There are a lot of hot gift items this year out there just waiting on the window shop to be picked out especially new gadgets not only for gamers or kids, but for the whole family to enjoy. One of the hottest gift items is the Nintendo Wii in the market today. The common question being asked by many gamers all over the world is where the best place to get one.
Usually the Wii can be found in stock at your local store; you can also get it online, or even purchase it as a bundle and not just a base unit. You have to consider a lot of factors in determining where and how to buy a Wii that's a great value for your money. One example is that if you have a small budget and you are unable to afford Wii at a regular price, you either get a used or second hand system from a friend, or you find a store that offers the Nintendo Wii at marked down price.
For those who have a big budget and are still trying to find where you can buy a Wii, there is always the electronics store available like RadioShack, or your local large retailer, such as Wal-mart or Target. These are the usual places people go to buy a Wii because as we all know these types of places offer brand new units for a cheaper price compared to video game stores that offers Wii or other gadgets. These stores are also easier to find due to their popularity and they offer almost every item you can think of, which makes it easier for people to remember.
There are still other places to buy a Nintendo Wii system that you can consider, buying directly from Nintendo. If you have questions and inquiries about buying Wii you can always contact them either by phone or email. Basically all you need to do is pay through a credit card or a payment method that the company will accept, give then your address, they can simply ship the system out to your home or send it to a local large retailer near you for pick up once the shipment arrives.
Running on a really tight budget can be discouraging if you want go get a Wii so it would be best to get a second hand or used system. eBay.com and Craigslist.org are examples of websites where you can find slightly used systems for a great deal. If you're fortunate you can even get Wii at a lower price than your original budget. We have to consider the fact also that some systems may have a missing manual or have visible wear but usually they work as good.
In a nutshell, only you can determine where you can buy a Wii that fits your budget and need. You can get a secondhand Wii online or from a friend, go to a large retailer store or an electronics shop, or even get your Wii directly from Nintendo online or by phone. Just remember to be patient and take your time in buying Wii, since there are a lot to consider, so you and your family can enjoy hours of entertainment.
Axis World
PlayStation 3 Troubleshooting - Advice for When Your PS3 Stops Working!
The Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console is an amazing piece of technology. Graphically speaking, there is no other gaming system platform that can beat it. The selection of games gets better every day, and the Blu-Ray player is an excellent add-on (those Blu-Ray movies are visually stunning). Those who own a PS3 (that is properly working) hardly ever complain about it.
However, like ANY piece of technology, it does have its flaws. To date, there isn't a piece of technology in the market that is 100 percent "break-proof." Even the PlayStation 3 needs to be fixed from time to time. If and when a PS3 breaks down, it causes owners to search the Internet vigorously for reasons why their PS3 isn't working and ways to get it fixed.
It is my hope that this article will help you out.
There are several possibilities as to why your PS3 might not be working properly. Before we even get into the possible "big" problems, let's do a basic check right now...
Step 1: Check if there's a loose cable. Sometimes, your PS3 might not be working simply because the cables aren't plugged in (seems like an obvious thing, but you don't know how many times that I've thought my PS3 was broken only to find that the plug fell out of the wall).
Step 2: Unplug all cables, and then carefully plug them back in. This is done just to make sure that all cables are connected securely. Simply looking at a cable that "appears" to be connected is not enough.
Step 3: If you have an external hard drive, try unplugging it and starting up the PS3. Sometimes, there is a malfunction with the external hard drive that causes the PS3 to keep itself shut down.
Step 4: Try out other games and see if they work. The problem could be with one particular game disc itself, and not the gaming console.
Did any of these methods work? If not, let's explore what the "symptoms" are by troubleshooting the PlayStation 3...
A. "My PS3 has a Yellow Light (either blinking or solid) where the Green Power light usually is."
B. "My PS3 has a Red Light (either blinking or solid) where the Green Power light usually is."
C. "My PS3 is displaying "error code: XXXX" when I turn it on."
D. "My PS3 simply won't turn on."
E. "My PS3 keeps freezing (during game play or when on the main menu)."
F. "When my PS3 turns on, the screen either stays black or turns red in color."
G. "My PS3 won't play Blu-Ray discs any more, but all others work."
Do any of the above statements sound familiar to you? These are common scenarios (especially statements A and B). Many other people have experienced one or more of these errors. The problem is deeper than just a loose cable or a bad disc. Most of the time, the problem has to do with either overheating or a faulty console laser (the component that reads the discs). These problems are not easy to deal with, but they CAN be fixed.
However, like ANY piece of technology, it does have its flaws. To date, there isn't a piece of technology in the market that is 100 percent "break-proof." Even the PlayStation 3 needs to be fixed from time to time. If and when a PS3 breaks down, it causes owners to search the Internet vigorously for reasons why their PS3 isn't working and ways to get it fixed.
It is my hope that this article will help you out.
There are several possibilities as to why your PS3 might not be working properly. Before we even get into the possible "big" problems, let's do a basic check right now...
Step 1: Check if there's a loose cable. Sometimes, your PS3 might not be working simply because the cables aren't plugged in (seems like an obvious thing, but you don't know how many times that I've thought my PS3 was broken only to find that the plug fell out of the wall).
Step 2: Unplug all cables, and then carefully plug them back in. This is done just to make sure that all cables are connected securely. Simply looking at a cable that "appears" to be connected is not enough.
Step 3: If you have an external hard drive, try unplugging it and starting up the PS3. Sometimes, there is a malfunction with the external hard drive that causes the PS3 to keep itself shut down.
Step 4: Try out other games and see if they work. The problem could be with one particular game disc itself, and not the gaming console.
Did any of these methods work? If not, let's explore what the "symptoms" are by troubleshooting the PlayStation 3...
A. "My PS3 has a Yellow Light (either blinking or solid) where the Green Power light usually is."
B. "My PS3 has a Red Light (either blinking or solid) where the Green Power light usually is."
C. "My PS3 is displaying "error code: XXXX" when I turn it on."
D. "My PS3 simply won't turn on."
E. "My PS3 keeps freezing (during game play or when on the main menu)."
F. "When my PS3 turns on, the screen either stays black or turns red in color."
G. "My PS3 won't play Blu-Ray discs any more, but all others work."
Do any of the above statements sound familiar to you? These are common scenarios (especially statements A and B). Many other people have experienced one or more of these errors. The problem is deeper than just a loose cable or a bad disc. Most of the time, the problem has to do with either overheating or a faulty console laser (the component that reads the discs). These problems are not easy to deal with, but they CAN be fixed.
Getting Your Free PS3
Video game consoles like the PlayStation can be considered as a high-priced luxury item. The console alone ranges from a value of £240 to £300.
There are ways to own a free PS3 on the internet. The fact that you're here searching for a free PS3 means that you hope to get it without spending a single dime, am I right? Welcome to the real world. Let's go straight to the point, shall we? I, for one, do not believe that "free" actually exists.
Although I have to say, paying only £5 for something originally valued at £300 is as good as free in my opinion!
Here are several ways of getting that "free" PS3 you've been hankering for!
A lot of websites offer incentives such as PS3's in order to boost traffic for their targeted site. I am extremely skeptical by nature and this particular method of earning free gifts on the internet sounded suspicious so I brushed it off as a "scam". Admittedly, I have never tried it but after quite a bit of research, I found out that the BBC and CNN have both reported on this "rewards" system. I thought to reconsider my stance on the topic.
The system works by registering at a referral website (there are literally hundreds of these on the internet) and they get you to try out free products and trial offers of a particular service. They are assuming that by sending you one of their products, they can then convince you to buy it. The original site that made the referral then earns enough profit enabling them to give you a free gift. You also need to bring your own referrals to the referral site. According to testimonies, most members do in fact receive the product they wanted for free.
Signing up for a mobile phone contract is another way of getting a free PS3. In any case, if you're going to be spending money during the course of this contract, might as well get something free out of it, right? Many companies in the UK offer a free promotional gift to customers because the local mobile phone market is very competitive. The same phone with the same rate for calls and text messages are available through a wide array of networks and stores. Offering an additional incentive can be all the difference they need to attract more customers and stay ahead of the competition. In my opinion, this method is without a doubt, the safest and most risk-free way of getting that free PS3.
This tip is so simple; you can implement it immediately and start seeing results you want! But it doesn't stop there. You can actually take this a step further and increase your understanding using another simple technique. The problem is, I don't have the space here to share it. It is, however, on my website.
There are ways to own a free PS3 on the internet. The fact that you're here searching for a free PS3 means that you hope to get it without spending a single dime, am I right? Welcome to the real world. Let's go straight to the point, shall we? I, for one, do not believe that "free" actually exists.
Although I have to say, paying only £5 for something originally valued at £300 is as good as free in my opinion!
Here are several ways of getting that "free" PS3 you've been hankering for!
A lot of websites offer incentives such as PS3's in order to boost traffic for their targeted site. I am extremely skeptical by nature and this particular method of earning free gifts on the internet sounded suspicious so I brushed it off as a "scam". Admittedly, I have never tried it but after quite a bit of research, I found out that the BBC and CNN have both reported on this "rewards" system. I thought to reconsider my stance on the topic.
The system works by registering at a referral website (there are literally hundreds of these on the internet) and they get you to try out free products and trial offers of a particular service. They are assuming that by sending you one of their products, they can then convince you to buy it. The original site that made the referral then earns enough profit enabling them to give you a free gift. You also need to bring your own referrals to the referral site. According to testimonies, most members do in fact receive the product they wanted for free.
Signing up for a mobile phone contract is another way of getting a free PS3. In any case, if you're going to be spending money during the course of this contract, might as well get something free out of it, right? Many companies in the UK offer a free promotional gift to customers because the local mobile phone market is very competitive. The same phone with the same rate for calls and text messages are available through a wide array of networks and stores. Offering an additional incentive can be all the difference they need to attract more customers and stay ahead of the competition. In my opinion, this method is without a doubt, the safest and most risk-free way of getting that free PS3.
This tip is so simple; you can implement it immediately and start seeing results you want! But it doesn't stop there. You can actually take this a step further and increase your understanding using another simple technique. The problem is, I don't have the space here to share it. It is, however, on my website.
Kinect Accessories
There are some new Kinect accessories out for the Xbox 360 Kinect controller. These accessory items are licensed and made by Xbox specifically for Xbox 360 consoles.
The Kinect Adventures boat is a real size boat that can be uses in the sea or swimming pool, but it's a fantastic extra when you play the Kinect adventure game. It is easily inflated and has a no slip safety playing surface and it helps your carpet, so you don't wear out your carpet from playing Kinect games.
Xbox Kinect have also bought out a games mat, this is 55" x 78" and you place it 4' from the Xbox 360 Kinect's camera. This is a great idea; it keeps you within the Kinect sensors. Often when you are playing the games and having so much fun, you slip out of the sensors area and then the Kinect can't read you motions. So if you have the Kinect mat you know the area the senor reads your body movement in. Its added padded protection for your floors and it is made out of a durable anti slip material.
Then there is the Kinect wall mount, this is a great for small spaces. By mounting the Kinect above your TV, this adds about another foot to your living rooms space. If you play Kinect in a small space and often have trouble with the Kinect recognizing you, then this is a must and it is a very reasonable price. 4 screws, someone standing behind you or a level to make sure it's placed properly, it literally took me less than 3 minutes to place the wall mount. Super easy to do & is 100% adequate to hold the Kinect sensor.
The Kinect floor stand is like a tripod and is great for those who have a large area to play in. This is a well designed stand for the Kinect that stands 2 feet tall. It is not adjustable but it stays at the recommended height for the Kinect and it is not adjustable. However, it is a great solution for a family that would like to have an easy way to mount the Kinect only during use.
Then we have the Xbox 360 Kinect extension cable, this works great if you need to extend your Kinect sensor. So if you bought an Xbox package with the Kinect sensor included you will need this cable. If you want an extension cable that's actually compatible with Kinect because of the cut-out male to female connectivity of the cord, and then buy this cable, it works great but it's only 9ft.
There is also a Kinect TV mount and is made of the same high gloss plastic that the Kinect is made from. The legs are plastic but sturdy enough to hold a sensor that is less than 5lbs.
These are the latest in Kinect accessories, so if you want to find out the prices or preview any of these items please check out Kinect Accessories there is plenty of good information for you to review.
The Kinect Adventures boat is a real size boat that can be uses in the sea or swimming pool, but it's a fantastic extra when you play the Kinect adventure game. It is easily inflated and has a no slip safety playing surface and it helps your carpet, so you don't wear out your carpet from playing Kinect games.
Xbox Kinect have also bought out a games mat, this is 55" x 78" and you place it 4' from the Xbox 360 Kinect's camera. This is a great idea; it keeps you within the Kinect sensors. Often when you are playing the games and having so much fun, you slip out of the sensors area and then the Kinect can't read you motions. So if you have the Kinect mat you know the area the senor reads your body movement in. Its added padded protection for your floors and it is made out of a durable anti slip material.
Then there is the Kinect wall mount, this is a great for small spaces. By mounting the Kinect above your TV, this adds about another foot to your living rooms space. If you play Kinect in a small space and often have trouble with the Kinect recognizing you, then this is a must and it is a very reasonable price. 4 screws, someone standing behind you or a level to make sure it's placed properly, it literally took me less than 3 minutes to place the wall mount. Super easy to do & is 100% adequate to hold the Kinect sensor.
The Kinect floor stand is like a tripod and is great for those who have a large area to play in. This is a well designed stand for the Kinect that stands 2 feet tall. It is not adjustable but it stays at the recommended height for the Kinect and it is not adjustable. However, it is a great solution for a family that would like to have an easy way to mount the Kinect only during use.
Then we have the Xbox 360 Kinect extension cable, this works great if you need to extend your Kinect sensor. So if you bought an Xbox package with the Kinect sensor included you will need this cable. If you want an extension cable that's actually compatible with Kinect because of the cut-out male to female connectivity of the cord, and then buy this cable, it works great but it's only 9ft.
There is also a Kinect TV mount and is made of the same high gloss plastic that the Kinect is made from. The legs are plastic but sturdy enough to hold a sensor that is less than 5lbs.
These are the latest in Kinect accessories, so if you want to find out the prices or preview any of these items please check out Kinect Accessories there is plenty of good information for you to review.
The Best Multimedia Convergence Device Yet - Using the PlayStation 3 In Its Ultimate Form!
Is it a Home Theatre? Is it a Machine? Is it artificial Intelligence? It is the best Gaming Console Yet? NO! It's all rolled into one and more! Yes, if you were thinking about one of the best gaming consoles in the market, there is no denying that the PS3 machine lives up to its expectations. It is a multimedia device and a gaming system - all molded into one.
PlayStation or PS - as we lovingly call it has revolutionized the way we game since it was first brought out in the market. From the basic model to one of the world's most advanced computing system, the PS3 has it all! Here are some of the coolest features of the system:
• Games: After all, this is what the machine has been created for - for playing games. There are hundreds of gaming titles available for the same and good news is that it has backward compatibility with your old PS2 games as well. Therefore if you wanted to play some old games and revive your nostalgia, the PS3 lets you do exactly that! However, with increasing competition from other two well-known competitors have dented the sales of the product's game range - a bit. The other big name in the fray has an equally enviable collection of games.
• Home Entertainment: If you were looking to buy a home theatre system with a great Blu-Ray player, look no more beyond than the PS3. The PS3 is also a blu ray player that churns out the greatest invention in Hi-Def entertainment flawlessly. Now that your player blues are done away with, you can hook up the beast with some great surround speakers and a LED TV and voila! Enjoy games and hi-def movies - all from the same setup!
• Network Games: The PS3 network is good. But it has been facing stiff competition from other big players in the industry who have pioneered network gaming online.
• Connectivity: This is perhaps the best convergence feature in the gaming behemoth. The need of the hour is device convergence. There is a competition on the market to provide a system that converges all your work and entertainment. PS3 is a step ahead in that. The connectivity ranges from USB, HDMI, DIV, S-VIDEO, and VGA to even high-frequency wireless connectivity options. This allows the device to be hooked up with an array of system such as your PSP, camera, TV, music system, computer and other devices as well. It also has internet connectivity ports on it.
With advance in entertainment, gaming has become an integral part in our lives. This is not just true for the youth but a lot of elder members are also seeking solace in gaming. With motion sensing technologies and other physical gadgets being added to the device, the Sony PS3 is one of the best in the market. However, there are other similar gaming consoles too which are currently giving the PS3 a run for its money!
PlayStation or PS - as we lovingly call it has revolutionized the way we game since it was first brought out in the market. From the basic model to one of the world's most advanced computing system, the PS3 has it all! Here are some of the coolest features of the system:
• Games: After all, this is what the machine has been created for - for playing games. There are hundreds of gaming titles available for the same and good news is that it has backward compatibility with your old PS2 games as well. Therefore if you wanted to play some old games and revive your nostalgia, the PS3 lets you do exactly that! However, with increasing competition from other two well-known competitors have dented the sales of the product's game range - a bit. The other big name in the fray has an equally enviable collection of games.
• Home Entertainment: If you were looking to buy a home theatre system with a great Blu-Ray player, look no more beyond than the PS3. The PS3 is also a blu ray player that churns out the greatest invention in Hi-Def entertainment flawlessly. Now that your player blues are done away with, you can hook up the beast with some great surround speakers and a LED TV and voila! Enjoy games and hi-def movies - all from the same setup!
• Network Games: The PS3 network is good. But it has been facing stiff competition from other big players in the industry who have pioneered network gaming online.
• Connectivity: This is perhaps the best convergence feature in the gaming behemoth. The need of the hour is device convergence. There is a competition on the market to provide a system that converges all your work and entertainment. PS3 is a step ahead in that. The connectivity ranges from USB, HDMI, DIV, S-VIDEO, and VGA to even high-frequency wireless connectivity options. This allows the device to be hooked up with an array of system such as your PSP, camera, TV, music system, computer and other devices as well. It also has internet connectivity ports on it.
With advance in entertainment, gaming has become an integral part in our lives. This is not just true for the youth but a lot of elder members are also seeking solace in gaming. With motion sensing technologies and other physical gadgets being added to the device, the Sony PS3 is one of the best in the market. However, there are other similar gaming consoles too which are currently giving the PS3 a run for its money!
How Much Does an Xbox 360 Cost?
The Xbox 360 is a gaming system produced by Microsoft. It competes with the Nintendo's Wii and the Sony's PlayStation. The Xbox 360 is enjoyed by people of ages, whether individually or as a group. Being around for many years now, the pricing is going to vary, depending on a few different factors.
The Average Cost
The Xbox 360 4 GB Console alone costs around $200. It has a built in WiFi and comes with a wireless controller, but does not have any games yet. While the Xbox 360 4 GB Console with Kinect which adds a feature that allows the users to control their games, movies and music with gesture or by voice, costs about $300. It already comes with a Kinect sensor, the Kinect Adventures game and a one month free Xbox Live Gold Membership.
The Xbox 360 250 GB Console alone costs $300. It has a larger hard drive that will allow the user to save more games and movies. The Xbox 360 250 GB Console with Kinect costs $400.
A limited edition called the Xbox 360 Halo: Reach Bundle has been made available recently. It has a 250 GB hard drive, two custom designed wireless controllers, and a copy of the Halo: Reach game. This set costs about $400.
What Are Included
The Xbox 360 system includes a console, a wireless controller, a headset, built in WiFi, Ethernet cable and HDAV cables. Most systems come with a subscription to Xbox Live that allows the users to have an access to Facebook, Twitter and other additional games. The Xbox 360 systems include a port for Kinect, the sensor that allows the user to control their games using gestures or voices. Normally, a set of Xbox 360 system includes an additional wireless controller and about 1 to 3 games.
Added Costs You Need To Know
Generally, most games cost about $40 to $60 each. An example is the Red Dead Redemption that costs $40, and the Call of Duty: Black Ops costs $60. An additional wireless controller costs $50, while a Kinect sensor system costs $150 each.
A basic Xbox Live membership is free that allows users to access games, movies and music from the consoles. The Xbox Live Gold membership costs $60 per year, which includes Video Kinect and the access to play games online and access to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The Xbox Live Gold Family Pack includes four 12-month Xbox Live Gold memberships and costs $100.
The Average Cost
The Xbox 360 4 GB Console alone costs around $200. It has a built in WiFi and comes with a wireless controller, but does not have any games yet. While the Xbox 360 4 GB Console with Kinect which adds a feature that allows the users to control their games, movies and music with gesture or by voice, costs about $300. It already comes with a Kinect sensor, the Kinect Adventures game and a one month free Xbox Live Gold Membership.
The Xbox 360 250 GB Console alone costs $300. It has a larger hard drive that will allow the user to save more games and movies. The Xbox 360 250 GB Console with Kinect costs $400.
A limited edition called the Xbox 360 Halo: Reach Bundle has been made available recently. It has a 250 GB hard drive, two custom designed wireless controllers, and a copy of the Halo: Reach game. This set costs about $400.
What Are Included
The Xbox 360 system includes a console, a wireless controller, a headset, built in WiFi, Ethernet cable and HDAV cables. Most systems come with a subscription to Xbox Live that allows the users to have an access to Facebook, Twitter and other additional games. The Xbox 360 systems include a port for Kinect, the sensor that allows the user to control their games using gestures or voices. Normally, a set of Xbox 360 system includes an additional wireless controller and about 1 to 3 games.
Added Costs You Need To Know
Generally, most games cost about $40 to $60 each. An example is the Red Dead Redemption that costs $40, and the Call of Duty: Black Ops costs $60. An additional wireless controller costs $50, while a Kinect sensor system costs $150 each.
A basic Xbox Live membership is free that allows users to access games, movies and music from the consoles. The Xbox Live Gold membership costs $60 per year, which includes Video Kinect and the access to play games online and access to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The Xbox Live Gold Family Pack includes four 12-month Xbox Live Gold memberships and costs $100.
Differences Between PS3 Move and The Kinect
Nintendo were the first to introduce a motion controller way back in 2006. It was not doubt a trail blazer for years creating a niche of its own and winning over millions of fans. However this is no longer the case as this distinction has been erased by PlayStation and Microsoft releasing their own versions of a motion controller called the "Move" and "Kinect" respectively.
With the battle for supremacy raging between PlayStation and Microsoft I compare the PS3 move against the Kinect highlighting the differences between PS3 Move and Kinect.
Kinect is unique in its ability to picks up your body movement without a need to physically hold a controller. The Kinect consists of a webcam like camera (the Kinect Sensor) which has the ability to capture 3D movements, as well as facial and audio recognitions. Players interact with their console through a combination of well crafted User Interface and spoken commands. While a hands free motion controller is appealing to someone like me, other gamers will probably prefer a closer interaction with their gameplay which is where the Move excels.
The Move bears a similar resemblance to the Wii controller but differs in its capabilities (especially in the ability to track 3D movements). The Move consists of a motion controller wand and the PlayStation Eye camera used for tracking both the position and motion of the wand. Players interaction with gameplay is through the aid of buttons and not your body movements. I must say the Move lean towards hardcore gamers while the Kinect appears to be wooing families and casual gamers (there is also an additional controller called the PS3 Navigation controller which you may need to buy for some PS3 games).
Here are some of the things to consider when comparing the differences between PS3 Move and Kinect:
Distance from Camera: If you are thinking of buying the Kinect you must bear in mind that you need to be at least six feet from the Sensor for proper interaction (this is more of a challenge in the UK bearing in mind the way most homes are designed).
The PS3 Move is however less demanding as you must be at least three feet aways from the PlayStation Eye Camera. You need to also ensure that the distance between you and the motion controller is cleared of debris and objects to avoid running into them during gameplay. To optimise audio level when configuring the Kinect ensure the sensor is at least 1 foot from any sound sources.
Where to place the Camera: Both motion controllers can be placed on top or below your TV. However the Kinect require more space than PS3 Move. You will need to ensure that your play area is well lit from behind the motion controller and not in the front because the controllers don't react well to sunlight. In some cases you might need to buy a vertical stand.
Ease of Use: You will find the Kinect more easy to use after set up. The User Interface is well designed that any casual gamer can hit the ground running but learning how to use the PS3 Move controller buttons can be intimidating to any new comer. On the other hand the PS3 Move is more responsive to your movements than the Kinect.
Price Comparison: The Kinect is more expensive than the Move controller but can support two players. You will need to buy a second pair of controllers for the second player on PlayStation.
Games: There are not many PS3 and Xbox 360 games taking full advantage of these technology at the moment. However considering the fact that they are relatively new you can be sure that things will soon change.
The Kinect so far appears to be winning the war with record sales within the first few months of its release. To the neutral this is nothing more but a win win situation as we can be sure that this innovations will certainly pave the way for awesome gaming experiences in the future.
With the battle for supremacy raging between PlayStation and Microsoft I compare the PS3 move against the Kinect highlighting the differences between PS3 Move and Kinect.
Kinect is unique in its ability to picks up your body movement without a need to physically hold a controller. The Kinect consists of a webcam like camera (the Kinect Sensor) which has the ability to capture 3D movements, as well as facial and audio recognitions. Players interact with their console through a combination of well crafted User Interface and spoken commands. While a hands free motion controller is appealing to someone like me, other gamers will probably prefer a closer interaction with their gameplay which is where the Move excels.
The Move bears a similar resemblance to the Wii controller but differs in its capabilities (especially in the ability to track 3D movements). The Move consists of a motion controller wand and the PlayStation Eye camera used for tracking both the position and motion of the wand. Players interaction with gameplay is through the aid of buttons and not your body movements. I must say the Move lean towards hardcore gamers while the Kinect appears to be wooing families and casual gamers (there is also an additional controller called the PS3 Navigation controller which you may need to buy for some PS3 games).
Here are some of the things to consider when comparing the differences between PS3 Move and Kinect:
Distance from Camera: If you are thinking of buying the Kinect you must bear in mind that you need to be at least six feet from the Sensor for proper interaction (this is more of a challenge in the UK bearing in mind the way most homes are designed).
The PS3 Move is however less demanding as you must be at least three feet aways from the PlayStation Eye Camera. You need to also ensure that the distance between you and the motion controller is cleared of debris and objects to avoid running into them during gameplay. To optimise audio level when configuring the Kinect ensure the sensor is at least 1 foot from any sound sources.
Where to place the Camera: Both motion controllers can be placed on top or below your TV. However the Kinect require more space than PS3 Move. You will need to ensure that your play area is well lit from behind the motion controller and not in the front because the controllers don't react well to sunlight. In some cases you might need to buy a vertical stand.
Ease of Use: You will find the Kinect more easy to use after set up. The User Interface is well designed that any casual gamer can hit the ground running but learning how to use the PS3 Move controller buttons can be intimidating to any new comer. On the other hand the PS3 Move is more responsive to your movements than the Kinect.
Price Comparison: The Kinect is more expensive than the Move controller but can support two players. You will need to buy a second pair of controllers for the second player on PlayStation.
Games: There are not many PS3 and Xbox 360 games taking full advantage of these technology at the moment. However considering the fact that they are relatively new you can be sure that things will soon change.
The Kinect so far appears to be winning the war with record sales within the first few months of its release. To the neutral this is nothing more but a win win situation as we can be sure that this innovations will certainly pave the way for awesome gaming experiences in the future.
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