As a parent, choosing a present kids will love and that you approve of can be difficult. If you're considering an Xbox Kinect, here are seven things you need to know about it before you buy:
Multiple people can use it at the same time - The Kinect is an excellent gift for kids because it can be used by more than one person at the same time. For example, one game will allow players to control a raft as it powers down a whitewater river and both players have to work together to attempt stunts like jumping and collecting coins.
Need some room to move around - Since the Kinect functions by using your body as a controller, players will need a good bit of room to move around. This may mean moving (or removing entirely) your coffee table. When the device was designed, the team noted in a New York Times article that they made it easy to work with in both small and large spaces. Even so, the more space the better.
Healthy alternative to traditional video games - Video games are entertaining but up until now, they haven't been a healthy alternative to traditional exercise. The Kinect has a number of dancing and fitness games coming out that will help keep everyone who plays in better shape than if they were to sit and use a controller instead. Some of the most common forms of interaction with the Kinect include jumping, running in place and moving your body left to right.
Carpet or padding needed - On that note, you may want to add carpeting or padding to the game space. Exercise mats are a great way to lessen the impact of jumping around will have on floors and, more importantly, on any neighbors who live below your living area. Carpeting and padding will also help soften the impact these activities can have on joints during long periods of game play.
Not all Xbox 360s are Kinect ready - If you have a first generation Xbox 360, the one with a hard drive on the left or top of the console, you'll need to plug the Kinect sensor into a wall outlet to power it. Second generation Xbox 360s, denoted by their smaller footprint and black cases, have a Kinect specific port that can both power and connect the sensor to the system. You can find these consoles in bundles at retail stores.
Use voice commands to control the Xbox - The Kinect camera system also includes a microphone system so you can now control the Xbox 360 through voice commands. This is helpful for times when you want to buy or rent a movie, navigate through menus and use new features that come with the Kinect.
Chat with people across the country using video chat - Kids can use the Kinect to video chat with each other. This is also helpful if you want to communicate with friends and family across the country using the microphone and camera system.
The Kinect sensor is a great way to bring everyone together through its multiple uses. As a parent or someone considering the device for kids, you'll be glad to know there are a number of family friendly titles in the works for the system which means there will be plenty of value for the system in the long term.
Before buying an Xbox Kinect weigh the pros and cons of buying just the sensor versus [http://www.buythekinect.com/kinect-bundles/]Xbox 360 Kinect bundles which include a Kinect port making connecting the sensor to the console very simple. Also be sure to [http://www.buythekinect.com/find-xbox-kinect-in-stock/]compare Kinect prices before you buy as some retailers include special bonuses and discounts.
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