Xbox Kinect has been hacked

Updated on May 8, 2011
In today’s society we like to push the envelope, challenge ourselves. There is always someone out there to prove others wrong. So when the new gaming system the Xbox Kinect came out, you can bet there was a bunch of hackers and programmers just waiting to jump at the opportunity to show the world it’s imperfections.

(This picture taken from Google it is an example of what the Kinect looks like)

The most recent one to show off his ability was a Japanese researcher Akihiro Nakamura from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST).  Nakaamura also goes by the name Ogutti online. 

Ogutti created the “future vacuum” by combining the Kinect and a Roomba vacuum cleaner. By using the kinect and roomba Ogutti can control the devise by using a variety of gestures, which will enable its uses to no longer need to bed over or push buttons.

(This picture was taken from Google it is the iRobot Roomba.)

With this hack the vacuum can be directed in any direction with just the slightest gesture, rather than using the remote control. The roomba alone may be known to miss spots here and there, however this problem can easily be solved if you had the ability to tell the roomba where it should be going.

(Video is from youtube shows how the roomba works by using gestures)

Ogutti was able to hack the kinect and roomba.  The roomba is being controlled by a FRISK Bluetooth module, which he placed on top of the roomba. From there Ogutti calibrated the roomba, all you have to do to do this is simply hold both arms in the air. It’s like connecting your wii remotes to your wii.. After that your done, the roomba gets to work by sucking up dirt and following in the direction that you point it in.

Roomba has also been able to follow other gestures as well. To make it clean a spot that it missed on the floor, get into the scolding stance: your left hand on your hip, and with your right hand pointing at the dirt still left on the floor.  The roomba will scoot over to the missed spot and does a thorough cleaning. Also by simply lifting your left hand the roomba will start to turn in circles.  When you leave the room the roomba will go into a docking mode and then will search for its charging station. 

(This video is from youtube, it shows that sometimes the roomba will miss spots and how the kinect and motion control will help fix that).

This isn’t the most recent hack for the kinect.  There is an entire website designed for kinect hacks. There are twelve pages of things that hackers and programmers have done in order to hack the kinect.  The first one was submitted November 15, 2010.  Along with that there are also video tutorials and guides on how to set up your Microsoft Kinect for it to be hacked.

Technology keeps on changing and hackers and programmers are trying to push the envelope and challenge themselves. Nothing is ever perfect, nothing ever will be, and that’s why I believe there are hackers in the world to keep challenging programmers and video game designers. 

Game Designers: Get a degree with just a click of a button

In today’s world one of the fastest growing jobs in our country today is the video game design industry.  Taking in over $7 billion dollars in revenue yearly.  To get into this hot economy and become a video game designer it’s just a click of a mouse away (or that is what it seems).

Now days on a large amount of gaming websites have advertisements (like the photo to the right) that advertise top rated game design schools, however you can’t just walk off the street and into a gaming studio and get a job. Although a degree in art or graphic design will work, as well as having some computer skills.

The nice thing about these schools is that a majority of them are offered online or if you prefer the classroom setting you can choose that as well. The nice thing with online courses is that you can be in the comfort of your home, don’t really have to move, and are still be able to get a degree. It’s like actually going to school but easier, it’s just a click of a button away.

Specific training is offered at each gaming design schools, and you can pick what direction you want to go into. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. A few of the top game design schools would consist of:

“DeVry University offers something aimed towards the programming end of things with their hot Game and Simulation Programming program. This should really get your feet nice and wet. Take it Online or check out the numerous campus locations."

"Full Sail University offers various game related degrees including Game Art, Game Design, and Game Development. With the possibility of going on campus or just online, there are many great options to choose from. Graduates have worked on games like Call of Duty: World at War, and Guitar Hero."

"Another cool program worth checking out is the Game Art & Design degree at The Art Institute, with several campus locations offered across the US and Canada.”

Now days so many people are into video gaming that companies are now holding video game designing campus for young adults.  In the YouTube video it talks about ID Gaming Academy, which is one of these institutions that allows individuals ages 13-17. It gives them the opportunity to see what it is like to build their own game and then they are able to play it. Campus like this give teens/people the opportunity to see the inside of what goes into gaming.

(Video taken from YouTube about video game designing campus)

After doing more research on Google I realized that game designing not as easy as a person would think it would be.  There are a lot of technical things that go into being a video game designer.  It is interesting though to see how society has made it so much easier for individuals to actually get the degree in an area that a person is actually interested in.  I think it is great to see the opportunities that are now available to everyone, so they can try to pursue their dream.