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Microsoft Kinect May Not Live Up to Hype

Time: 02:02 EST/07:02 GMT | News Source: *Linked Within Post* | Posted By: Kenneth van Surksum

When the Xbox Kinect was unveiled at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in June 2009 by Microsoft as “Project Natal,” it looked like the future of home entertainment. An unobtrusive device barely bigger than a ruler that not only allows families to play video games without a remote control, but that recognizes each individual users face and voice. Netflix instant streaming video with hands-free browsing, instant photo uploading to Twitter and Facebook, the ability to scan household items like a skateboard for use as a prop in skating games – impressive stuff. Investors were pleased to, since the Kinect would also extend the lifespan of the Xbox 360, originally released in 2005, well passed the five year lifecycle typical of devoted gaming hardware.