Device
Kinect is a full-body motion tracker peripheral available for the Microsoft Xbox 360. The unit consists of a motorized sensor bar that is approximately 9 inches in length that is affixed in front of or on top of the screen to track players via three cameras. One is infrared to determine depth and two additional cameras to see in 3 dimensions. The most advanced aspect of the device is the software that converts the data captured by the cameras into game input. There was some controversy in Microsoft's decision during development to move more processing from the Kinect device itself to the Xbox 360 host system in an apparent move to keep the cost of the device down. The Kinect unit is able to detect 48 joints at 30 frames per second. The device is capable to adapt to any controller even that of the PlayStation Move. This can allow the developer to easily create a wireless low-powered motion controller specific to their game.
A short-lived successor to the original Kinect was developed for the Xbox One.
Public Appearances Pre-Launch
Kinect has made several noteworthy appearances. It was first announced and demonstrated to the public at E3, June 1, 2009. It has also been demonstrated on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on June 11, 2009. It was seen in the Smallville episode 'Warrior' on February 12, 2010.
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