The Wii system started the game console revolution to make America fit, but the Xbox Kinect system has taken exercise to a new level. While the Wii controllers can be awkward for some play, the Xbox Kinect does not use controllers, better mimicking natural sports movements. How does the Xbox Kinect accomplish controller-free play? Let’s take a look.
The Technology
Xbox introduced the controller-free, active gaming system in 2009, but it wasn’t until recently that the Kinect system was available for purchase. The Kinect is similar to the Wii because it uses a sensor bar to control play; however, the Kinect sensor bar is much more advanced than the Wii sensor. While the Wii works based upon the controllers’ positions, the Kinect sensor uses a 3D scanner system to determine the locations of and positions of players. The Kinect also is able to track twenty points each on up to six players, recognize facial features and recognize voices, making the Xbox Kinect one of the most advanced active gaming consoles on the market.
Another excellent feature of the Xbox Kinect is the depth sensor. Working off of infrared laser technology and a monochrome CMOS sensor, the Kinect can automatically sense the player’s depth and calibrate the sensor. Also, with an angular field of view of 57 degrees horizontally and 43 degrees vertically, the system is able to detect a wide range of movement.
Games include sports, adventure, racing, and fitness games, offering full body workouts in high graphic quality. Boasting higher quality sims than the Wii, the Xbox Kinect can be as visually entertaining as it is physically demanding. As far as online survey software tools shows, the Wii may have new competition in the Xbox Kinect, whose proven gaming console track record combined with technological advancements may leave a few parents and children dreaming of a controller-free gaming experience.