At E3 a couple of weeks ago, Microsoft unveiled its latest gaming product, due for release this autumn (fall really, as Europe is scheduled for early 2011 release). Xbox Kinect, as its called, takes the Nintendo Wii’s interactivity one step further; you don’t need a controller at all. By using multiple cameras Kinect recognises who you are and registers your movements. In this way it directs you to dance, jump, wave or do yoga poses and matches these against the game and against other players. This is pretty cool and could be a real fun way to get beginner learners (maybe especially kids but I’m sure adults too) get to grips with basic action verbs in the target language. By coupling it with a speech recognition engine you’d have a very friendly and entertaining learning environment. Will this herald the return of Total Physical Response?

Here’s a video about Xbox Kinect: