Microsoft Xbox 360 update brings voice controlled television features to the Kinect

Ever since a quote from Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs hinted at a possible “iTV” from Apple, there have been a flurry of rumors and speculation as to what we could expect from such a device. One common theme in all these rumors has suggested that we could see Siri integration into Apple’s iTV, thus allowing users to control their television via their voice. If those rumors are to be believed, it looks like Microsoft could have beaten Apple to the punch with the Xbox 360 update that brings voice-activated features to the Kinect.

This audio input is provided by the Kinect motion controller, which when paired with the Xbox 360 turns your voice into “the ultimate remote control”, thus making your television experiences “more social and personal than ever” (check out the press release here). Microsoft has also teamed up with 40 TV and entertainment providers who promised that customized voice-controlled experiences will be coming soon.

The idea of a voice controlled television is a pretty cool one on paper at least. Will it translate well in real world settings? Well we guess Microsoft will be testing out those waters for now with the Xbox 360 update. Any Xbox 360 owners tried this new feature out yet?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Gaming, Home
Tags: itv, Kinect, Microsoft, televisions, Update, voice control, Xbox 360