Microsoft’s video game sensor, Kinect, has achieved record sales of 10 millions in just 4 months since its launch on November 4, 2010. It comes as a great victory for Microsoft which is betting big on consumer electronics segment with its foray into segments like smartphones (o/s), portable music players or MP3 players, tablet PCs and gaming consoles to drive its future growth, however, has so far struggled to pose any serious challenge to rivals Apple (iPhone, iPod), Samsung, and Google (in smartphones o/s). Its stints into consumer electronics, like in MP3 arena with Zune, and Windows in smartphones (before Windows 7 happened) earlier had proved to be disappointing. But it seems the world’s largest software company has finally cracked the consumer electronics market. Last year, the biggest software firm on the planet sold 50 million Xbox 360 consoles, a jump of 42% over the previous year, which also made it the fastest growing video gaming console in 2010.
Xbox 360 sales were boosted by smash-hit games like “Fable III” and “Halo: Reach,” and the debut of Kinect sensors. The Kinect’s astonishing sales numbers (an average sales of 133,333 units per day for a total of eight million units in its first 60 days between November 4, 2010 and January 3, 2011) have also enabled the Kinect sensor to enter the Guinness World Records 2011. Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records, said, “No other consumer electronics device sold faster within a 60-day time span, which is an incredible achievement considering the strength of the sector.”
Bolstered by the initial success of its gaming sensor, Microsoft promises to add more features to Kinect soon. Beginning this spring, get ready to play more games, watch more movies and TV shows, and enjoy more social experiences with Kinect for Xbox 360, announces the company on its website.
Game for more: Upcoming features of Xbox and Kinect
- Kinect-enabled Netflix and Hulu Plus: Xbox LIVE is the world's leading social entertainment network with 30 million active members across 35 countries. Starting this spring, you will be able to use hand gestures and their voice to control Netflix on Xbox LIVE. Also this spring, Hulu Plus, which offers full current and back seasons of hit TV shows from ABC, Comedy Central, FOX, NBC, MTV, and more, in HD, will join other world-class partners on Xbox LIVE including ESPN, Netflix, Zune, Last.fm, Sky, Canal+ and FOXTEL. Xbox is the only place to enjoy controller-free entertainment with thousands of live and on demand sports, tens of thousands of movies and TV shows in 1080p streaming, and millions of songs -- all on the biggest screen in your home.
- Avatar Kinect: Also coming this year, Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience on Xbox LIVE that brings your avatar to life. Using the power of Kinect, control your avatar's movements and expressions. When you smile, frown, nod, or speak, your avatar will do the same. With Avatar Kinect, you can hang out with up to seven friends in a variety of creative themed environments and capture animated videos that you can share via Facebook. Whether friends getting together to socialize, social networkers looking for new ways to speak to their community or just fun reenacting your favorite movie lines, Avatar Kinect opens up a whole new world of creativity and social interactivity.
- Body and Brain Connection (NAMCO BANDAI Games): Developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Body and Brain Connection challenges players of all ages to exercise both their minds and bodies with fun, fast-paced mini-games ranging from math, logic, and memory to reflex and physical-orientation exercises using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect. Body and Brain Connection is now available for Xbox 360.
- Michael Jackson The Experience (Ubisoft): Featuring songs from Michael Jackson's extensive catalogue, as well as an array of his signature, awe-inspiring dance moves, Michael Jackson The Experience is the ultimate interactive game that enables players to be the star of the show, with no controllers or microphones required. Michael Jackson The Experience will be available for Xbox 360 beginning April 12.
- The Gunstringer (Twisted Pixel Games): From the developers that brought you award-winning hits like Splosion Man and The Maw comes an all-new Kinect-exclusive title, The Gunstringer for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Take control of an undead marionette in an epic Wild West stage production that requires your puppeteering and quick draw shooting skills to exact revenge on the Gunstringer's enemies, all controller-free. The Gunstringer will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring.
- Kung Fu Panda 2 video game (THQ): Po the Panda is back and ready for another epic, action-packed adventure in the Kung Fu Panda 2 video game. The kung fu action is taken to a whole new level with the addition of Kinect as players pick up where the movie sequel leaves off, helping Po and the Furious Five use full-body kung fu moves to save kung fu forever. The Kung Fu Panda 2 video game will be available on Kinect for Xbox 360 this May in line with the theatrical release.
- Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play): The Carnival Games series is back with exciting new ways to play! Available exclusively for Kinect on April 12, this full-body experience features 20 new family-friendly games and attractions that bring the midway to life, including Alley Ball, Shark Tank, and a Monkey Barker dance-off, as well as interactive prizes and surprises!
- Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment): Available this fall, kids and parents will embark on an uplifting and funny family adventure exclusively on Kinect. Join Cookie Monster, Elmo, and other Sesame Street characters as they explore a living storybook titled "Once Upon a Monster." Meet zany new monster friends, help them solve their problems, forge friendships, and learn important life lessons along the way.
Amy
Tags: Microsoft XBox 360, Gaming Consoles, Microsoft, Gaming Titles
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