14 DAY TRIAL // Video game hardware developer and video game publisher Microsoft has announced that it has extended the possibilities of the Kinect motion tracking system, allowing those who have it to use gestures and vocal commands to control a host of options in the Netflix movie delivery service integrated in Xbox Live.
Microsoft says that, when Kinect is active, users can start streaming video content by just uttering the phrase “Xbox Play,” which is a bit counter intuitive considering that Netflix is actually used.
From the Kinect Hub allows Xbox 360 gamers to select from the list of recommended titles and then use gestures and a selection of voice commands to pause play, fast forward and rewind commands.
Since support for Kinect in Netflix was introduced some users have posted on the official Xbox forums or on Twitter, saying that the motion tracking system only allows them to control the list of recommended titles and that they need to use the controller in order to navigate to television episodes and to movies that are in other categories.
Microsoft has not said whether this is a design feature for Kinect Netflix support or whether it's a bug.
Pete Thompson, who is the general manager for the Xbox Live service, has stated when the new Kinect features were launched, “By integrating Kinect into the Netflix experience on Xbox Live, we're continuing to transform the way people enjoy their favorite entertainment in the living room.”
He added that, “Since its launch, Netflix has always been one of the most popular services on Xbox Live, so we are excited to deliver a brand new way to control this experience in a way that can't be found anywhere else.”
Xbox Live has offered streaming of Netflix content ever since 2008, being the first home console of the generation to offer this, and both the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii added the feature last year.