Zumba Fitness 2 features new music tracks, electrifying choreography, new venues and double the number of dance styles from the original video game, inviting players to party their way into shape with a fun and proven program. The game sees the return of presenters Beto, Tanya Beardsley and Gina Grant as they guide players through each exhilarating routine, ranging from Merengue and Hip-Hop to Bollywood and Latin Pop. And for the first time, players can customize their own class with their favorite routines and track calories burned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgguZwzYdK8

In Zumba Fitness 2 players can experience 32 new routines and music tracks with international beats that now include hits from today’s hot artists including Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger and Yolanda Be Cool & DCup. Dance styles range from fan favorites including Salsa and Reggaeton to all new styles like Bollywood, Ragga, Latin Pop and Pasodoble, plus players can learn 24 different dance styles from all over the world.

An exclusive Zumba Fitness belt is included inside every box so gamers can holster their Wii Remote and naturally move to the music. The music won’t stop and neither should gamers looking to get with the beat.

Zumba Fitness Official Website

Fitness is now heading to a new dimension as Traq3D has announced the launch of the next generation TRAZER system, which utilizes the Panasonic Electric Works’ 3D Image Sensing Camera, D-IMager, as the preferred 3D motion detection device for this new product. TRAZER is an innovative interactive exercise technology that was featured on according to the company measures the previously immeasurable fundamental components of movement. It provides the power to detect movement asymmetries and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, performance enhancement and injury prevention programs.

While this has the appearance of the technology used in current video games, such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox360 or the PlayStation Move, it is really a lot more says the technology’s innovator.

“TRAZER measures the previously immeasurable fundamental components of movement. It provides the power to detect movement asymmetries and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, performance enhancement and injury prevention programs,” says TRAZER’s inventor Barry J. French. “Conventional fitness machines, such as treadmills, bikes and ellipticals, only exercise the muscle groups that propel us forward. By contrast, TRAZER also exercises the muscle groups that propel us backward, side-to-side, up and down, and that allow us to twist and turn and stop and start. All while engaging the mind as well as the body.”

Preceding the inclusion of D-IMager, the user had to wear a sensor on their body to control the onscreen action. Panasonic’s technology eliminates the body-worn marker affording the user unrestricted movement. TRAZER captures all movements including turning, bending and twisting — and the D-IMager allows the user’s entire body to interact in the activity.

“Physical rehabilitation, sports training and fitness are ideal applications for the D-IMager,” said Tom Monczka, Product Manager for Panasonic Electric Works USA. “Accurate pixel-by-pixel image information enables full body motion tracking for precise feedback on the user’s progress. Reliability is ensured with strong ambient lighting resistance and a 10 year continuous usage life expectancy.

According to the company TRAZER has the promise to offer entertaining and effective programs for Fitness and Weight Management, Senior Health and Fall Prevention, Sports Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. And for the healthcare provider, TRAZER’s role will be to enhance preventative, rehabilitative and performance building programs and services that maximize each patient’s functionality and promote the well-being of every family member.

Traq 3D Fitness Official Website

We’re also hearing that Majesco’s E3 lineup will include:

Hulk Hogan’s Main Event (Kinect for Xbox 360): It’s all about the show in the first motion-based wrestling game on Kinect for Xbox 360 that lets players train with mentor Hulk Hogan as they build their own wrestling personalities and learn the art of showmanship to win over the crowd.

Take Shape (Kinect for Xbox 360): Turn game night into a hilarious interactive party with the fast-paced Take Shape for Kinect! Twist, stretch and shrink your body into hundreds of different shapes, animals and symbols. “Shape yourself” solo to beat the fastest time or team up in multiplayer mode to unite your on-screen silhouettes in fun new ways. Fit through forms, bend into shapes and animals, match a mirrored image… even clear stacked shapes lightning fast in this fun-for-all-ages experience. Be flexible; be quick; be the life of the house party in Take Shape!

Mind ‘n Motion (Kinect for Xbox 360): Think fast and stay coordinated in Mind ‘n Motion! This fun, family-friendly experience puts your motor skills to the test with activities that keep your entire body moving as fast as your mind can trigger your next move. From juggling to dodging shapes to jumping hopscotch, Mind ‘n Motion packs in ten levels per activity and mixes it up throughout with additional gameplay elements like inverse controls, faster pace and new tricks to make you think quick on your feet!

Check back all week for the latest in active video game titles from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Check back all week for the latest from E3. This is one show we’d hate to miss.

E3 Official Website

The games spans a variety of categories including dance, martial arts, body conditioning and even offers quirky mini-party type games. More importantly the games types allow for options for all ages and skill level, to help get those totally out of shape to tone up while still encouraging those who are their way. ExerBeat is compatible with the Wii Balance Board and Wii MotionPlus accessories.

(Trailer after the jump)

ExerBeat is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now for $29.99. Time to get your heart beating with ExerBeat.

ExerBeat Official Website

A first look at the iSec from China

Strange as it may seem some video game technology is actually not available in China. This is because of a combination of technology that is banned for export to China, as well as a ban on the importation of the systems by the Chinese government. And let’s not forget that there are no doubt fears that it will result in mass pirating.

The latter is no doubt a concern, as has been seen in recent years just about any technology can be reversed in China, and we pretty much known that the Blackhawk helicopter that was destroyed in the raid to kill Osama Bin Laden will likely be studied very closely by the Chinese military. This could jump start China’s attempts to get stealth technology for rotor aircraft, and area where the country has so far lagged behind.

Another area where China is already looking to jump ahead is surprising enough in the aforementioned video game space, and now Lenovo, China’s largest PC maker, has introduced a console to rival the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360, complete with motion control.

Originally known as the eBox, the console has reportedly been renamed the iSec, which stands for “Sports Entertainment Center.” It will include motion sensing technology that works much like that in the Microsoft Kinect, suggesting that this could be used for a range of gaming styles – allowing players to take part in Chinese style martial arts action adventures and of course fitness games.

There is some irony in all this. The Chinese government had banned the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 as there were concerns it could harm the country’s youth – and of course there had been bans to export some hardware to China. But now the Chinese are looking to get in on the game, and the computer gaming market is on the rise Chinese seems to think if you can’t keep it out, embrace it. The final question will be whether China attempts a US invasion with the iSec.

[Via PC World: Lenovo-backed Video Game System Unveiled in China]

Nintendo’s Wii, which was released in 2007 – just days after the Sony PlayStation 3 arrived at retail – hasn’t seen the similar upgrade. While it dominated the gaming arena thanks to its innovative motion controller system, the hardware was far less cutting edge than either the Sony or Microsoft consoles. The Wii doesn’t support HD and doesn’t provide the same streaming opportunities as the PS3 or 360. Likewise, Nintendo has been hit on the handheld front too, as Apple’s iPhone and more recently the iPad have stolen some of the Nintendo GameBoy’s thunder.

While the Wii sold some 86 million units, not bad for a five year old system, the company clearly sees that it can’t get much more bang for the buck – given that Sony and Microsoft have added that innovative motion control gameplay to their systems.

So what’s Nintendo to do? While, instead of waiting for Sony and Microsoft, this time the company is going to come to market first – with a system so far just known as the Wii 2. Nintendo will make it official at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, which will be held June 7-9 in Los Angeles. We’ll be sure to report the latest from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft.

A new rhythm-based fitness game promises more than 150 activities. That game is ExerBeat for the Nintendo Wii, which will be released by Namco Bandai in the spring. ExerBeat uses the Wii Remote to move you through over 150 simple yet challenging exercises. Expect varied workouts such as using the Wii’s balance board, boxing, karate, dancing hiphip and other styles and even fun activities such as the pizza toss. Of course you should toss the pizza, maybe not necessarily want to eat a pizza.

Several modes in ExerBeat encourage a healthy, ongoing fitness routine, for example the game has a monthly check-in to review your activity. The game is programmed with a variety of activities, in-game personal trainers, customizable programs and data tracking activity such as calories burned.

The game uses the Wii Remote, Balance Board and MotionPlus. The latter two are sold separately from the console and the game. For virtual incentive, an Around the World mode converts player’s workout results into an equivalent distance walked across the globe. The feature provides a tangible, visual representation of progress as players see their Mii characters travel the world and stop at nearly 100 international locations on the path. Each landmark will unlock new exercises and modes, plus interesting facts about the local culture.

ExerBeat

According to Dr. Barry A. Franklin, who was quoted by My Fox Houston, games not a substitute for actual exercise, but do encourage people to get healthier. Franklin’s view:

“The fact of the matter is that 70 percent of Americans don’t exercise. Some of the reasons they don’t exercise s that it’s not enjoyable, it’s no fun, and it’s not readily accessible.

“Often times the boxing, the golfing, and other activities have an energy expenditure that is equivalent to slow, moderate walking. That’s a lot better than sitting on the couch.”

With the recent release of the PlayStation Move this past September, as well as this week’s release of the Xbox 360 Kinect we expect a lot of gaming to occur, but at least this could be a gateway to healthier gamers.

But BLAZE has gone for a soft touch with its latest Fitness First licensed product line, the Wii Fitness First Soft & Safe sports pack. These padded controllers feature soft foam materials so you can swing away without worrying about causing physical injuries. The attachments, which include bow, handle bars, Frisbee, paddle and bat are all fully motion plus compatible and can be used with Wii Sports Resort and other Wii Sporting titles. The Blaze Fitness First, Soft & Safe Sports Pack will be available in November.

Wii Fitness First Soft & Safe Sports Pack

The newest announced product is the Wii Fitness First Wrist and Ankle Weights that will let users get a little more impact on their console-based workout, while still leaving hands free to take control with the Wii-mote. The BLAZE wrist and ankle weights are designed for use with a variety of fitness games. The are made of soft, cushioned fabric, and weight approximately 520 grams, which is considered an ideal weight to add resistance without being too heavy.

The BLAZE Fitness First Mel B Wrist and Ankle Weights will be available in October.

BLAZE Fitness Official Site

Even if you’re not as toned as Mark Wahlberg in the movie Invincible, you can still live out your NFL training camp fantasies. EA Sports plans to release EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp for the Wii. This new version of EA Sports Active is a collaboration with NFL strength and conditioning coaches to provide authentic NFL football drills.

The Wii game will use Total Body Tracking, which includes a heart rate monitor and wireless motion tracking to track your every move and progress. Tone up by doing over 70 drills and challenges targeted to improve strength, power and conditioning. EA is also offering an NFL 60 Day Challenge, where users can go into multiplayer mode and go head-to-head doing NFL training camp drills. Those drills include the QB Window Challenge and Field Goal Challenge. NFL Training Camp shows that EA Sports is getting creative about extending its Active brand, and providing new exercises through the Wii and other console systems.

EA Sports Active

The East Coast heat wave has likely kept families indoors but as things cool down just a bit outside the video game competition will be heating up. Nintendo will be hosting the kickoff event for its Wii Games: Summer 2010 Competition at Liberty State Park in New Jersey on July 16. This will be the start of the first-ever nationwide Wii video game tournament, which encourages participants to get off the couch.

Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars champion Shawn Johnson will be the first official Wii Games ambassador and he’ll be on had to greet participants. While the first event will be in New Jersey, follow-up competitions will be held all summer at Six Flags theme parks and select shopping malls throughout the United States. The events are open for gamers of all ages, and qualifying winners at these competitions could qualify for a chance to compete in the Wii Games: Summer 2010 national championships, which will be held in Los Angeles in September.

Wii Games: Summer 2010 Official Site

Information on the kickoff event:

Friday, July 16, 2010
11am to 6pm

Liberty State Park
South Lawn
Jersey City, NJ
201-915-3440