Get Kinect-ed
When someone mentions video games, chances are that the first thought that pops into your head isn't that they're a great way to get a workout. Perhaps that should change. For many years, games have been an exercise focused mainly on the thumbs, but with Microsoft's new Kinect System, that's just not the case anymore. What is Kinect? Well, basically it's a small device with two cameras in it. Those cameras are controlled by some truly incredible software that figures out where your body is and keeps track of it from head to toe. Then, when you move around, it can tell exactly how you've moved and translate your motion into on-screen actions. They're coming out with all sorts of fun games to take advantage of this advanced capability from fighting to driving to family-friendly adventure games, and more are being developed every day. With support for two players, Kinect has several features that make it stand out from other motion-control systems. For starters, all you need to be able to use Kinect is the console, the Kinect sensor, and a game that supports Kinect; there's no need to buy extra controllers or other peripherals. Not only does this potentially save you hundreds of dollars, it helps Kinect do a better job of determining motion than other systems. With Kinect's competition, all you really need to move are your arms and wrists, but Kinect tracks your entire body. This provides for an experience that's more accurate, more immersive, and burns more calories.
It's not just for games!
Another advantage Kinect offers to other systems is its versatility. While most motion-control systems are designed exclusively for games, Kinect is handy for, well, just about everything on your Xbox. Sure, motion control gaming is cool, but what if you're watching a movie? With other systems, you need to have the remote handy if you need to change anything. With Kinect, you can control everything with gestures, so you'll never forget where you placed the remote. Not only is this incredibly convenient, it saves you money, since you won't need to buy an extra controller or dedicated remote. It's not just videos either — Kinect is designed to work with many aspects of your Xbox. It's sure to be the center of your home entertainment world. Oh, and one more convenient feature: The cameras feature facial recognition, so all you have to do to sign into your profile is step in front of the camera, seriously. How could you not love Kinect?
It can hear you, now
Perhaps the biggest area Kinect excels over the competition is in its stellar implementation of voice control. In addition to the cameras, the Kinect sensor uses four microphones to accurately "hear" what you're saying and where you are in the room. This has all sorts of handy implications. First of all, it's great for games. Always wished you could command your AI squadmates in your favorite shooter? Wanted to chat with your friend without having to wear a headset? Not a problem. And, since it can hear where the voice came from and see where you are, it knows whether it was you or your practical joker friend that just tried to send your squad on a suicide mission. In addition to gaming, the voice controls are also incredibly handy for controlling your media. Let's say you're cuddled up with that special someone on the couch watching a movie and you want to skip back so you can watch the last part again. Instead of un-cuddling and using your hands to control the movie, you can just say what you'd like the Xbox to do, and voíla, you're back a chapter without letting go of the one you love. Having a system that listens to you will completely change the way you enjoy your home theater. Just remember not to hurt its feelings.
But wait!
There are still a few more handy ways to use your Kinect. The camera actually functions as, well, a camera, not just a motion detector, so you could choose to take your Gamer Picture for your profile using the camera if you want the world to know who the person behind the GamerTag is. On top of that, as long as you have an Xbox LIVE Gold account and an internet connection, you could use Kinect to video-chat with friends on Windows Messenger. This is an great way to stay in touch with friends across town — or across the world — because it puts them right in your living room.
It's all fun and games
There are two different types of games that work with Kinect. Many games will require Kinect, relying solely on motion control to get you through the game. However, other games will allow you to use Kinect or a standard controller, or possibly even both. It's also possible that some manufacturers of existing games will update those titles with some Kinect functionality. There are over a dozen titles already out from a wide variety of genres, and this is just the beginning. More and more new games will make use of Kinect's incredible capabilities in the future. To get you started, this Kinect kit includes Kinect Adventures. This 1- or 2-person game will put your skills to the test as you navigate a series of challenging levels using only your body. This heart-pounding adventure game is lots of fun for the whole family!
A few quick footnotes . . .
The Kinect will truly change the way you interact with your home entertainment system. It's a ton of fun and super-convenient to boot with its motion and voice controls. There are a few things you should remember, though. With any Xbox, but especially on an Xbox with Kinect, you need to use caution when allowing children to use it. Use ratings to help determine what's OK for your kids and monitor their usage. Be especially cautious about allowing children to access the online features. Fortunately for you, there are tools to help. Parental controls on the Xbox allow you to set limits on what ratings kids are allowed to play or watch, what features they're able to access, and even how long or what hours they can play. Secondly, while Kinect makes it incredibly easy to control your media with your voice or your gestures, it only works with your Xbox; adjustments on the TV or receiver will still need to be made with a physical remote. No matter how many times you wave your hand, your TV won't change channels.
What's in the box?
This Kinect kit includes the Kinect sensor, a cable to kinect it to your Xbox (pun intended), and the Kinect Adventures game. It's designed for people who already have an Xbox. If you're interested in a Kinect kit paired with an Xbox 360, please check out either the 4GB or 250GB bundles.
