $10 less than regular Xbox 360 games.

4. Microsoft has an upgrade to the Xbox 360 dashboard that integrates the Kinect software.

5. Works with every Xbox 360 but works best with the Xbox 360 S.

6. It is definitely a different type of gaming experience and paves the way to better future performance.

The Bad Stuff

1. The camera's viewing angle is too narrow. The spec says 6 to 8 feet is the distance you must be from the unit. In reality you need to move back several more feet. This distance is a limitation in smaller rooms. The Kinect has difficulty maintaining several people in the viewing area.

2. The Kinect must be setup differently for each game. A stand is available for additional cost to put the unit on top of the TV/monitor which helps in some situations. Menu navigation also varies with each game.

3. The infrared readers and camera are light sensitive and stop functioning when your body is exposed to sunlight.

4. Voice commands are rather limited. Future models with more commands should correct this problem.

5. There is a problem with the inability to fully sense when you what to release an object. The Kinect uses fuzzy logic to guess but it is usually inaccurate.

Conclusion

Having the ability to play games without holding anything in your hands is a much better experience. Even with the flaws the price of $149.99 is a good deal. The Best Buy site shows the Xbox Kinect back ordered and available in one to two weeks. Better go and get your order in now. It is hard to tell how many of the Kinects will sell and there could be a waiting list this close to the holidays.

Sources: Personal Experience
Chris Kohler, "Review: Flawed Kinect Offers Tantalizing Glimpse at Gaming's Future." wired.com
Sam Spratt, "Xbox Kinect Review: It's a Brand New Console." gizmodo.com