Entries filed under Electricals
17th
February
2011
Panasonic has announced that it will be launching its expanded range of VIERA series plasma and LCD TVs for 2011.
According to Panasonic, choosing the right technology to purchase depends on a number of factors, including viewing environment and viewing choices. One thing is for sure, however, television enthusiasts have never been able to choose from such a wide selection of Full HD 3D TVs, whether Plasma or LCD/LED, from the company.
In 2011, Panasonic will be expanding its range of 3D and LED LCD televisions to include twelve different 3D and ten LED LCD models for discerning consumers to select from. These new models include Panasonic’s VT30, GT30, and ST30 NeoPlasma 3D TVs, but also the new DT30 series 3D LED LCD TVs.
Panasonic’s NeoPlasma models feature 600Hz sub-field drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for excellent motion, excellent contrast ratios with Infinite Black Pro (VT30, GT30, ST30) and Infinite Black (G30) in combination with High Contrast Filter Pro (VT30) and High Contrast Filter (GT30, ST30, G30). They are especially suited for 3D thanks to 600Hz, fast response time (0.001ms) and newly developed fast switching phosphor that reduces crosstalk. Furthermore, Active Shutter technology delivers the best possible picture quality, thanks to Full HD resolution and clear separation of the two images (one for each eye).
The top-of-the-line VIERA VT30 series consists of four models, the 65-inch TX-P65VT30, the 55-inch TX-P55VT30, the 50-inch TX-P50VT30, and the 42-inch TX-P42VT30. All four VT30 models come in the new High Line Design and feature a one sheet glass design that gives the TVs a sleek new design. Having passed more than 30 rigorous tests, the VT30 series received the THX 2D and 3D Display certification. In addition to offering 3D viewing, the VT30 series comes with the internet service VIERA Connect; Skype video calling; Wi-Fi ready (one USB wireless LAN adaptor is included with VT30 series); VIERA Image Viewer for viewing 2D and 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; USB HDD Recording as well as SD Card Recording. Two pairs of Full HD 3D eyewear are included with the VT30 series.
The VIERA GT30 3D series features three models, the 50-inch TX-P50GT30; the 46-inch TX-P46GT30 and the 42-inch TX-P42GT30. The series stands out through its slim and distinctive Highline design, features an Infinite Black Pro Panel; THX certification for 2D and 3D Display; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready (through USB port); Skype Video calling; VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA certification; 4 HDMI connections and 3 USB ports.
The VIERA ST30 series, on the other hand, adds three screen sizes from 42-inches to 50-inches to the Panasonic family of Full HD 3D TVs. This series includes the 50-inch TX-P50ST30; the 46-inch TX-P46ST30 and the 42-inch TX-P42ST30. The new ST30 Full HD 3D HDTVs present a feature package that includes the Infinite Black Pro Panel; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi Ready (through USB port); Skype Video calling; VIERA Image Viewer; 3 HDMI connections and 2 USB ports.
At the Panasonic Convention in London, Panasonic is currently showcasing the 3D LED LCD series DT30. The 37-inch TX-L37DT30 and the 32-inch TX-L32DT30, use an IPS Alpha LED panel to provide a wide viewing angle with almost no picture degradation, improved motion response and 400Hz backlight scanning Intelligent Frame Creation Pro technology for crisp, cross-talk minimal 3D images. Other features include VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready; VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA certification; 4 HDMI connections; 3 USB ports; a PC input and ISF ccc Setting Menu.
Other exciting new LED LCD TVs from Panasonic that will be hitting the market in 2011 include the Panasonic, E30 and E3. Panasonic’s new E30 LED LCD product line includes 42, 37 and 32-inch screen sizes and offers many popular features like 200blb Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for advanced motion reproduction, VIERA Connect and other networking functions. The Panasonic E3 LED LCD TVS, on the other hand, include 5 different screen sizes: 42, 37, 32, 24 and 19-inch. All come with V-Audio Surround sound technology. The G30 NeoPlasma range includes 50, 46 and 42-inch screen sizes that offer many key features like 600Hz IFC Pro, THX Certified Display, Infinite Black Panel and various networking functions including VIERA Connect and HDD recording.
Tagged with 3d,
lcd,
led,
panasonic,
tv
16th
February
2011
Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, have announced new Professional Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) memory cards. The new high-capacity Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards enable the capture, storage, and transfer of extended lengths of 1080p high-definition (HD) video and continuous, rapid-fire image capture in a single, solution. The Lexar Professional SDXC card is the first available in a 128GB capacity, and is also offered in a 64GB capacity. Both cards are speed rated at 133x, providing a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 20MB per second, and feature a Class 10 speed designation. For additional information about Lexar Professional SDXC cards, visit www.lexar.com.
“The professional photography industry is at a point where digital photo and video-capture methods are converging, meaning that professional shooters need a memory solution with the versatility and reliability to safely store both photos and videos,” said Pachi Chen-Wong, senior product marketing manager, Lexar Media. “The 64GB and 128GB Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards combine high-speed performance with large capacities to offer solutions for professionals who shoot large volumes of high-resolution images and HD video.”
The Lexar Professional 133x SDXC memory cards are compatible with all SDXC-enabled devices. The cards include the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files.
The new 64GB and 128GB memory cards have RRPs of £249.99 and £449.99, respectively.
Tagged with lexar,
memory,
sdxc
14th
February
2011
Sony Ericsson today announced the game changing Xperia™ PLAY, the latest phone in its Xperia range of Android based smartphones.
Xperia PLAY delivers smartphone functionality, teamed with an immersive gaming experience.
In portrait mode, the Android smartphone offers all the benefits that users have come to expect from Sony Ericsson’s existing range of Xperia smartphones. However, slide out the gaming control and users enter a new world of immersive mobile gaming. The slide out game pad reveals a digital D pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four PlayStation icons: circle, cross, square and triangle. Qualcomm’s optimized Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor deliver silky smooth 60fps play-back 3D mobile gaming and Web browsing with minimal power consumption so Xperia PLAY users can enjoy long hours of battery life and game time.
Rikko Sakaguchi, Executive Vice President and Chief Creation Officer at Sony Ericsson commented: “Today is a very proud moment for Sony Ericsson as we bring something truly revolutionary to the market. Living up to our vision of Communication Entertainment, Xperia PLAY will forever change the way people think about smartphones and mobile gaming.”
Xperia PLAY will run on Gingerbread (version 2.3), the latest version of Google’s Android platform. The Xperia PLAY will also be the first PlayStation Certified device. This means it will have access to PlayStation game content provided through the PlayStation Suite initiative, currently under development by Sony Computer Entertainment and due to launch later this calendar year.
Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products and Services Group at Sony Corporation said: “I am delighted to see Xperia PLAY as the first PlayStation Certified smartphone to hit the market. Xperia PLAY provides a unique consumer offering and is yet another example of great products and services coming to market that leverage Sony’s strong assets.”
Sony Ericsson has partnered with key publishers in the gaming industry to deliver a rich, vibrant ecosystem at launch and post launch with many leading new titles available via the Android Marketplace. Leading franchises coming to Xperi PLAY includes EA’s The Sims 3 and a multiplayer version of FIFA 10 for mobile. GLU Mobile/Activision will be bringing Guitar Hero while Gameloft’s titles include Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell. Sony Ericsson is also partnering with Unity Technologies, using its award-winning development platform, to ensure a continuous flow of high quality 3D game titles.
Mr Sakaguchi continued: “The launch of Xperia PLAY could not have been possible without the close collaboration of both Google and Sony Computer Entertainment. The commitment of so many industry leading game publishers further demonstrates that Xperia PLAY will deliver on the long-held expectations from consumers the world over.”
“Xperia PLAY and PlayStation Certified gaming are great examples of the kind of innovation that’s possible in the open Android ecosystem,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.
A pre-loaded application will enable users to easily discover and download titles that have been optimised for game play on Xperia PLAY, access recently played games and see information about the games they have downloaded.
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY will be available globally in selected markets from March 2011.
8th
February
2011
Sony Corporation announced today it will disclose the basic specifications of its E-mount for interchangeable single lens cameras, without fee, to manufacturers of lenses and mount adaptors, starting 1st April, 2011.
This opens the way for manufacturers of various lenses and mount adaptors to effectively develop products conforming to E-mount specifications.
Users of the Sony’s NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-VG10 and other E-mount compatible Sony digital imaging products to be launched in the future will now be able to use interchangeable lenses from both Sony and various other manufactures, while they will also be able to attach non-Sony lenses to their Sony digital imaging products via a mount adapter.
Sony believes the growth of digital imaging products employing the E-mount will further increase the enjoyment of photography and video shooting among an even wider range of users.
These basic specifications will be disclosed to manufactures of lenses and mount adaptors following a predefined process of approval and the signing a licence agreement with Sony.
As of today, the decision to disclose basic specifications of the E-mount has been endorsed by the following companies:
Carl Zeiss AG
Cosina Co., Ltd.
Sigma Corporation
Tamron Co., Ltd.
7th
February
2011
Canon today enhances its leading PowerShot SX camera range with the launch of the impressive PowerShot SX230 HS and the PowerShot SX220 HS models. This duo of new compact super-zoom models combine high-zoom performance, wide-angle flexibility and full manual control in two slim, sleek, pocket-friendly designs. The PowerShot SX230 HS also features new GPS functionality – a first for a Canon compact camera – allowing users to record the location where their images were taken and to record their journey with the GPS Logger.
The inclusion of the HS System means that both models can capture outstanding-quality images in more situations than ever before. Representing a unique combination of a 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Canon’s powerful DIGIC 4 processing technology, the HS System works to produce images with reduced noise and increased dynamic range that produces clear, detailed and natural results even in the most challenging of situations.
The 14x genuine Canon optical zoom lens featured in both models offers a huge zoom range to capture a wide range of subjects. The 28mm wide-angle setting allows the capture of wide, sweeping landscapes or fit more of a scene into a frame, and with the full zoom at a 392mm equivalent focal length, users can reach distant subjects without having to move. Canon’s leading optical Image Stabilizer technology corrects camera shake, offering a 4-stop advantage to prevent image blur throughout the entire zoom range and when shooting in handheld in low light.
Ideal for travellers or casual shooters, the PowerShot SX230 HS’ GPS unit will record where and when images are taken, allowing users to easily keep a record of the place and time their pictures are shot. Additionally, the GPS Logger facility can record the journey that users take, allowing them to later review their travels by using the supplied Map Utility software which integrates with Google Maps.
Ideal for users who just want to point and shoot, the PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS feature Canon’s Smart Auto mode. Designed to make it easy for anyone to get great-quality shots, Smart Auto uses Scene Detection Technology to evaluate each shooting situation against multiple factors and selects the optimum scene from 32 variables, capturing the perfect picture. All the photographer needs to do is focus on framing the shot – Smart Auto takes care of everything else.
Smart Auto also features the latest Advanced Subject Detection technology, allowing the camera to identify and lock onto non-human subjects such as pets or other moving objects within a scene. Once identified and the shutter has been half-pressed, Servo AF/AE ensures the subject remains in focus and well-exposed, right up until the shutter release is fully pressed and the image captured. i-Contrast and Smart Flash Exposure functions within Smart Auto also ensure subjects are captured in the best possible detail, reducing the occurrence of harsh shadows and over-exposed highlights.
A new Movie Digest shooting mode provides a fun new way to add movie footage to a day of shooting still images. Movie Digest mode films and records the action up to four seconds before every still image taken, before joining all clips captured into a VGA-resolution movie!
The PowerShot SX230 HS and PowerShot SX220 HS should be available to buy from mid-March 2011.
3rd
January
2011
This week I purchased a Sony HT-AS5 BRAVIA Surround Sound System. The launch price was around £400 but it can be found at various retailers for half that price at the moment.
The HT-AS5 is a full 5.1 speaker system, with all the amplifier stuff built into the subwoofer, which has a comprehensive suite of audio inputs. This system does not have an integrated DVD or Blu-ray player.
Total power output is 1000W (5 x 167W and 1 x 165W). I haven’t dared to put the volume level past 10 on the scale which goes up to 50 at its max. There is a Night Mode setting so that you can still enjoy surround effects and hear dialog clearly at low volume level.
The compact satellite speakers (4 x model SS-TSB101) are shiny black plastic with a black cloth front and connect to the subwoofer (model SA-WA5) which is matt black with a shiny black top surface. The sub has a ten segment display and the power/active standby indicator at the top of the front panel. Incorporated into the top panel are on/standby, input select and volume buttons. The supplied speaker cables are terminated with colour coded plugs at one end and are un-terminated at the other. The tinned ends of the cables simply push into spring connectors at the back of each speaker. Although there was sufficient cable supplied for my living room, the fact that the cables have bare ends does mean that you can easilly extend them should you need to.
Each speaker has a keyhole slot so you can wall mount them, they also have a screw thread which is the method I chose to use to mount the back speakers on wall mounting brackets so that they could be angled towards the listening position in the room rather than being flat to the wall. I placed the centre speaker on the Sony TV’s stand, and put the front speakers either side of the TV. I’ve placed the sub on a slab of granite to lift it off the carpet and hopefully it will isolate it to some extent from the wooden floor and the flat below.
There are three HDMI 1.4 inputs and one HDMI 1.4 output on the back of the sub. This means you can loop up to three HDMI sources through the system and on into your TV. Because the HDMI inputs and output are all v1.4 specification, the system can handle 3D sources with ease providing you purchase high speed HDMI cables. The HT-AS5 can decode Dolby Digital/DTS, Dolby Prologic & Dolby Prologic II and can deal with 2-channel, 5.1-channel and even 7.1-channel LPCM signals from Blu-ray players and the like.
Other input sockets on the sub include 2 x optical, 1 x digital coax, 2 x RCA and a Sony DMPORT jack for a Sony Digital Media Port adapter. By using a Media Port adapter (not supplied) you can connect a PC, VAIO laptop, MP3 player or Bluetooth enabled device to the system. The HT-AS5 has an in-built FM/AM radio and comes complete with both an FM wire and an AM loop aerial. A Sony S-AIR EZW-T100 slot provides a means of connecting an S-AIR wireless transmitter into the sub (not supplied) which transmits to an S-AIR transceiver (not supplied) so you can make wireless connection to surround speakers or enjoy the system’s sound in another room.
Setting up the surround sound system is very easy thanks to the DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) technology. By plugging in the supplied microphone and placing it where your ears would normally be when you’re sitting listening to the TV, you can perform an auto calibration which checks each speaker is working; adjusts each speaker’s sound level; measures the distance of each speaker from your listening position, and measures the frequency characteristics. Although DCAC is designed to obtain proper sound balance in your room, you do also have manual control over speaker levels according to your preference. I increased the level of my rear speakers a touch after the auto calibration had done it’s thing.
There are thirteen different pre-programmed sound fields that can be selected from the remote control (model RM-AAU074) and each one is explained in the operating instructions booklet.
By using the amplifier menus you can make various adjustments to customize the system. Things like adjusting the bass and treble level of the front speakers; delaying the sound output between 10ms and 200ms if the TV image is slower than the sound; dim or switch off the display; set a sleep timer etc.
By connecting Sony components that are compatible with BRAVIA Sync using an HDMI cable, operation is simplified with such features as One-Touch Play, System Audio Control, System Power Off, Audio Return Channel and Theatre Mode.
When the internet site Stuff.tv (from the publishers of Stuff Magazine) reviewed the HT-AS5 they gave it four out of five stars and in summary said: “A stylish, affordable, 3D-friendly surround kit with immersive, if not audiophile quality, sound”.
22nd
November
2010
Apple today announced that iOS 4.2, the latest version of the company’s mobile operating system, is available for download for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. iOS 4.2 brings over 100 new features from iOS 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 to iPad including Multitasking, Folders, Unified Inbox, Game Center, AirPlay and AirPrint.
“iOS 4.2 makes the iPad a completely new product, just in time for the holiday season”, said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.
“Once again, the iPad with iOS 4.2 will define the target that other tablets will aspire to, but very few, if any, will ever be able to hit”.
iPad users can now run their favourite apps and switch between them instantly, while preserving iPad’s legendary battery life. Users can organise their apps with drag-and-drop simplicity using Folders, and Mail now features a Unified Inbox, fast inbox switching and a threaded message view.
Game Center allows iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to challenge and play friends or be matched automatically with new opponents, showcase their scores and achievements, and discover new games their friends are playing.
AirPlay is a new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to Apple TV, transforming Apple TV into a great accessory for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. iOS users also will be able to use AirPort Express and AirPlay to stream wirelessly to any stereo or powered speakers, or directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers coming to market in the months ahead.
AirPrint is a next-generation Wi-Fi print architecture that dramatically simplifies printing by completely eliminating printer drivers. A selection of AirPrint enabled printers including the HP Photosmart, HP LaserJet Pro and HP Officejet will be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices. iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users can simply tap to print their documents or photos wirelessly to any printer that supports AirPrint.
The Find My iPhone (or iPad or iPod touch) feature is now free to use without a MobileMe subscription and helps you locate your missing device.* The Find My iPhone app is a free download on the App Store and lets users easily locate a missing device on a map and have it display a message or play a sound. Users can even remotely lock or wipe data from a lost device to protect privacy.
Other new features that iOS 4.2 brings to the iPad include: the ability to rent TV episodes** directly to iPad using the iTunes App with a 30 day viewing window and a 48 hour session window once playback is started; the ability to easily find and highlight specific words and phrases on web pages in Safari; enhanced enterprise support so businesses can take advantage of stronger security features, new device management capabilities and improved enterprise integration; industry-leading accessibility enhancements; and support for 25 additional languages, including Korean, Portuguese and Traditional Chinese.
The revolutionary iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. You can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, using the innovative Multi-Touch user interface. iPad weighs just 1.5 pounds, making it easy to carry and use anywhere.
To date, customers have downloaded more than seven billion apps from the Apple App Store and more than 300,000 apps are available to consumers in 90 countries, with more than 40,000 native iPad apps. Over 125 million iOS users around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.
The iOS 4.2 update is available today to download to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch by syncing the device with iTunes 10.1. iOS 4.2 is compatible with iPad, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, second and third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB) and new iPod touch. Some features may not be available on all products. For example, Multitasking requires iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB) or later.
* The free Find My iPhone feature is available for iPhone 4, iPad or new iPod touch (4th generation).
** iTunes TV programme rentals are only available in the US.
22nd
November
2010
Luxury fashion designer Julien Macdonald has teamed up with electrical specialist Comet to create a limited edition hair styling range. The set designed by Julien includes a hair dryer and straightening irons covered in a stunning butterfly print, adding a touch of glamour to the Autumn/Winter party season.
Julien Macdonald, who recently featured as a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model, designed the BaByliss hair styling range featuring silver butterflies with a single glamorous butterfly in red and gold. With celebrity fans such as Cheryl Cole and Kylie Minogue, Julien knows how to make women stand out from the crowd and his new hair styling range will do just that.
The fashionable Julien Macdonald for Comet hair styling products will be available to buy in stores nationwide and online from late November 2010. With the hair dryer priced at £49.99 and the straighteners just £59.99, it’ll make the perfect Christmas present for the ladies or a wonderful treat to transform anyone into a goddess for the festive season.
Comet’s Commercial Director, Bob Darke, said: “We wanted to create affordable, designer items as the must have accessories this year. Julien Macdonald is an expert when it comes to helping women look their best, so he is the perfect partner. Our accessible designer hair styling range will ensure that ladies can still get their designer fix this Christmas.”
Julien Macdonald added: “I wanted to design something that helps Comet’s style conscious customers get the ‘wow-factor’ that’s guaranteed to get them noticed. My design is about standing out amongst the crowd and being special just like the single beautiful butterfly featured in the design.”
To buy your limited edition Julien Macdonald for Comet hair dryer and straighteners click here.
15th
November
2010
Technical changes made to the Freeview digital TV service over the weekend of 13/14 November mean you need to retune your Freeview equipment today from 5pm to continue to hear Smash Hits and Absolute.
CNN went off air on Saturday 13 November at midnight: alternative channels for news include BBC News (channel 80), Sky News (channel 82) and Al Jazeera English (6-11pm on channel 89).
To make sure that you are receiving the most up to date channels and services you should regularly retune your equipment. There is a guide to retuning over on the Freeview website.
Digital UK announced the dates for digital TV switchover in parts of the Midlands on 20th April 2010, setting out the timetable for the biggest change to broadcasting for a generation.
Switchover at the Bromsgrove, Lark Stoke, Nottingham, Ridge Hill and Wrekin transmitter groups will see the five analogue TV channels switched off permanently and the Freeview digital service boosted to reach households across the region. Thousands of homes previously in digital blackspots such as some areas of Halesowen, Hereford and Ludlow will be able to receive Freeview channels for the first time.
In Herefordshire, south Shropshire and parts of Gloucestershire, Stage One switchover (turning off analogue BBC2) at the Ridge Hill transmitter will happen on 6 April 2011. Stage Two switchover for this transmitter (all remaining analogue channels off) will happen on 20 April 2011.
All Midlands viewers can check their switchover dates and options for getting digital TV by using the Digital UK postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing 08456 50 50 50.
Turning off analogue TV signals will allow digital terrestrial TV (Freeview) coverage to be boosted to reach virtually all homes. At the completion of the whole switchover process, Freeview services are predicted to be available to 98.5 per cent of UK households.
People aged 75 and over, eligible for certain disability benefits, registered blind or partially sighted or living in care homes are entitled to practical help from the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme. For £40, they will be given equipment to switch one TV per household to digital. They will be able to have that equipment installed if they want it, a demonstration of how it works and a number to call while they get used to things. If they’re eligible and also on income-related benefits, the help will be free. Everyone eligible will be contacted directly before switchover. More information is available on 0800 408 7654 and online at helpscheme.co.uk.
Freeview is managed by DTV Services Ltd, a company owned and run by its five shareholders – BBC, BSkyB, Channel 4, ITV and Arqiva. Launched in October 2002, the Freeview service provides free-to-air digital TV channels, radio stations and interactive services through an aerial.
Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2005 to lead the implementation of digital switchover. It is jointly owned and funded by the public-service broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and S4C, and the digital multiplex operators.
10th
November
2010
Today sees the UK launch of Microsoft’s Kinect accessory for the Xbox 360 games console.
Once it meets you, Kinect recognizes you. With just a wave of the hand or a voice command, Kinect comes to life, bringing games, movies, TV, music, exercise, dancing and sports to your fingertips. No, it’s not a space-age movie; it’s your living room.
“We see the future being about computers and sensors learning how to respond to you, instead of you having to learn how to respond to them,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of Interactive Entertainment at Microsoft.
Kinect removes the “wands, gadgets, and gizmos” that sometimes act as a barrier, making Xbox games and entertainment more approachable, social and interactive so everyone can enjoy them, he said.
“With Kinect, you are the controller,” Mattrick said. “All you have to do is step in front of the sensor and it instantly recognizes you and tracks your movements with no experience required… Not everyone has grown up familiar with a 16-button video game controller, which has been somewhat of a barrier in sharing Xbox with a much broader audience”.
In three years, the Kinect team incorporated technology from all over Microsoft, and even looked outside the company, to be able to make a device that could recognize a user, track his or her body, and recognize speech.
Already got an Xbox 360? No problem, all you need to purchase is a Kinect bundle pack.
Don’t have an Xbox or want the new one? You have two choices: Get the Xbox 360 loaded with 4GB of memory and the Kinect sensor or, get the Xbox 360 equipped with a 250GB hard drive and the Kinect sensor.
More information about the Xbox 360 and Kinect can be found online at: http://www.xbox.com
