The SmallBizWindows Innovation of the Year 2010: Kinect for Xbox 360
Kinect changed the game, again!
When Microsoft released Xbox 360, it changed the (console) game by bringing high-end graphics only seen in PC-based gaming rigs to consoles. However, that mantle was passed to the lesser-powered, but easier to use Nintendo Wii.
However, in November of 2010, Microsoft released Kinect for Xbox 360, an add-on hardware device that not only enhances the Xbox gaming experience, but introduces newcomers to console gaming.
Yes, Kinect changed the game. Again!
Since then, Microsoft has been on a tear, moving more than 8 million Kinect devices to customers in since the 4th of November, 2010. Moreover, Kinect has had a very long tail, pulling Xbox consoles to their best ever.
In a testimony to the innovations in Kinect, there have been hacks and extensions to Kinect, with products scheduled form business to healthcare to entertainment, and to even more gaming. There have also been unintended and, for Microsoft, unwanted uses*
For all these, Kinect wins.
It is truly an innovative product.
* It looks like Kinect will be a hit with the adult entertainment industry too.
