Gadgets Blog » Xbox 360

For years, Nintendo’s Wii has been the unrivaled leader in motion control technology with its nunchuk-like controllers that followed peoples’ movements and translated them to actions on the screen.

This year, both PlayStation and Microsoft unleashed their version of motion control, and Microsft Kinect for Xbox 360 seems to be leading the pack. Unlike both PlayStation and Wii, Xbox Kinect does not use a controller, instead using a camera to track the movements of the player.

When the player jumps, the character jumps. This controller and camera in one gives players the unique opportunity to have their direct image placed into the game screen, and it even reads clothes and colors and translates it to the screen for chats, etc.

Tech and gadget G4 recently tested this device’s capability to recognize specific clothing, from standard jeans and a T-shirt to a naughty school girl uniform, bikini and even nude. Jeans and even naughty school girl translated to the game, but the digital version of nudity was blocked. Unfortunately, it does not block direct video nudity, even though there are supposed to. That’s something for parents to watch out for.

Back when current generation gaming consoles were being released, a perplexing turn of events set Nintendo apart from its competitors. Where Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 opted for high-powered machines that supported other kinds of multimedia, Nintendo kept the graphic capabilities on their Wii console relatively limited, embracing instead a motion-sensing control scheme that provided an extra dimension to their video games. Nintendo’s gambit seems to have paid off, with the Wii standing as a high-selling console with positive market trends on the rise.

Enter Microsoft’s reaction to the Wii. While the Wii controllers had motion-sensing devices built into them, Microsoft’s Kinect controller is entirely hands free. The device is capable of spotting human movement while mounted just in front of the television screen — no controller required. That person’s movements translate into in-game activities, creating an experience that Microsoft hopes will be perceived as more involved and compelling. The players don’t use a peripheral anymore. Instead, they use their entire bodies.

In an alternate reality, civilization as we know it has come to an end. The rivalry between the USA and the USSR never came to a peaceful conclusion, but rather a horrendous nuclear war fought sometime in the alternate 1950s. This is the world of Fallout, a franchise that has lasted countless technological advancements due largely in part to its unique setting and fascinating take on morality. The latest title in the series, developed by Obsidian in partnership with Bethesda, takes the series to a place its never been before: the wasteland surrounding Las Vegas.

Fallout: New Vegas appears at first glance to be more of the same from the two developers who have worked on the project. Bethesda’s Fallout 3 was a highly successful title in 2009, with tremendous sales on the computer, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The new title operates on the same graphics engine, featuring many of the same gameplay mechanics. Things are different this time around, however. With a host of new features geared towards advanced players, early reviews of the game have pointed towards a classic entry in the series, and one of the best titles of the year.

The game puts the player in the shoes of a wanderer in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. After suffering from an attack by a band of strangers, you’re nurtured back to heath by a compassionate doctor. As the game progresses, the player encounters a large number of characters, all suffering in the same circumstances in the difficult living. A key element of Fallout has always been the exploration, and this title is no different. Some of the tasks given by strangers are required to successfully co

Way back when the original Microsoft XBox was just hitting shelves everywhere, the world first came into contact with a brand new hero. Master Chief, the warrior saving humanity in Bungie’s Halo, catapulted the franchise to international success. Never before had a first-person shooter for the console been executed so cleanly, with fast-paced action, addictive multi-player, and an epic storyline. Halo has since branched out into multiple-sequels, but developer Bungie has insisted this final entry into the saga, the prequel Halo: Reach, will be the last. And what a way to go out.

The storyline of Halo: Reach occurs before the action of any other Halo titles, when mankind first makes contact with the alien race the Covenant. A single-player campaign covers these early skirmishes as the combat goes from high-tension, suspense to large-scale battles against the aliens. The story mode has always been a highlight of the Halo experience, and Reach’s story is excellent in how it requires no prior Halo knowledge to enjoy. The campaign can be enjoyed solo or with up to three other teammates, making for a great cooperative experience.

Other multi-player modes offer up a great experience both online and off. Firefight pits up to four users against waves of enemies that become progressively stronger, allowing you to test your mettle and reach for new survival goals. The online multiplayer is perhaps the finest on XBox Live, with six different groups of games available from the main menu. There’s also a ranked-pool, something that Halo first introduced into online gaming, pitting more skilled players against each other in a competition for experience points and leveling-up. All of these modes are fully-customizable in a way few other games allow.

Today we’re looking at some great gadgets available at some great prices, which should be a great asset to anyone feeling the post-Holiday crunch. This time of year can be excellent for a smart shopper, as there are plenty of deals to go around. Companies are trying to clear off their shelves for new products, but here at Smarter we have some great items and even better deals.

Great Deals on Game Controllers!
For an avid video gamer, the controller can make all the difference. For the major consoles, there can be a bit of a decision to make, as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft all have their own official controllers available, whereas third party developers oftentimes have units for significantly less. Alternative game controllers oftentimes boast features that can give huge boosts to the gaming experience. If you’re a PC or Playstation 3 racing fanatic, the Logitech G 25 Force Feedback Wheel provides one of the most realistic driving experiences available at a reasonable price for such a high-end steering wheel. Other great deals include the Thrustmaster Wireless Pad for the Playstation 3. It features a more naturally contoured fit to the hand that is very similar to the Xbox 360 controller. Also, the rubber grips function great during marathon gaming sessions and are a great cure for sweaty palms. If you prefer to stick with brand-name controllers, Nintendo offers a “Classic Controller” for the Wii that has the same shape and button scheme as the classic Super Nintendo controllers, which can be great for games where the Wii Numchuck isn’t a good fit for game play.

Great Deals on Dell Computer Hardware!
One great advantage of owning a PC desktop is the ease with which the hardware components can be upgraded. Instead of throwing down close to $1000 for a brand new machine, it’s straightforward to purchase and install new parts, such as video cards, sound cards, and memory. This extends the longevity of the computer, without the need for an entirely new model. Here at Smarter, we have some great deals right now on Dell hardware, which means it could be the perfect time to upgrade your machine. A Dell memory module is a great way to boost the RAM, giving increased computer speed and performance, while a Dell heatsink and fan can ensure the performance of your CPU, especially important if you opt to overclock your machine. If you’re in the market for a new PC, I strongly recommend looking into available upgrades first! You can save a lot of money by choosing to upgrade your current desktop instead of replacing it.