205+LABS

Lab 1 Jan 14th, 2011.


 * What digital innovation do you feel best deserves the title of "revolutionary" and why? **

// Three months ago Microsoft released the 'Kinect' for the Xbox 360 gaming console. Microsoft's new CEO Steve Ballmer recently announced in the 2011 CSE that the sale of 8 million Kinects within the first 60 days decisively surpassed the 5 million projection initially hoped for by Microsoft. In my opinion I believe the Xbox Kinect represents a new era in gaming technology and home entertainment. // // Originally called 'Project Natal,' it is the first gaming console attachment to offer controller-free gaming. This is essential as it widens the market in terms of users. Although its main competitors, Nintento's Wii Remote with Wii MotionPlus and PlayStation's Move, have both attempted the same feat, neither of these technologies offer the same experience since the Kinect adds a whole new dimension to gaming by truly using your full body as the controller. // // The Kinect uses a combinations of cameras, motion sensors and microphones providing it with facial and voice recognition capabilities. In addition to gaming, it offers various applications like Zune, Netflix and social media like Facebook. Those who use Windows Live Messenger can even use voice chat or video chat. // // The Kinect is the first of its kind and is truly 'revolutionary' as it brings us into a new age of gaming and social media. //