Bekka Kitila IT 103
| Home | Introduction | Background | Technical Specifications | Potential Benefits | Security Concerns | Ethical and Legal Issues | Social Benefits and Problems | Conclusion | Reference page |
The social benefits of the Kinect also can correlate with the potential benefits. With hope for advancements in the technology this can also help modern America. Based on the article written by Newton, she believes that with the Kinect, in time it will help NASA scientists teleconference in three dimensional ways. I believe once this occurs it will be fair game to businesses and corporation’s worldwide. With the power to make communication so easy and accessible it can make a work day go by smoother. Another benefit is the events or opportunities for up and coming scientists that want to be acknowledged. Newton discusses in her article how, scientists or tech geeks such as Willow Garage are sponsoring contests for the “most interesting new use of the Kinects depth sensor with a robot.” With the top entry receiving a cash compensation of three thousand dollars. Not only can the Kinect benefit the mentally gifted, but based on the Microsoft website, they also discuss the variety of games for the consumers. I believe that with the selection of games that provide active movement and aerobics, it can also provide a healthier America. Now all these benefits come at a cost to some which can lead to social problems to average Americans.
The Xbox Kinect unlike the Ps3 or just the Xbox 360 requires an extra power outlet which can lead to a minor issue of compatibility. Think of the average Americans who usually set their consoles in family rooms; Family rooms already lack available outlets and this can become an inconviencence for some. Another social problem can be the cost of the Kinect. The Kinect alone costs one hundred forty nine dollars and three hundred if you include an Xbox, (Microsoft, 2010). This can be a problem for average Americans who are trying to make do with their current lifestyle. Lastly, Gruener, of ConceivablyTech discusses the social problem of the actual ability to use the Kinect. He goes on to discuss in his article, that if you have to sit down to use the Kinect, it will only work with voice recognition. This may come to a disadvantage to the heavy set Americans or disabled Americans who are confined to a wheel chair or can only sit. Gruener brought up an irony by saying, “playing a simple game while you actually sit on the couch will not work anymore.” This social problem also shows the advancements technology has come too over time.