While fitness video games could be a fad down here on earth, the Microsoft for Kinect for Xbox 360 could boldly go where only a few have gone before – namely outer space. The video game system could help astronauts stay a little fitter, thanks to the body tracking camera system built into the game controller’s sensor.
This could help astronauts better calculate their weight in zero gravity, something very important as those in sapce can lose up to 15 percent of their body mass because the muscles tend to develop atrophy due to lack of use. The crews already spend up to two hours a day exercising, but until recently there has been no way to measure weight post-workout.
Now the Kinect might just do the trick!
[Via New Scientist: Kinect weighs astronauts just by looking at them]
The New Year is less than a week away, and the Consumer Electronics Show is just a week later. It is a time for many to think about a healthier lifestyle, and UnitedHealth Group will be at the Digital Health Summit at CES in Las Vegas to offer expert advice. 
There is no denying that the Kinect for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is a hit. It reportedly holds the Guinness World Record for being the best-selling consumer electronics device, and it has done a great job transforming video games into slightly more active activities. No one is going to argue that games will get anyone fit, but getting moving can’t hurt. Microsoft had previously announced it was bringing the Kinect to the PC, and now it seems that all new Xbox games will be required to offer Kinect support – and if rumors are true the Kinect will be built-in on the future Xbox 720. While this could just include voice support, which won’t get anyone off the couch and actually could make matters worse, we can’t help but think that maybe games will help America get back on a fitness track after all!
The world of video games has long seen a split between the consoles and the PC. And despite the rumors that PC gaming is dead, it is very much alive and well. The rumors have been greatly exaggerated, especially as the PC will soon get a boost from the Microsoft Kinect. This is really no surprise as Microsoft entered the gaming arena as a PC software developer and publisher, as well as creating a variety of hardware for the PC.
Last year Microsoft sold 10 million of its hands free controllers for the Xbox 360, making it a very Kinect’ed Christmas. And instead of sitting on its hands free Kinect all year, Microsoft – along with many third party developers – are offering the promise of another big season. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that by holiday Microsoft will have 75 titles that offer the promise to get off the couch for gamers. 
