According to "NPD Group" console sales for the Nintendo Wii beat out the Microsoft Xbox 360 almost by 2 to 1 in March 2009 with sales figures exceeding 600,000. The second-hand market is also booming with many a cheap Wii console available in the classifieds and on places like www.greatwiistore.com. It's no wonder Microsoft have been scratching their heads trying to come up with an answer to this problem which has been plaguing them for a while.

Enter the Xbox 360 video camera unit... Microsoft's attempt to tap into the casual player market which has done so well for Nintendo. The video camera will allow players to control games simply by moving their bodies. As far as concepts go it's nothing new but the big difference with this system is there is no need to hold the controller in one's hand. The video camera analyses bodily movements and translate that into gaming motion. No one is denying that this is Microsoft's attempt to get one over on Nintendo's ever popular Wii game console.

As the popular saying goes, "if you can't beat them join them" and this is exactly what Microsoft appear to be doing. I hate to say it but could they be playing catch up once again? If history has taught us anything it is that innovation usually trumps the copycats and the company who successfully introduces new technology into the arena will more often than not end up as the successful one. With so many wii gaming systems for sale in the second-hand market as well as new consoles this just confirms how popular these units are.

However, this doesn't mean to say that Microsoft's efforts may be the exception to the rule in this case. Many commentators in the gaming arena are saying that this controller innovation could be a deciding moment for Microsoft and has the potential to reposition Microsoft as real competition for the Nintendo Wii. Keep your eyes open! You're going to see these controllers on the shelves in the not too distant future and many diehard Microsoft gamers are waiting with bated breath!

Although I will make a prediction now that these controllers will probably give Microsoft a temporary blip but it is highly likely that Nintendo will release something similar in order to consolidate their market share. I wouldn't expect to see a glut of cheap wii system deals any time soon because of this development but keep your eyes peeled because there could be big changes on the way. We'll have to wait until next year though before we see if Microsoft's new gizmo makes the grade.

Ionkids Child Locator.

 The Ionkids child locator system enables guardians and parents alike to locate children and others with ease, as the manufacturer says “to keep an Ion what’s important”.  I have read many other reviews and all seem to be completely satisfied with their purchase.

The Ionkids child monitoring system starter kit includes all you’ll need to track one child. The base unit includes a charger, bracelet with key, instruction booklet and a year’s warranty. You can track up to 4 children at once with the addition of other bracelets for about $50 each. Setup and learning is easy, if you can operate a cell phone you can operate this system.

You’ll want to charge the system overnight after you get it to make sure all batteries have a full charge. Next place the bracelet on your child; usually they are excited to wear the bracelet just like daddy’s watch. The bracelet is adjustable and locks on with a key and is very water resistant.  An alarm sounds if the device is tampered with after you activate it i.e. your child slips it off or it is too loose and doesn’t touch the skin. The device alerts you if this happens so make sure to get it on tight enough to overcome false alarms.

The bracelet is really like a watch and comes with a bunch of stickers that are colorful for the kids to decorate, usually their favorite thing to do. It comes with rechargeable batteries as does the base unit and I recommend charging both right along with your cell phone every night. The charger lets you plug in everything you need even if you have multiple units.

The range is 350 feet and if it’s triggered you’ll know it!  The monitor emits high decibel beeps and flashes red when the bracelet goes out of range.  The monitor prompts you to push the “Find” button to locate your child by directional signal pointing right to them. In addition the bracelet also beeps and flashes to draw your child’s attention that they need to stop, nice feature.

I hope this information is helpful to you in making a choice of Child Alert Systems. I invite you to go to Rusway Security Systems the Brickhouse resource center and learn more.

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