Physical gaming with the Xbox 360 Kinect


The Xbox 360 Kinect is unique and exciting, removing the need for video game controllers and gadgets. It allows players to participate more intimately with the game, incorporating their whole bodies into the experience. Compatible with every Xbox 360, Kinect enables everyone to participate and become physically involved in the game.

The way Kinect works is by using various sensors and recognition techniques, to help it recognise the position of your body. If you have been sitting down at the computer for a while checking e-mails or playing Party Poker and fancy getting some active entertainment, then the Kinect is ideal for you as it encourages players to get up and participate.

Your whole body is tracked by the motion sensor, so when you make a movement, Kinect recognises this. Your arms, legs, waist, hands and hips all become important contributors and you must co-ordinate these during the various games you play.

Playing Kinect is a great way of getting physical exercise. In addition to a motion sensor, it also uses skeletal tracking. Through this, a digital skeleton is created based on depth data and the sensor can put you into the game based on your movements.

Another impressive feature is facial recognition. This enables Kinect to know who you are so that you can jump into the game whenever you want to. Kinect does this by collecting physical data and storing it in your individual profile.

There is even voice recognition, enabled by a total of four microphones that are placed strategically within the sensor. They are able to recognize your distinctive voice from other sounds that may be around and as a result of this, you can control moves and other things with your voice.

As long as you have room in your house to play this active game, then you are ready to set it up. Let it recognise who you are and get comfortable with the gestures you can use to control it. Then you are ready to play.