Xbox+Kinect

=__**﻿Xbox Kinect**__= Since video games were created, some sort of controller was always necessary to play the games. However, a new generation of video games has been created with the invention of the Xbox Kinect. The Xbox Kinect is a controller free device in which "you are the controller. No gadgets, no gizmos, just you!"

The Kinect was released in the United States on November 4, 2010, in Europe on November 10, 2010, and Japan on November 20, 2010. Within the first 60 days after being relased, over 8 million Kinect units sold. According to GameSpot, a video gaming website, nearly 10 million Kinects have sold as of March 9, 2011.

Many people are enjoying and benefiting from the Kinect. The actual Kinect device measures 11"x2.5"1.5" and accounts for the entire control of the game. People no longer have to make sure there is enough controllers for those playing, mess with cords, or make sure their controller is always charged. This one small box is all you need. The Xbox Kinect has been described as "magic disquised as technology." But how exactly does it work? The Kinect uses features such as motion sensor, skeletal tracking, facial recognition, and voice recognition. Motion sensors are used to track your entire body and place your whole self into the game. Skeletal tracking "creates a digital skeleton of you based on depth data. So when you move left or right or jump around, the sensor will capture it and put you in the game." The facial recognition feature collects physical data and stores it into your profile so that you can join the game easily. The kinect uses four small microphones to capture your voice and set it apart from other noise in the room in order to allow you to control the Kinect with only your voice.

The Xbox Kinect is also favored because it is easy to set up and virtually easy to use. The Kinect sensor should be placed two to six feet above the ground and centered with you television. The amount of room needed to play is six feet for one player, and eight feet for two players. Navigating around the screen is as easy as moving your hand and pointing where you want the cursor to be. There are many exciting games that accompany the Kinect and are designed specifically for this system. Some of the most popular games include Kinect Sports, Kinectimals, Dance Central, and even The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout. With all these virtual games that get people up and moving, many are using the Kinect as a form of working out and getting exercise. The Kinect can virtually pass the negative comments of video games leading to obesity with ease. Every game requires you to stand up and move and allows people of all ages to exercise without even realizing it.

According to the video game store, GameStop, an Xbox Kinect costs $149. An Xbox Gaming System costs $299.99. Some stores even offer a bonus bundle which includes both for around $400 dollars. Many people look at these numbers as a bit pricey, but for others it is definitely worth the investment. Besides being the very first gaming systems that does not need any sort of controller, why should people choose the Kinect? According to the Xbox website there are many reasons. Obviously, there is the brand new feature called 'full body gaming' in which it gets people off the couch and into the actual game. Another feature is the Kinect's ability to recognize who is playing and immediately pull up their avatar. The Kinect also responds to voice commands that allow users to view HD movies without having to use a remote. Although the Kinect does not have as many games out as a regular Xbox or other gaming device, there are many new and upcoming games that will appear in the near future.

Xbox has expanded greatly in the past ten years. The invention of the Kinect is definitely another milestone in the history of Xbox. The first original Xbox was released in North America on February 15, 2001. The Xbox 360 was released on November 22, 2005. Five years later the Kinect was unveiled. Within ten years Xbox has improved and taken over the video game community while trying to compete with PlayStation and the Wii. Xbox also offers features such as Xbox Live which allows gamers to play games with and against other players around the world. It is safe to say that we can expect something even better and more technological from Xbox in the near future.

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