Kinect for Xbox 360
Project Natal was the code name for a project by Microsoft for their Xbox 360 gaming system. It is meant to change not only gaming, but entertainment in general with its state of the art technology.
You probably already heard of Project Natal, and recently Microsoft finally released the real name for it, which is Kinect. In simple terms, Kinect will connect you to the digital world with new ways of interacting with games and media. The issue with Xbox and other systems is that you’re limited to the controller, but what if you could use your body as the controller? This is what Kinect intends to do.
Is Kinect Everything It Hypes Up To Be?
Kinect Console
The concept of using your body as the controller sounds pretty cool right? Well I see a couple issues with this idea. First, you will need a pretty wide area of space in front of your monitor. Why? Well if you’ll be jumping all over the place pretending to be a Jedi and such, you can’t necessarily do that at the desk in your bedroom (unless it’s really spacious of course). Considering most Xbox’s are not setup in the living room, this can be very problematic and not appealing. Also if you’re really tall, you will need to position everything perfectly so that Kinect will be able to recognize your body. The demos such as the ones at E3 seemed spectacular because they have all the space they want, not to mention the biggest screens money can buy.
Now let’s say space isn’t a problem for you, there will also be the issue of what everyone want gamers to do: get off their bums. Now I’m all for exercise and moving around as much as possible, but there’s times when relaxing means sitting on the couch all day. Imagine wanting to hang out with your family and having to jump around the room trying to run in place faster than everyone else. This also brings another slight issue, which is that this is more of a multiplayer system than anything. I’m sure there will be great single-player games but so far it’s been advertised to be played with family and friends.
So let’s say you still have no issue with the system, well that’s great. I don’t mean to be ranting about it but I simply want to point out a few problems that I think many might have. Most of these can be applied to the Wii, but the different is that there’s no scanning of your body involved, and there are controllers. The controllers are a lot different than regular ones too, but in my opinion; the Wii controllers should be an option in Kinect. Let me explain. So let’s say you’re playing a racing game, typically in Kinect you will pretend to hold a steering wheel. Yes you heard me correct, pretending to drive a car. I don’t see how that makes reality and gaming closer. I rather hold an actual steering wheel in my hand with vibration responses or something. This is something that is already possible but with Kinect I believe it would’ve been a lot better.
The Good Of Kinect
Okay so you heard me talk about three main issues of Kinect, but honestly if you disagree or don’t think they’re a big deal, this system will be a dream come true for you. I really would like to use my hands to actually move a character or hold an object. This is beyond touchscreen, you will be able to have a digital version of yourself scanned from head to toe. If you are addicted to games or want to include your family in gameplay, Kinect will get you moving and having fun.
That’s just for gaming though, what about entertainment? With Kinect, you will be able to stream ESPN content that brings you your favorite sports, as well as various music and movie features. Obviously Microsoft wants to advertise their other services, so you will see great support for your Zune media player. A great part of Kinect is the web connectivity though, since you will be able to bring your Last.fm songs over to your media library. Oh, and did I mention how great movies will look?1080p HD for clear and smooth watching.
Xbox Live & Kinect
Video Kinect
Of course Kinect highly integrates with Xbox Live, allowing you to browse menus and screens with the swipe of your hand. Kinect also introduces voice commands and video chat through MSN Messenger. There is also an auto zoom focus feature in the camera to follow you as you walk out of direct view and such.
The possibilities to bring more to Xbox 360 are finally here, which those who were not that fond of the system will now be very happy about (or not, if they’re dedicated to another). I wonder though, will many people be able to get it? It does require getting both an Xbox 360 and Kinect as well as games and such. This will get very pricey but former Xbox 360 owners should be fine with it. Time will only tell the fate of Kinect but the promotion Microsoft is putting in should pay off.