You have probably already tried or heard of Microsoft’s Kinect motion sensing system for the Xbox. According to sources, Microsoft is currently working on licensing the Kinect system to Smart TV makers, and let users control their TVs with the Kinect system. See a demonstration video below.

Kinect in Smart TVs?
It is still just a rumor, but iPad newspaper The Daily has a few specific details about a potential Kinect implementation in the next generation of flat panel TVs.


Microsoft wants to license Kinect to TV makers

The Daily says that Microsoft wants to license the Kinect system to interested TV makers that will be able to integrate the small cameras/microphone directly into the bezel or sell it as a stand-alone option. The Daily specifically mentions Sony and Vizio as potential partners.


Microsoft wants to license Kinect to TV makers

Kinect started out as a motion detector system for gaming but it has later been extended to support voice commands such as "Xbox, Play ESPN." With the voice system users can control an on-screen interface. However, Kinect only supports spoken commands that have to be memorized as it gives no response to random sentences. See the developer  demonstration of the Kinect voice system below:

Microsoft envisions that the Kinect system is a great solution for upcoming Smart TV. However, Microsoft has not entered the Smart TV arena yet and it seems unlikely that Microsoft aims to support the Google TV or Apple TV platform. Could they be planning something bigger?

What do you think? Do you want a Kinect in your next Smart TV?

- Source: The Daily