Microsoft to add exercise-tracking Play Fit to Kinect?
updated 12:53 pm EDT, Tue May 8, 2012
Joule accessory will measure, record heart-rate
Microsoft is preparing an addition to its Kinect accessory for the Xbox 360 that will track a user's exercises across multiple Kinect games, The Verge learned from its sources. Called Play Fit, it will upload numbers to online storage and thereby be accessible from anywhere. A new hardware accessory will be made available as well, dubbed so far as the Joule.
Basically a heart-rate monitor, the Joule will let users perform in their target zone for a particular desired outcome, such as for weight loss, strength, or cardio. The Joule will be compatible with most Kinect games but it won't be required for tracking in Fit Play.
While release dates for the new feature isn't known, it's likely to be made official at the E3 show in June. A dashboard software update will bring the functionality to owners of the Kinect accessory.
