July 29, 2011

There are many ways to keep fit and video games recently entered this realm, much to my delight. The Wii was the first console that entered this market in 2006. When the small device was first launched – the world lusted over it. But now there is a new guy in town; the Xbox Kinect, which allows the user to interact with the console without the need of a controller. This is incredibly liberating!

Launched in 2010, using advanced technology, the webcam style device tracks your movements so the gamer is free from any restraints. The console, which also responds to the spoken word, offers a great user experience and sales figures reflect the reputation of the gadget.  The device, which was launched to bring new users to the Xbox, with previous users belonging to the computer convert club, has fulfilled its aim. Old and young alike are fans of the technology.

Wii was the first device to bring fitness into the realm of video games, and many would argue that it is still the best. I have to disagree. The Xbox is the first motion detecting gaming console, a title that it is likely to hold for a long time – and from reviews so far, I would have to say that the general public agrees with my conclusion. Nintendo’s next offering, the Wii U, has no element of motion tracking and it seems as if they are unlikely to move in this direction for some time.

The Wii was a great inroad to fitness gaming but has now been eclipsed. Many people will disagree. But why are people going so crazy for the phenomenon?

As I stated before, both the Wii and Xbox Kinect were launched to bring a different client base to their brands. Kinect Sports like the Wii Sports was designed to get people moving and to bring fitness into the living rooms of the world. Both were very successful and proved that games consoles could penetrate every part of our lives.

The Xbox gadget allows you to exercise in your own home, like the Wii, but with greater manoeuvrability enhancing the user experience. The usability of the device means that both young and old love the device. The Xbox Kinect was incredibly successful, and in its first 60 days the Xbox Kinect sold a total of eight million units. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest selling consumer electronics device!  The device reminded many people of the futuristic devices which have been featured in many sci-fi films.

So all in all the Xbox has boldly gone where no man has gone before: into the future of gaming. Not just games, these computer games enhance our lives for the better, helping us get healthy and keeping us entertained.

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