Hey, everyone! I'm pleased to announced that Tekrite has a new sister site that I'll be writing on: Bestcovery.com.
Bestcovery.com is a large online database providing expert reviews and articles on the best of just about anything you can think of. Whether you're looking for the best spot to go on vacation or the best computer to buy, Bestcovery.com has it!
I'll be updating Tekrite with my most recent Bestcovery posts as they come to fruition. For now, check out my first one on the best time to purchase a TV! To view it, click here.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Xbox 360 Kinect: The future of the gaming interface
It may be a bit late to say this, but I hope your holiday season went well. As for me, you could say it did. I got an Xbox 360 Kinect, the new motion detecting gaming system from Microsoft.
But why would I want such a device? Well, it did get me off my butt and moving again. I also happen to have a love affair with video games. The only question was, why this over anything else?
Well, Nintendo wowed everybody when their Wii came to market and led the way for motion gaming, but it had its quirks: the controls were limited to hand gestures, the sensor's detection wasn't always spot-on, the controls could be "tricked" once you got the hang of it, and people ended up throwing controllers into each others faces (or televisions).
Sony came out with their version, the Move, but that's just it... it's THEIR version. It may look and act a little fancier, but the technology isn't massively innovative. It was just a response to Nintendo's Wii and was rushed to market. Yawn.
But the Kinect is different. There are no plastic controllers with joysticks, directional pads, buttons, or triggers. You are the controller. The range of motion is damn near limitless and you won't end up with an imprint of a plastic controller in your forehead. Truly a leap foreword for gaming technology as a whole.
But all gaming injuries aside, the Kinect is a pretty nifty device. You can think of it as a high-tech webcam for all intents and purposes. It incorporates a microphone, various optics, and a maneuverable base that can adjust itself to get the perfect angle of you. Of course, my brother and I didn't expect it to do this when we first powered it up, so it may have taken us by surprise. Colorful language was used.
© photo courtesy of: Microsoft Corporation
But why would I want such a device? Well, it did get me off my butt and moving again. I also happen to have a love affair with video games. The only question was, why this over anything else?
Well, Nintendo wowed everybody when their Wii came to market and led the way for motion gaming, but it had its quirks: the controls were limited to hand gestures, the sensor's detection wasn't always spot-on, the controls could be "tricked" once you got the hang of it, and people ended up throwing controllers into each others faces (or televisions).
Sony came out with their version, the Move, but that's just it... it's THEIR version. It may look and act a little fancier, but the technology isn't massively innovative. It was just a response to Nintendo's Wii and was rushed to market. Yawn.
But the Kinect is different. There are no plastic controllers with joysticks, directional pads, buttons, or triggers. You are the controller. The range of motion is damn near limitless and you won't end up with an imprint of a plastic controller in your forehead. Truly a leap foreword for gaming technology as a whole.
But all gaming injuries aside, the Kinect is a pretty nifty device. You can think of it as a high-tech webcam for all intents and purposes. It incorporates a microphone, various optics, and a maneuverable base that can adjust itself to get the perfect angle of you. Of course, my brother and I didn't expect it to do this when we first powered it up, so it may have taken us by surprise. Colorful language was used.
© photo courtesy of: Microsoft Corporation
And the games! Well, the games are definitely something to experience to say the least. Just a wave of your arm and away you go: the Kinect comes alive.
Even the simple controls are physically active. If you want to select an option, you don't press a button: you wave your hand over an area on the screen and the Kinect takes care of the rest.
Games can be as easy as using a simple, swaying motion. Others can be complex and very active. If you're like me and opted for some of the fitness games, be prepared: you WILL break a sweat. You may also find parts of your body you never knew you had.
But it's not all about the games. The Kinect also has the ability to use voice commands, send audio and video messages, as well as video chatting. Skype has never been so jealous.
The Kinect isn't without fault, though. In order to use it, you'll need a very clear area. A few feet in front of your TV won't cut it. You'll need at least 7 feet in all directions to make it worth while.
It should also be noted that you'll probably make a lot of noise while playing. Using the Kinect at night is bound to upset your neighbors or the parents upstairs.
But despite of its shortcomings, the Kinect definitely delivers in fun factor. The only part that isn't fun is the price. You can purchase the Kinect in a variety of bundles ranging from $150-$450. But if you have the cash to shell out, I highly recommend it. It's worth the price to be up-to-date with technology such as this.
If you ask me, the next wave of video game consoles will all come with an interface like this one as the standard. Keep your eyes peeled, people. The future of gaming technology is upon us.
Sony and Nintendo, you just got served.
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