Get fit with virtual sports like boxing, tennis and baseball
April 20, 2007
VIDEO gaming doesn't have to be about slouching on your couch while pressing the up and down buttons on your controller.
With the XaviXPort console, you put on a pair of wireless boxing gloves to box away with a virtual opponent on TV.
To play in a virtual tennis match, you strap on a lightweight, wireless tennis racket and use your body to simulate the onscreen action.
And there are also a baseball bat, golf putter and bowling ball for those who are looking to play other virtual sports.
Its creators call this 'extertainment' - exercise and entertainment at the same time.
All you need is to hook up the console to any TV.
INFRARED SENSORS
Infrared sensors from the console pick up the angle and speed of your various sporting actions and transform them into animated versions on the screen.
You can input information like your age, sex, height and weight before playing.
After each sweaty round, you will see an exercise chart showing how many calories you have burnt.
The data can be stored for you to monitor your workout patterns.
Last year, the XaviXPort gained prominence in Hong Kong after action star Jackie Chan gave it his stamp of approval.
In one of the game titles - Xavix Aerostep - Jackie teaches you to dance, squat, jump and run along with him through the streets of Hongkong, all on a wireless mat.
XaviXPort costs $159 and its game titles are priced between $109 and $179,
It is available at DG Lifestyle at VivoCity, E2Max at The Cathay and Orchard Cineleisure, A1 Computer Station at Sim Lim Square, Big Megastore at HarbourFront and most Best Denki outlets.
seems to sound like a wii
It's been around for 3 years already but not as much games and publicity as wii.