MICROSOFT KINECT

Hello World. Today I would be reviewing the legendary product from Microsoft that has created ripples in the ocean of gaming console - Kinect and the new Xbox 360 Slim.

Microsoft had entered the gaming console sphere with their introduction of Xbox in 2001. The Xbox was discontinued in 2005 with Xbox releasing a new revamped version Xbox 360. Though Xbox 360 was technologically advanced and had a powerful processor it faced several criticism from users and critics alike,the most infamous was the RROD or the Red Ring of Death. Well,after learning positively from the criticisms and the reviews Microsoft refreshed the Xbox 360 to give it glossy graphics, a smaller case, air fins for better cooling & touch sensitive buttons. But the change which was welcomed by all was the introduction of 5 USB ports which makes it a great entertainment hub. It also doubles up as a DVD player, which adds to its utility. Contrary to the previous Xbox 360 which came in several versions like Core, Pro, Elite the present Slim model of Xbox 360 comes only in two versions viz. Xbox 360 Slim 4 GB and 250 GB. The present model is 17 per cent smaller than its previous model and is much more quieter.It also features a inbuilt Wi-Fi adapter that allows user to download games, access Xbox Live and various other things. Xbox 360 Slim comes with a dedicated port for "Something Called" Kinect. Project Natal was christened as Kinect, it was designed to challenge the supremacy motion sensing market dominated by Nintendo Wii. Kinect is something totally different from Wii, it does not use any controller or remote in-stead the body of the user is the controller itself which explains the punchline of the product i.e "You are the controller". Using its 3 cameras it tracks the motion and various other aspects of the body to reproduce it in the form of an avatar, which mimics our gesture in the virtual world.

The Kinect comes with two buy options, the first is to buy it standalone or along with Xbox 360 Slim 4 GB or 250 GB. The cost of Kinect in India (standalone) is Rs 9990 while Kinect along with Xbox 360 4 GB and 250 GB is priced at Rs 22990 and Rs 31990 respectively. Kinect comes with a pack-in game i.e Kinect Adventures that exemplifies the ability of the sensor. The game has 5 minigames in it, where you have to play using your body, like jumping when a hurdle appears or pulling your hands to pull the handlebars. Believe Me, This thing, sets the standards for interactivity. The accuracy and the efficiency of the sensor is really very good, as it was able to track my body and motion without any significant lag except for the fact that the sensor experienced minor hiccups if something came between me and the sensor. The sensor is also equipped with a microphone for voice recognition, that allows you to use kinect by voice commands. The best thing here is that it individually recognizes each player's profile by his/her face. So to log in in your account you just need to step in front of the sensor, and Poof! You get the Access. It is also a secure method.

The Kinect sensor is enclosed in a plastic glossy case with a motorized tilt system which is durable and would be able to withstand daily wear-tear. But the case is a fingerprint magnet and a would need a lot of dusting to erase those fingerprints. The kinect cord is quite lengthy and would be able to suffice the need of every user.The kinect titles are usually in the price bracket of Rs1500-Rs2750,which is slightly cheaper than PS3 Move titles.

Summing Up: There are some devices that have brought a revolution in the world of gaming, Nintendo did that in 2006, by introducing Motion-Gaming to the main-stream Gaming Market, Microsoft has out-classed that, this time to change the Gaming Market, for the next big thing!