According to recent Internet rumours, sparked on by some Microsoft patents, the upcoming Kinect could possibly read sign language and herald in a new form of cross communication between deaf and hearing enabled people. You know something like writing but just with that added technical touch.
Unfortunately this dream has now been squashed, for now, as the Kinect we are going to be picking up in stores has been dumbed down far enough to make it utterly useless for sign language.
While the technology could originally pick up every finger and track them independently Microsoft decided that this wasn’t required and to cut costs they now only track every major body part.
Not only has this killed the many uses we could have come up with for our fingers in gaming but also that long anticipated virtual sex game is pretty much down and out, could you imagine the uproar if it didn’t pick you up?
Anyway back to reality, Kinect doesn’t pick up individual fingers but we knew this already and while it is disappointing that they dumbed it down I don’t see this as anymore reason to feel Kinect is going to fail.
I am interested to see how Kinect enables hard core gaming but in reality I expect Kinect to be a major success in the casual gaming market and that really is who Microsoft is targeting with it and I really don’t think they will care that the resolution has been halved to 320×240.
On the positive side we know the technology can be vastly improved at least.
Source: Kotaku
Last Updated: August 12, 2010
Bobby Kotick weighs in
August 12, 2010 at 11:46
Now that kinect can’t read your individual fingers (as Bobby K predicted it wouldn’t) how will it pick up my forefinger as I’m playing Kinect Halo? Will I have to wave my arms to shoot? How do I turn or move in the game world? Most likely because the only games Kinect will be good for will be an on-rail arcade shovelware (unless they release the Kinect wand controller sometime next year).
I’m starting to think Microass has realised that the Kinect is going to suck on more than one level, and this is their exit strategy (by removing features and insisting on selling it well beyond what consumers would find comfortable).
Kinect is their 2010 version of the HD-DVD drive (I wonder how many people bought that melon?). :whistle:
M@GE
August 12, 2010 at 17:27
@Bobby K: Howcome I can only think of you as a fanboy? Seriously, with all due respect, you are dissing “Microass” (as you put it) like it’s some “console apartheid”
Although, I must say, your bias/fanboyish comments are quite entertaining to read… You will definitely be awarded greatly by Sony. Congrats, you must be so proud!
Bobby Kotick responds
August 12, 2010 at 17:54
“Console apartheid”, hey?
My god man, are you calling me a consolist? Don’t you know that my “black” PS3 is standing next to my “black” xbox 360 and “silver” PS2? They even share the same shelf. :w00t: :biggrin: :happy:
As for being a PS3 fanboy, not really, although I can see how you would reach that conclusion, especially since I’ve been incredibly vocal about my current xbox 360 games boycott, but that’s merely because I’m a conscientious consumer, and dismally awaiting the death of my 4th and final xbox.
As for Kinect… so far it’s turning into a rather dismal prospect, and even if you’re the most voracious xbot, it’s in your best interest to be cautious. I’m actually serious about it being the next HD-DVD drive (i.e. a melon).
Anonymous
August 12, 2010 at 18:19
Bobby Kotick you are a annoying stupid fUck3r
lans
August 12, 2010 at 19:29
typical microsoft swagger
M@GE
August 12, 2010 at 22:44
lol. By the “console apartheid” I didn’t mean colour, I meant 2 different things i.e. Xbox and Playstation.
“Not really” a PS3 fanboy? I must say, your over-ambitious favouritism emanating from your comments show otherwise, no matter how hard you try to “hide” it.
Just remember, for every 1 person who dislikes/hates Kinect, there are 1000 more who like/love it. The same goes for Xbox/PS3/Move/Wii.
But please, don’t stop with your comments, they are like I said, very entertaining. It’s like watching a drama movie! 😉
Sometimes they are so emotional I can’t help myself but let a tear come out.
:cwy:
Boobies Kotick
August 12, 2010 at 23:07
You say the nicest things.
M@GE
August 13, 2010 at 05:32
Thanks, I’ve been going to anger management classes. So it looks like all the therapy did me some good. :happy:
Bobby Kotick
August 13, 2010 at 11:20
:blink: Wow!…
But as I explained to your mom last night, it’s really a gift Anonymous. 😛
Bobby Kotick
August 13, 2010 at 11:22
Medication might help too M@GE, but regardless I’m happy to entertain you with my musings and rants. :happy: