Will Kinect Be Able to Connect?

Microsoft’s strategy in the gaming market moved into a new stage in Los Angeles, just before the start of E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo). Previously known as Project Natal, Microsoft’s controller-free gaming device that promises to revolutionize the way we experience entertainment in the living room got its commercial name: Kinect for XBOX 360.

For the first time, gamers all over the world are tempted with something that less than 10 years ago seemed out of this world: gaming without controllers. I can still remember myself back in 2002 when, while watching Spielberg’s Minority Report, I was wondering how much time has to pass until such technology becomes mainstream. Well … wasn’t that much after all, right?

“You are the controller” is the fundamental message that Kinect is carrying. From a technical point of view, it’s a rather small device that plugs into any XBOX 360. Despite the size, it packs a heavy load consisting of a camera, audio sensors, and motion-sensing technology. Microsoft claims that Kinect is capable of tracking as many as 48 points of movement and it can also recognize faces and voices.

All of this comes at a time when Microsoft seems to loose its aura of driver and innovator in the IT industry. Just a few weeks ago, Apple surpassed Microsoft on the stock market, as a result of its phenomenal success with gadgets like the iPhone and the iPad. For many complex reasons Microsoft was not able to match Apple so far in this battle. Still, some tend to ignore the fact that these are just battles, not the war. And for those who celebrate Microsoft’s so-called decline, there are a few surprises left in the bag. Kinect certainly looks like one of them.

The only question to be answered is whether Microsoft’s revolutionary device will be able to connect with the market and prove that the gang from Redmond has what it takes to lead innovation in the consumer market. Time will tell…

Read here more about Microsoft Kinect.