Plans in motion to make Xbox a home essential
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Microsoft Corp is looking to put its popular Kinect motion-sensing device at the heart of its Xbox game console, with plans to allow users to control live television feeds, search YouTube and play action games with voice commands.
The moves, announced at the annual E3 video game show in Los Angeles this week, should help further the software giant's ambitions to make its gaming device an essential media hub in the home.
Microsoft said it will give users access to live television through the Xbox in the United States sometime next year, following live TV services it already offers in Britain, France and Australia.
Xbox users will also be able to access Hulu Plus, Netflix, search the Internet and watch YouTube videos on the system, all controllable through the Kinect, Microsoft said.
In addition, Microsoft thrilled hardcore gamers at a pre-show event by showing off upcoming versions of action games with new Kinect-enabled features, such as assembling guns and weapons in Ubisoft's "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier," or using voice controls for the upcoming shooter game "Mass Effect 3" next year.
Analysts were initially skeptical that core gamers would migrate to the Kinect, which has attracted mostly newcomers with its simple dancing, animal and sports-themed games.
"The concept of playing a core game without a controller is difficult," said Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter. "A controller makes sense for most actions. It's awkward when you combine Kinect and a controller. But it's a start for Microsoft."
The company also announced some new games for Kinect including a Star Wars-themed title and "Disneyland Adventure," a partnership with Walt Disney Co.
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