Xbox 360 Kinects with Sky Player

Voice and gesture controls

27 September 2010 14:52 GMT / By Paul Lamkin

Microsoft has announced that Xbox 360 users who jump on board the good ship Kinect will be able to control their Sky Player app using the new camera-based system.

From 10 November, Kinect users will be able to use their hands to gesture at Sky's internet based service - using movements to select shows, change channels, and scroll through the content.

You'll also be able to use your voice to control the player, with recognition allowing you to play, pause, fast forward and rewind with simple commands.

Pocket-lint had a little bash at controlling a Zune streaming movie at Gamescom using gestures, and if the Sky Player controls are anywhere as near as good as that, then expect to be pretty impressed.

Over 1 million people have downloaded the Sky Player on their Xboxes since its launch back in November 2010. You do need an Xbox LIVE gold account though, along with a Sky subscription.

Kinect goes live in the UK on 10 November.

Read our Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360 - first look review and see how it compares in our Microsoft Kinect vs PlayStation Move vs Nintendo Wii feature.

Full tags

Kinect, Microsoft Kinect, Xbox 360, Home Cinema, Gaming, Microsoft, Sky, Sky Player