Invented in 2005, announced in 2009, and released in 2010, Kinect (originally called Natal) is Microsoft's answer to the success of motion controls on the Wii. Unlike the Wii, Kinect requires no controller at all, and tracks the player through a motion sensing camera. The device also features a mic for voice commands, and can be used to navigate the Xbox 360 dashboard as well as control videos on the Xbox 360. It requires an additional power supply when used with older model Xbox 360s.
A number of games have been released for Kinect, both developed by Microsoft and third parties. It launched bundled with Kinect Adventures, which was designed to allow gamers to experience the camera's features through a number of minigames.
Microsoft's current policy is to include Kinect support in all games going forward, including their core games like Halo and Gears of War. Kinect titles have been published by many publishers, but core games built around the device have struggled to find critical or commercial success.
Reception to the device has been mixed, with many praising the potential of the technology but few software titles receiving positive recognition. In practice most critics have criticized its uses in most games, claiming the camera has difficutly recognizing many key gestures, and creating problems with the games that utilize it. However, a few titles have been noted to be much better when used with Kinect. In particular Child of Eden was praised for its Kinect integration.
Having sold 8 million units in its first 60 days on the market, Kinect has claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device". 18 million units of the Kinect sensor had been shipped by January 2012.
