Microsoft has done it again with the Kinect Sensor. This device, formerly referred to as Natal, is a motion sensor that allows for a fun gaming experience. The Kinect Sensor can be plugged right into any Xbox 360 and has audio sensors, a camera and motion sensing technology which tracks 48 points of movement of the human body.
For those who don’t yet own Xbox 360, Microsoft has also created the all new Xbox 360 4GB console which includes the Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures”. Packaged together, this bundle will retail for $299.99. When playing “Kinect Adventures”, players will be able to traverse through 20 adventures while navigating around roaring rapids and maneuvering mountaintop obstacle courses and other interesting locations. There are no controllers, no wants or even a balance board required.
Not only does the Kinect Sensor recognize movement, but it also recognizes faces and voices. It performs full motion tracking of the human body at 30 frames per second. Unlike 2-D controllers and cameras, the Kinect Sensor will track your full body movement in 3-D while you are responding to directions, commands or even changing the tone of your voice to reflect various emotions.
Using the Kinect Sensor gives you a whole new and unique way of playing games. The sensor will track your body movement, listen to your voice and recognize your face. So, if you can shake your hips, move your hands and speak, you can jump right into any Kinect game and enjoy yourself. Plus, you are using all parts of your body from your feet to your head. You are the controller, so you don’t just control the characters, you ARE the character!
You are in the game itself, so this is a full-body experience. You can also log into Xbox LIVE and connect with other players. Because the Kinect Sensor is smart enough to remember faces and voices, you will have more personalized fun.
For those who want to get in shape and lose some weight, the Kinect Sensor will be a wonderful addition to your gaming experience. You will be laughing, moving, cheering and playing while using every part of your body. It creates a very social atmosphere too, which gives you quality time with friends and family.
The Kinect Sensor is a high-tech, high-fun option to add to your existing Xbox set-up. Of course, you can also go “all the way” and purchase the new Xbox system to make your gaming experience complete.