Kinect exercise tracker inbound - Report

How many calories does one burn while petting cheetah cubs in Kinectimals? A new Kinect exercise tracker may allow gamers to find out, according to sources speaking to The Verge.

The site sources unspecified tipsters who say Microsoft is planning to update the Xbox 360 dashboard to include a cross-application exercise tracking system. Titled Kinect Play Fit, the service will allow users to track their exercises through "most" Kinect titles, with the data stored in the cloud.

A physical peripheral dubbed Joule will be released alongside Kinect Play Fit, according to the site, and will track heart-rate levels, allowing users to analyze their progress. The Joule will be compatible with "most" Kinect titles, but it won't be a requirement for Kinect Play Fit.

A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."

Kinect gamers already have exercise tracking options available to them. Electronic Arts' EA Sports Active 2 comes with a heart-rate monitor, and Dance Central 2 includes a Workout mode, where players can track the number of calories burned while cutting up the rug.