What Is Kinect?

Technology continues to grow year after year, with new toys and gadgets we would all love to have. Xbox 360 is a Microsoft product first launched in 2003. It has experienced a number of generations since then. In fact it is releasing its 7th generation in November 2010. The new product is called Kinect for Xbox 360 or Kinect.

This new system will be unlike any other Xbox has previously released because it is meant to be a “controller-free” gaming console. It is also meant for entertainment purposes. With only months to go before the first Kinect is in stores and sent to those who have pre-ordered one it is important to learn exactly what technology has given us.

The Kinect is based on webcam technology in which owners will buy an add-on gadget to plug into their Xbox 360 console. The technology has a little more than just a webcam option. It can actually allow users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need for a game controller. There is a natural user interface that looks at gestures and voice commands.

For those who are beginning to learn about the system and its various Xbox Kinect games, it will remind you of the Nintendo Wii system. The Wii was first released in 2006 as a controller oriented game console with numerous interactive games. The controllers went wireless with Wii, but the fact remains you still need a controller. Four years later Xbox 360 and Microsoft have managed to create a system that doesn’t need any controller no matter the game or entertainment.

The Kinect system will be sold as a bundle with the Kinect Adventures game for £129.99. For those who need a console to go with the Kinect sensor and game the package will be £249.99. A number of the Xbox Kinect games will be sold for £39.99 to start.

The Xbox 360 Kinect is a sensor set on a horizontal bar with a small base that has a motorised pivot. The design is lengthwise to be positioned below the video display. The camera is RGB with a depth sensor and multi array microphone. It has exclusive software to Microsoft which includes facial recognition, 3D motion capture and voice recognition. The microphone has an acoustic source localisation and a noise suppression option to make it easy for others to chat in the room without interrupting the game.

Part of the sensor has an infrared project and CMOS sensor which allows the sensor to see 3D under any light conditions. Microsoft took the Xbox 360 Kinect to a new level with its capabilities such as working with 6 people. It can track six people at once with 2 active players. There is a range of distance the sensor will work on and it can be adjusted to help pick out the environment a player is in. Kinect was announced in June 2009 at a Microsoft convention. Gamers have awaited the launch of Kinect and its various Xbox Kinect Games.