What is Kinect?
Magic Disguised as Technology
With Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets your whole body in the game. Imagine controlling movies and music with the wave of a hand or the sound of your voice. With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. And the best part is Kinect works with every Xbox 360.
Motion Sensor
Kinect uses a motion sensor that tracks your entire body. So when you play, it’s not only about your hands and wrists. It’s about all of you. Arms, legs, knees, waist, hips and so on.
Skeletal Tracking
As you play, Kinect creates a digital skeleton of you based on depth data. So when you move left or right or jump around, the sensor will capture it and put you in the game.
Facial Recognition
Kinect ID remembers who you are by collecting physical data that’s stored in your profile. So when you want to play again, Kinect will know it’s you, making it easy to jump in whenever you want.
Voice Recognition
Kinect uses four strategically placed microphones within the sensor to recognize and separate your voice from the other noises in the room, so you can control movies and more with your voice.
How Does it Work?
Setting It Up
Sensor Placement
You should set the sensor between two to six feet off the floor and centered with your TV, higher is generally better. Place it on a safe and secure surface, as close to the edge without hanging over. Make sure there’s no direct sunlight on the sensor or you. And don't place on your TV or Xbox 360 console, in front of speakers or near things that vibrate or make noise.
Room To Play
Clear the space between you and the sensor. If you’re playing alone, we recommend standing six feet away from the sensor. For two players, you both should be at least eight feet away*.
Play Time
Navigating
Using Kinect is easy. Wave your hand so that the sensor can see you. Moving your hand moves the pointer on the screen. To select an item, hold your hand over it until the ring completes.
Kinect Recognizes You
With Kinect ID your Kinect sensor can recognize you and automatically sign you into your profile. Kinect ID is located on the Kinect Hub.
Kinect Guide Gesture
Hold your left hand out and down to bring up the Kinect Guide. The Kinect Guide allows you to pause a game, check out your profile and friends, tune your sensor or access the Kinect Hub where you can explore other Kinect experiences.
Using Your Voice
The microphone icon indicates that speech recognition is available. Just say "Xbox" to reveal all the voice commands available for you to speak.
How To Videos
Get the Most out of Kinect
What can Kinect do with Xbox LIVE?
Xbox LIVE is the online gaming and entertainment service for your Xbox 360. Connect to Xbox LIVE for free to get the most from your Xbox 360 with free game demos, instant HD movies, and game add-ons like new songs and characters. An Xbox LIVE Gold membership gives you the best in entertainment. Enjoy instant HD movies from Netflix and live sports and highlights from ESPN on Xbox LIVE. Easily play games online with friends around the world. And Kinect™ makes your entertainment even more extraordinary. Imagine controlling movies and music with the wave of a hand or the sound of your voice, or chatting on your TV with Video Kinect. Xbox LIVE is your connection to more games, entertainment and fun.**
Here Today, Ready For Tomorrow
Sleek new design. Whisper quiet. Built-in Wi-Fi. 250GB hard drive. And, it’s ready for Kinect. Introducing the new Xbox 360.
Games Anyone Can Enjoy
Kinect™ for Xbox 360® has a collection of games to suit any style of play. And they’re designed for full body play, so each one is as unique as the person playing them. Yep, that means you.
*Play space may vary with sensor placement, game title, and other factors.
*Broadband Internet required; service fees may apply. Games, add-ons and media content sold separately. Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer gaming. Instant on HD available with select videos; requires minimum 4 mbps broadband speed. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Netflix unlimited membership required to instantly watch movies streaming from Netflix. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service. ESPN on Xbox LIVE requires an Xbox LIVE Gold membership; for live and on-demand sports Xbox LIVE Gold Members must have an ESPN3.com affiliated broadband provider and may include affiliate-specific access requirements. See ESPN3.com for providers.
See the Kinect Privacy and Online Safety FAQ for more information on how the technology works, and what safeguards are provided to help you manage your family’s entertainment experiences and protect your privacy and online safety