Las Vegas – We came, we saw, we reported. We also rode some bikes and checked out a lot of upcoming gear. So while the show is over, we’ll be reporting on some of the best upcoming fitness technology related products that you won’t want to miss all this week. Continue reading Interbike 2010 Show Wrap-up
Category: E3
E3 2010: Kinect Fitness Games for the Kinect Launch
Microsoft is taking video game motion controls to a new level with their new accessory for the Xbox 360 called Kinect. Kinect will allow you to be able to play video games hands free. While the Nintendo Wii Fit definitely revolutionized fitness gaming, it had some drawbacks. Having to hold controllers or be limited by the balance board was definitely a drawback for a true workout. Kinect will change all of that because it will be truly free of any hindrances. It will allow you to workout in the privacy of your own home, but also get the real-time one-on-one feedback on how well you are doing the exercises, just like you would get from a personal trainer.
Here are the Kinect fitness games
that will be available during the Kinect launch or shortly thereafter:
Your Shape: Fitness Evolution is a game that will be available on the Kinect release date. Your Shape will be able to give you a full body scan, and get your measurements in order to keep track of progress in your arms, legs, midsection, etc. It will also provide you with a trainer who will be able to take you through daily workouts. To not always be training hardcore, Your Shape also has mini-games that are fitness-focused, to allow you to have fun and get a good workout at the same time.
EA Sports Active 2.0 will be coming out a few weeks after the Kinect launch. The original EA Sports Active for the Wii defined what fitness gaming should be. This sequel takes exercise gaming to a whole new level. It will feature a wireless heart rate monitor that you’ll be able to wear on your arm, and you’ll be able to get the result on the screen, so you can always keep your heart rate in the optimal range for fat loss. As with all Kinect titles, it will truly be a controller (and distraction) free workout.
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout is coming out around the same time as Kinect. You will be able to be trainer by Bob and Jillian, giving you a solid workout just as if you were at the ranch. It features nutrition and health tips to help you to lead an overall better lifestyle. You’ll also be able to change up the workouts, and add some fun while working out by competing in various challenges as seen on the TV show.
Microsoft Kinects with Exercisers
Don’t call it a controller. At E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) last week Microsoft widely showcased its controllerless motion interface previously called Project Natal. This means games will continue to get active. Even more than with the Nintendo Wii remote, games using Microsoft’s Kinect won’t be played sitting down. The Kinect is a hands-free controller that captures your moves and sond through a camera placed in front of the TV. Its mount follows your movements so if you’re playing a really active game, it will still keep up with you. There’s plenty of games in development for the device due out by holiday season.
One category expected to excel is fitness games. EA Sports Active, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Kinect Sports and Zumba Fitness are just a few. In addition, you have Kinect Adventures where you’ll do activities like block oncoming balls, and steer rafts on water rides, which involve full-body movements. Dance Central from MTV and Harmonix is another one that will have you moving to the beat. We’re on the lookout for heart pounding cardio and strength training fitness games using the Kinect on the horizon and will report here.
E3 2010: Spice Girl Does Fitness Game
- Do you Wannabe in better shape?
When we first read that a former Spice Girl wanted to do a fitness game we assumed it would be Sporty Spice. Then we read it was Mel B and our thoughts were confirmed, but actually Melanie Chisholm, a.k.a. Mel C, is the former Sporty Spice. Melanie Brown, or Mel B, a.k.a. Scary Spice is the one who is actually going to be working on a title for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation 3 Move.
“I have always been passionate about videogames and then when I grew up my preferences moved towards fitness and wellbeing.” she said in a press release. “Today I can finally mix together my two big passions, it’s been like a dream.”
The title from Black Bean Games will feature Brown as a celebrity trainer in Get Fit. It will build on the publisher’s previous Fitness First titles and will feature six types of aerobic disciplines and more than 100 exercises. The Brown fitness game will arrive for the holidays
E3 2010: UFC as a Fitness Game
- UFC Trainer will arrive for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii in January
There is no denying that anyone entering the cage to compete in mixed martial arts is ripped and probably works out a lot. And we mean a lot. Video games on the hand tend to work out a little and play games a lot. So what if you could somehow marry the two in a way? THQ is on it with a UFC-inspired fitness game for Microsoft Xbox Live Kinect, Sony PlayStation Move and the Nintendo Wii.
And in an interesting twist, unlike many other fitness games this one is actually going to be targeted primarily at men. UFC Trainer won’t actually make it in time for the holidays however, so gamers will have to find some other way to stay in shape this summer and fall, so we suggest turning off the console for a bit.
But from the official line from THQ’s executive VP of core gaming, it should be worth the wait. “We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag. And I’m not going to ship it until it’s the coolest fighting thing in the world.”
E3 2010: Zumba Gets You Shaking
One big problem with some workout games is that you need to be in the mood to work out. That’s why a good alternative can be to dance, and Zumba Fitness will get you moving. The company already has a full line of Latin dance and reggae flavored DVDs, and this year at E3 Majesco announced plans to bring the unique fitness program to the video game world.
In Zumba Fitness players can learn and perfect nine different dance styles, ranging from salsa to hip-hop to rumba and reggaeton. The dance game will be accessible to all ages and feature a “learn to steps” training, plus beginner, intermediate and advanced routines. The game will be compatible with Kinect for the Microsoft Xbox 360 for two player fun, plus a four player version for either the Nintendo Wii or the PlayStation 3 Move. Zumba Fitness will arrive this holidays, so get shaking.
E3 2010: Exercise Games Coming to More Platforms than Wii
- EA Sports Active 2 is heading to the Xbox 360 and will be compatible with Kinect
The Wii and exercise games have made great companions the past few years. However with Microsoft Kinect on its way, the video game workout may get a whole lot more active. Electronic Arts’ follow up to EA Sports Active is expecting to add more activity to both its Wii and Microsoft Xbox Kinect versions. More activity also means ore sensors and gear however. A demo at EA’s press conference showed wireless activity for EA Sports Active 2, heart rate monitors strapped to the upper arm, and weights and bands added for strength training.
Expect more variation in workouts. The demo included an intense cycling sequence, weight lifting and boxing. The Kinect version measures movement of the entire body versus the Wii version, which measures arms and legs through holding the controller and leg straps.
An online log on EA.com is an added component. Workout data is stored so you can evaluate your progress and fitness goals. You can also share your results and compare progress of others.
E3 2010: Shape Yourself with Microsoft’s Kinect
Exercise games on the market still require you to grab or stand on a controller to get your workout in. Yourshape Fitness Evolved, just announced from Ubisoft for the Microsoft Xbox promises a much more casual yet engaging workout. Using the video and sound controls of the game console’s Kinect, you just have to make sure you have space to move. The camera picks up your image and presents it as a polarized image or heat map-like image of you and captures all of your movements. Select cardio, toning or other activities and get to work. Yourshape Fitness turns some workouts into a game where you can kick and punch boxes that come into range. End your workout with a calming cooldown by doing Tai Chi and other relaxing exercises.
Check back all week for the latest fitness related news from the Electronic Entertainment Expo
E3 2010: Kids Get an Exercise Game
The Wii might be the kid’s gaming machine of the house, but most of the exercise games out there target adults, more specifically, women. Kids can take back their Wii with their own exercise game, and maybe get the whole family involved. Nickelodeon and 2K Games partnered to produce Nickelodeon Fit. Kids can keep fit with their favorite characters including Dora, Diego, Kai-lan and The Backyardigans. Nickelodeon says the game has a youthful emphasis on heart health, cardio, strength building and endurance.
With increasing reports of childhood obesity, Nickelodeon Fit is a welcome addition to the game console. Not only can kids get excited about exercise and develop a lifelong behavior of working out and staying fit, it might just get parents and kids playing and working out together.