Kinect for Netflix is a Catastrophe. Microsoft Has No Idea What to Do with Kinect

Kotaku.com: "Let's find out how long it takes to select and watch our favorite Netflix movie using Kinect instead of the Xbox 360 controller!" That was the simple metric we wanted to try to test the new Kinect support in the Xbox version of Netflix. I suspected that it'd take a little bit longer to use Kinect's motion controls, but that it'd be worth the extra time to forgo the controller entirely.

[wwm0nkey]

See kotaku could have left out that last line and put "Kinect for Netflix is a Catastrophe."

This app is bad though and could be GREATLY improved if it wasnt for the fact it only goes off suggestions.

[artynerd]

I have to disagree - I'm convinced Microsoft has no clue what to do with Kinect.

Kinect Sports is a great title, and I still play it online with friends to this day, but other than that... nothing much going on.

[wwm0nkey]

I think E3 is the big deciding point if Kinect will become a hardcore and more used device.

It will NEED some sort of Controller input to be considered hardcore though. a Wii/Move like controller input would be great.

(yes I am aware the original concept of Kinect was you are the controller but the PS Eye didnt have a Move like device in the PS2 days either)

[gamingdroid]

Kinect works just fine on last.fm and (the small sections I tried of) Zune Video.

There really isn't much difference between the interfaces needed.

How about you show us a video of a product then I might be inclined to believe you. Right now, it sounds more like they didn't enable you to access anything else other than the suggested movies.

@wwm0nkey:

I find it ironic that now Wii style motion controls are considered "hardcore" now. I guess all Kinect will need is something more casual, then suddenly Kinect is hardcore! :)

[DualConsoleOwner]

There is just no sense is waving your arm around and etc with lags and glitches when you can simply press a button.

[JBaby343]

Whether Kinect, Move, or Wii, I still have no use for motion gaming. Here's hoping MS fixes this for the casual crowd that can't work analog sticks and buttons.

[Soldierone]

@ Monkey. Not going to happen. If they do that then MS has to lose the camera. Sony holds rights to motion controls via a controller and camera. And if MS did abandon it...well I feel bad for everyone that owns the camera.

And this is true, MS has no idea what to do with it. I see better "hacks" coming from Kinect that are more interesting and awesome than anything MS is putting out....

[badz149]

that Kinect hacks are getting more positive views from users than the official app released by M$. got to admit that many Kinect hacks are kinda awesome but as far as what it does on 360, I might say, meh...

[EVILDEAD360]

So let's be clear..

Before said update..Kinect had ZERO control over Netflix..

After the update..Kinect has some capabilities over the search..but you can now use your voice during the movie to pause..play etc.

But Kotaku want's to pretend it's the end of the world?..GTFOH..

Nothing changed..use your controller to find your flick and play it..instead of finding your controller when you want to pause..you can now use Kinect voice capabilities voice instead..

Far from Catastrophic End..more like humble beginnings..

Anyone with a brain knows Microsoft wanted full capabilites for Kinect with Zune movies..

So the idiot at Kotaku whose getting the fan kid hits is completely wrong..

Fact..Microsoft knows EXACTLY what to do with Kinect..

I personally love my Kinect..use it more than any motion control device I own..and I own all 3..

I use it to workout..own 3 workout games..Fitness evolved..EA Active 2.0 (after the 50 dollar price drop..and biggest loser..alternating days and workouts

The 4 other games that get the most run at my place are Kinect Sports, Dance Central, Motion Sports, and Brunswick bowling

I use it for Zune Movies..music..and Last FM

I bought one for my sister who lives across the country and we use it to see the new baby over the 65 inch big screen..Kinect to Kinect conferencing kills Skype for these kinds of moments..

Again..Catastrophe..Nope..upd ate away from full Netflix capabilities? Highly probable

If I were a betting man..they will probably save it for an E3 announcement in a couple of months

Just my take

Child of Eden FTW..

Evil

[Ethereal]

I want to see what microsoft brings to the table games wise for E3. I hope it's not like last year...

[jneul]

@wwmonkey they was researching the possibility of tracking other objects as part of r&d for move nice try, even i know ms is researching into tracking the 360 controller, to give six-axis like functionality, however its one hell of an expensive way to have six-axis control:-D

[Asgaro]

I still don't get how people can be so stupid to buy Kinect at release, if they are expecting hardcore games?!

"I told you see" seems in place here.

Same as what happened with the Wii, lucky I sold it and from then on I never made a mistake like that again.

[hennessey86]

REDONCULAS

[iPad]

Kinect could be a good device... outside of gaming.

[Shang-Long]

agreed.... it could be a go device in gaming tho, if it wasn't so limited

[malamdra]

when it comes to gaming Kinect with follow the Sixaxis path:

a curiosty item at first that can be fun but after a while it will be clear that it has no real application for gaming and anything done with it it's always better with a controller

so it will gradually being phased out

[badz149]

although there are still some use for it in some games like KZ3. very minimal, I know but the thing is, sixaxis come pre-installed with every PS3 purchase while Kinect cost an extra $150! if both are going down...Kinect will surely take the cake for the bigger failure!

almost 10mil sold and M$ still not get it right! amazing how big bucks in marketing works, ha?

[fr0sty]

I won't play warhawk without sixaxis. the analog is nowhere near as sensitive as tilting for steering/flying.

[Soldierone]

@Tim that has to be one of the worst lists to defend anything....Move has Sports Champions and 5 or so exercise games too...does that make it an auto success...No, its the fact Sony has found a way to work it into core games and add new experiences to mainstream titles as a bonus.

MS is heading in the right direction with the Netflix feature and so on, but it isn't there yet. Right now its nothing more than a gimmick...Tickle Me Elmo did the same thing, people were impressed for a month and now you don't see it anywhere. Innovation doesn't end at the attempt, it ends when you can't tweak it any further.

[R834]

The difference being the Sixaxis sensor comes in the controller for free, whereas you have to pay for Kinect.

From what I've seen, Kinect looks good fun, but not outside casual games - I think they limited themselves by not having a controller.

Sony took the safer route by following a path that Nintendo has already explored and it paid off - the Move works fine, even with 'hardcore' games, such as Killzone 3.

[xxLuckyStrike]

I could care less about kinect.. I returned mine after about 3 weeks in which 2 of those weeks it collected dust.. anyway whatever the update was the movies sure load alot faster..

[eggbert]

"but that it'd be worth the extra time to forgo the controller entirely."

I don't get why people think this? Your pretty much saying

"It's going to take longer and be more difficult, but its better because I have to move my entire arm instead of my thumbs."

[JsonHenry]

I agree man. Now if they were using Kinect voice activated abilities I could see this being helpful. But the controller just make better sense when the motion control is such a hassle.

[Red]

It does use voice.

[eggbert]

It doesn't use voice, Kotaku was JUST complaining about the lack of voice control.

[Dorwrath]

@eggbert Yes it uses voice controls, not in the way he wants it too. It uses voice for movie commands, like play, pause, stop, rewind, fast forward etc.

Thats the only plus point of it so far, I don't have to reach for the controller when I need to go to the bathroom or go get coffee for example "Xbox pause".

Personally they should have held off release until it was fully kinect enabled.

[ChozenWoan]

The sad part is that the best use of Kinect tech is the voice commands, yet the xbox has had a mic for some time. So why didn't they just add the voice commands a long time ago?

[mastiffchild]

But even voice commands are slower than a button AND less accurate. I can read a million times faster in my head than out loud and pressing a button compared to talking? Same thing. Even if this worked as well as possible it would still be pointless and noone would use it unless showing their mates. Too slow and we're too lazy and too hurried to use it past novelty value.

[soundslike]

its better cuz "its the future, maaaaan"

[RankFTW]

Made me lol.

[Zeevious]

I have to agree...it's why I returned mine. I've spent that $150 on 3 great games since then. You know...what the console is made for...GAMES.

To me...it just isn't what Microsoft claimed it was, or would do.
Netflix/Kinect is a perfect example.

I'll buy Kinect again when it actually does what I was promised. Right now, 6 months after release it still has a 1/2 done voice interface, 1/2 done motion interface, and WHERE ARE THE GAMES?

I didn't buy this to run random PC Hackware on it -- I Don't care...I bought it to play innovative games. (Not slightly upgraded Eyetoy games)

I may get another one when Child of Eden is released, but by then I expect the voice interface to work everywhere and the motion interface to not just be some 1/2 done subset of my 360's real interface.

I'd be just as critical of Move, but it works everywhere, even in the browser and a list of games patched to support it from day 1. Where is the similar support for Kinect? I can think of great games that would have worked with Kinect...but nothing from Microsoft. Not one single patch for my games to support it.

I think the review here is a little harsh but do agree, it's like Microsoft raked in the cash from the first sales and now have left Kinect to rot.

Where are the games is what I ask.

Where are my games?

[baodeus]

If ps3 owners think like u, they would have probably return all those ps3 back then.

Although perhaps certain games that you want hasn't been done on kinect yet? Kinect isn't backward compatible like wii mote or move so quick implementation isn't possible. It requires an entirely new coding and implementation.

Nevertheless, there are games that made specifically for kinect work quite well. From what u are saying, i guess those games aren't your cup of tea, but it might be for many others.

The interface does work. Take espn for example: try using motion for rewind or fastforward feature. It works much better than controller because u can get it to the exact scene that you want instantly rather than skipping or waiting for it to hit the right minutes as in the case when u use the controller. It does work, but it does take times to implement (in this case is the netflix).

I would agree though, return it if it doesn't fit your taste. Problem solve.

[Zeevious]

Well, I'll be the first to tell you, I'm a pretty demanding consumer.
(It's ironic you mention returning the PS3 - See below...)

I used YourShapeFitness and recommend anyone with Kinect who wants a personal trainer -- get it.

DanceDance was one of the strongest titles, but I still say the rest of the voice and motion interface is 1/2 done.

It's not what I was promised at E3.
It's been 6 months...where is that Kinect?

It did work in ESPN, but what is the excuse for this Netflix disaster?

I've been waiting for Kinect to be worth me buying another one.
Why am I still waiting?

The direction Microsoft is going just disappoints me.
I'm not seeing any games.
I'm not seeing improvements to the interface or voice control.
I'm not seeing the innovation I was promised.

What I am seeing is the same early mistakes made with EyeToy. I bought into those too...

Why is all the "Wow...amazing" stuff I've seen Kinect doing in the past 6 months been PC Hacks?

That is the cutting-edge stuff I was promised.

I WANT Kinect to be something useful in my house.
I WANT to wave my hand, alone and control everything.
I WANT games that use the 3D sensors and are unique...innovative.

That's not the Kinect I returned 6 months ago...and it doesn't seem like it's gotten any better.

I Love Irony...
It's also ironic that you mention returning the PS3...in fact I DID. I returned my first 60GB PS3 from Feb-March 2007 when it kept locking up playing a simple DVD!

They fixed this in a firmware upgrade later, but I refused to have paid hundreds of dollars to be Sony's beta-tester. It just made no sense to me that I'd paid 5-6 times the cost of a generic DVD player just to have it lock up in the middle of movies...and I returned it.

I returned Kinect for pretty much the same reason. It just didn't work as promised.

I don't know why more people don't take advantage of a little thing called a receipt.

I tape mine to the box of anything I buy. If it's not worth it, it goes right back.

I insist companies and their products WORK for my money.
I don't care if it's Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo . . . I refuse to just give it to them like they inherently deserve it.

I deserve a product that works and at least meets the companies promises. If it doesn't I don't reward failure but put the refund money back in my pocket and spend it on something that does.

That's my job as a consumer:
If you're worth it you get my money -- If not, I get it back.

[newn4gguy]

So...you don't own a PS3 because of early hardware issues...yet you're completely fine with a 360?!?

[Zeevious]

You misunderstood me, beccause though I thought I wrote enough, I left out the best part.

Several months later around E3 they lowered the price on the PS3, and I got a FANTASTIC deal on one, after checking they had fixed the firmware. I not only was able to take advantage of 5 free Blu-Ray movies but a chain was running a promotion clearing out all the current 60 gig models with all the ports and card readers and backwards compatibility and extra controller. I think I also got a free game . Total, after deducting the extra controller and promotions, I paid about $300+ dollars and have never regretted that purchase. I would have kept the first one had I know they where going to drop all the extra features.

I'm not completely fine with the 360 hardware issues, and in fact had one after they where largely fixed. I don't agree that any manufacturer should build glitchy hardware junk and expect me to buy it. I in fact had that receipt taped to the box for the PS3, just as I did for Kinect...and returned them after giving them both of them the same chance.

I don't worship a console, or any manufacturer but am fine with them worshiping my wallet, and competing for it's contents.

I'm a companies worst nightmare...and informed, easily dissatisfied consumer.

I'm sure this keeps them up at night, while I sleep like a baby because everything I own I'm happy with.

[RememberThe357]

That didn't take long. What the hell is MS doing? This is what the internet would call a "FAIL".

[artynerd]

Dear Microsoft, I mostly love your console but you're really dropping the ball with what the Kinect can do.

Head over to Youtube, search "Kinect Hacks" and start hiring people.

The technology is there, but the creativity and quality assurance are nowhere to be found.

[wwm0nkey]

They are releasing the Kinect SDK for PC next month :)

@eggbert

They are also releasing Kinect support for XNA (Xbox indie games) this year as well.

[eggbert]

a PC SDK won't help too much with consoles.

[f789790]

Agreed. Microsoft left me with a lame impression of Kinect. Then people started hacking it and OH SHIT! That's awesome!

That e3 demo still haunts me.
"Stop it Skittles, that tickles."

[Pixel_Pusher]

good times.

http://youtu.be/1jxUZL_6N40...

[badz149]

Skittles FTW!...NOT!

[Richard_Hammond]

hahaha

never forget the laughter i had when this came on

[Asgaro]

Aren't they dropping the ball with all Xbox360?
Where are their exclusive titles lol?

[distorted_reality]

MS should just leave all Kinect apps to the indie devs and modders around. They're churning out way better stuff than this garbage.

[artynerd]

Amen.

[Fishy Fingers]

Maybe I'm just old school, but I'm happy enough using my thumb.

[wwm0nkey]

But motion controls are teh future!

Honestly I do not mind motion controls but the only new controller input I can get excited about would be mind control input XD

@distorted

Well its actually been near perfected on PC, just you need surgical implants on the back of your head lol

(I would totally do it)

[distorted_reality]

We already have that on PC ;P

Admittedly it's definitely in its infancy.

[Dsnyder]

I know exactly what you mean. People like to think that buttons are archiac and obsolete but the fact is, there is no lag in buttons, but there is plenty of lag in a wii mote and in kinect. I hope this motion gimmick wears out by the next generation. Even with a next gen boost with Move and Kinect, motion controls are still boring and require too much effort just to play a game. When I come home, I want to sit down and relax not flail my arms like im one fire.

[Zeevious]

My issue was...

I gave it a chance, it just wasn't better than the controller for most of the types of games I tried.

Not to bring up the rival, but I've played games that where definitely enhanced using their motion controller. Most of Kinect games, except one or two standouts where just not that great.

I'm sure everyone knows by now Kinect didn't work for me, but I have been waiting...patiently...for the improvements and games that make it worth the $150.

So far, I've not seen any new controller-free, motion games or improvements that work better than a controller and my thumbs.

[baodeus]

"Most of Kinect games, except one or two standouts where just not that great."

well then should it be developers fault for not utilizing it well? Same with some games on other consoles (wii and ps3). You can give the best hardware to a crappy developer and the game will still be crappy regardless.

The hacks do show some interesting potentials, they just need to implement into games that works. Again, developer is the key.

For the record though, no one said, u have to throw away your controllers. It is not like they can't implement controllers w/ kinect as well.

And yes, it does work, just not as good or fluid as ESPN though, but that doesn't mean it can't be patch to make it better.

[Zeevious]

It is the developers fault, but at some point release titles are approved by Microsoft.

I do agree though, they aren't using the hardware -- which from the PC hacks looks like it has amazing potential.

I'll buy it when that potential is realized in a product with games that use it. 6 months in, and I just don't see that yet.

ESPN is a perfect example though of why I returned it! Why can the voice/motion interface work so well there...and so poorly elsewhere? The one thing I expect in an interface is consistency. It should work the same across the interface from Hand-Flick-A to Gesture-Z.

I guess we have different points of view about this same thing here. You like it because it works so well...I don't because it works so well -- Which to me highlights all the other parts where it doesn't work!

Right now, I don't regret returning it.

I'll be the first in line to buy another one, as soon as it actually works like I was told it would work.

I can guarantee you, like all my purchases the manufacturers claim will get their product out of the store's doors, into mine...but with that receipt taped right to the box as a reminder that it needs to live up to the claims in 4 weeks or less, or will get returned in my never-ending and relentless pursuit of the next great thing.

[Raven_Nomad]

I find Kinect with Netflix to work great. Everyone will find some reason to hate though. I am using it as we speak.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

If it works even remotely like ESPN does then it will be more than fine by me.

And what this yahoo fails to point out..is that yes, you will need to use the controller for more advanced searches...you can still control the movie being played with voice.

So yes, is it stupid that they have not gone further with the developement of searching using Kinect? Sure...feels like they are pushing this out early just to have it out....

Is it horrible implementation? Nope... I can say xbox pause in any Netflix movie...and it will pause. that alone..is good enough for me.

[chastelarcenist]

working great for me too. dunno what this article was really all about.

[NIRVANArazor]

ಠ_ಠ

[cliffbo]

i told ya lol

[Athern]

Wow. That read more like a telephone rant more than anything else.

[whitezagetsu71]

any motion control idea is a bad idea,... microsoft and sony needs to stop forcing that crap on devs

[newn4gguy]

You haven't played Killzone 3 in 3D with Move and the sharpshooter.

[whitezagetsu71]

no I have not cause 3D puts a very painful strain on my eyes and I dont like PS move but as for killzone 3 i kind of felt it would've reached its full potential if it were not for 3D and move capability thats why I have very low expectations for UNCHARTED 3 cause besides the fact that its only been a year since UNCHARTED 2 theyre including 3D support

[sarshelyam]

No use arguing with this guy newn...he's jaded! I agree, Killzone 3 (& SOCOM 4) are fantastic with both 3D and the Move Sharp Shooter! Finally a company delivers truly core experiences using motion control and they do it better than right!

[Trroy]

I was at Target the other day, and there was a MS rep there, setting up some Kinect kiosk stuff.

When an employee asked him about hardcore games coming to Kinect, he responded "You're going to see the most amazing things on Kinect about a year from now" with a huge grin.

"A year?!?!" was the first thing to enter my mind, after hearing that.

[Moentjers]

hmmm, wasn't he using the same line of text one year ago ?

[sarshelyam]

Too bad Microsoft "reps" aren't even employees of Microsoft. I'd put about as much faith in this guys words as I would the Target associate that asked the question in the first place. They're simply Mosaic liaisons (I use the term loosely) for Microsoft...nothing more.

[Dorwrath]

I wouldn't be using the hand controls anyway, controller is better and quickier.

The only plus point for me is the voice control to pause, play, stop, rewind fast forward etc.

The rest I'm not interested in.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@Dorwrath... totally agree. The voice command is by far the most important feature Kinect is bringing to Netflix and yet everyone is stuck on not being able to search all titles waving their hands.

I will take "Xbox Pause" over waving my arms or grabbing my controller, and hitting a button any day.

[Richard_Hammond]

Yeah I'll pay 150dollars for a mic

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@Richarard_Hammond... please read what I said. I said, the voice command is the most important feature Kinect brings to NETFLIX. Read and understand before you speak.

I paid $150 for new tech and functionality. Voice commands that actually work well is a huge plus so if I get that for part of my $150 I am more than happy.

[sickpup]

Kinect has tons of uses but won't be realized as long as the UI is not designed properly to utilize the features. The user needs to be able to use two hands, faster clicks, and be presented with a more open desktop approach rather then menus then need to be slid. A cross between Minority Report and the current MS Surface. If they could add a better interface and speed it could have great usage for RPGs, interactive learning games, and sports. The SDK is coming for Windows 7 and the Xbox 360 firmware update will increase accuracy significantly so all that is left is for developers not to f*** it up. That is usually where the games fail, not the hardware.

[shades72]

Well said, the UI simply isn't refined enough.

[Cueil]

True the UI takes a very KISS mentality... I wouldn't mind a major update this fall for the Kinect interface... the fact that you could easily push and pull menues rather then select and slide is something that I'd like to see implimented

[SuperSaiyan4]

Kinect has the potential if it wasnt for the fact Microsoft removed a very important chip...Also I get the feel its more of a testing ground for something newer they have planned in the future once they announce the next Xbox which I feel could very well be at next E3.
A new Kinect, smaller, thinner, more responsive and with the added chip.

[Masterchef2007]

that pic is so funny. So what happened with Kinect can do everything? Just goes to show that Kinect limits the ammount of control that you can have and can never truly replace a standard controller.

[SuperSaiyan4]

I can't help but reading the heading and laughing, who is this Kotaku to say Microsoft one of the biggest companies in the world worth billions doesnt know what they are doing.

How much is Kotaku worth? LMFAO.

[sarshelyam]

Because the value of a voice is backed merely by the dollars and cents in their pocket? Man if that were true, BP would be saints & scholars!

[undercovrr]

Move and Kinect are perfect examples of motion control flops. There are VERY FEW good games out there for both, which is completely the opposite effect that Sony and MS have been wanting. I mean look at the Wii's release. Its motion controls were considered primitive to Move and especially Kinect, but it managed to wow users by having a wide selection of QUALITY games rapidly available.

[mixelon]

At time of release the Wiis controls werent considered primitive.. I actually think Move is doing very well for how long its been on the market as an optional extra. Between KZ3 and RE5 for hardcore and Start The Party and all the usual casual stuff its got a very broad line-up.

It still needs more that takes advantage of its own strengths though to show how its different to the competitors.

[sarshelyam]

Wii also has a wide, dare I say WIDER selection of crap.

I'm sorry but I haven't played a single title on the Wii (which I love to death) that makes use of Motion Control like Killzone 3 or SOCOM 4. Those games have proven the point for the control scheme...while I still wait for that killer app on my 360 beyond Dance Central.

[undercovrr]

Yes but wii also has a BETTER selection of crap (most of which was release in the first two years). And please don't overrate the Killzone 3 motion controls. I've played it at my friends house and its decent at best.

[Jazz4108]

I havea kinect but I harly use it. I used it once or twice since I set it up and that was it. I'm a hardcore gamer and I would like to See more games that use kinect that focus on that group.

[VelvetHammer]

Maybe I'm wrong for thinking this but MS should of just waited and honed the kinect for the next generation system. I mean you look at the kinect hacks on youtube and they are amazing, but your also dealing with better processing power and more ram. I'm not claiming that the 360 can't handle the kinect but I truly believe they just one upped the customer. Whats the latest game that just came out for the kinect? Another dancing game right? I really hope E3 they show me something more cause right now its just collecting dust and thats a shame.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@VelvetHammer... I must say your first comment carries weight with me. First I will admit, I like my Kinect. I use it here and there in between more "hardcore" gaming... I am fine with it and dont regret the purchase.

That said, I think MS was in a bit of a tough spot on Kinect. I 100% think they would have prefered to see this tech launch with the next system day one. BUT I think they felt internal / Marketing pressure to do something to help curb declining sales on the 360 and help the system last longer on the market giving them more time for their next system in R&D.
One of the telltale signs of that is the fact that this camera is going to be forward compatible... whatever MS's next console is...this current camera is part of that future.

[jacksons98]

I could control stuff on my PC 10 years ago with the software that came with my Intel webcam. It sucked then it sucks now. Kinect shows $500 million can get you 10 million uninformed customers.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Agreed. Kinect is basically $200 to play Dance Central. Fun, but I'd rather play Cool Borders at the arcade. Nice try Microsoft, but you've thrown away your main audience and offer a simple, extremely limited casual experience in return. What an implosion.

[negative]

Thrown away? Get a clue.

[sarshelyam]

I agree with jleack. Microsoft has made a clear and conscious move towards the waining interest of Wii users through similar offerings in software...hell...they even copied the formula through title releases like Brain Training, while the rest of the Kinect seas are populated by Dance, Workout, and Sports titles. Sounds familiar...

[RAmar101]

This is terrible news, this is dissapointing on so many levels. Isn't it easier to push a button?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@skeeuk...is it easier to grab your controller and push the button or just say "xbox pause"?

[nolifeking]

pressing the button, seeing as how I really don't need to grab the controller to press buttons. Saying "xbox pause" takes longer than a quick tap.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

OH I see...so you watch all your movies with your controller in your hand?

[baodeus]

so are u holding a remote control at all times while watching movie? If not then voice control would be much faster right? But even with the remote in hand, voice would still be faster because you still have to scroll through the fastforward icon and then click it with the remote. Try it and see which one is faster to implement. Unless u have like a tv remote.

There is one draw back though, can it detect accent? If you get angry and start yelling at it in other language, thinking it could understand what u are saying, then of course u would be disappointed. A real person wouldn't respond to you either in that case.

[Jeff257]

I dont know about most people but when Im watching a movie on netflix on my PS3 I use the blu ray remote. I also have it sitting on the arm of my chair so all I need to do to pause or whatever with the remote is reach out and tap a button. Hell becuase its a bluetooth enabled remote I dont even have to point it at the PS3 to make it work.

I fail to see how voice activation would be more convenient on the 360 than using a controller. Also because unless you have the controller as well your limited as to what movies you can watch. That really defeats the whole purpose of Kinect. Kinect was supposed to have removed the need to have a controller for gaming and the applications on the 360. And yet they cant give someone full control over something as simple as netflix. Microsoft would be doing a lot better had Kinect been developed in house instead of by a third party that MS bought.

[CrimsonEngage]

I'v used it while watching Netflix and it works fine. Less herp more derp.

[thekiddfran]

e3 will be the decider if M$ know what they are doing with kinect!I hope they announce some exclusive games too

[cereal_killa]

How does announcing games tell you they know what they are doing the Last 2 E3s was all smoke and mirrors Milo is a prime example, Honestly M$ knows behind the scenes they F'd up big time with Kinect, without a controller Kinect is limited to kiddie/ exercise games and Dance Central will be the Halo of Kinect.

[Ninver]

Kinnect was never a hardcore device to beging with. Both Sony and Nin turned down the tech and M$ decided to go for the scraps.

This E3 is the final deciding factor if Kinnect was ever designed for hardcore games or shavelware.

[RAAMzilla]

Why does the Kotaku link never go to the article the first time I click it?

[Grodd]

Kinect seems to be going nowhere.

[chewmystink]

Kinect I bought you, now where is the games man where's the freaking games.

[drzmvp554]

This may be true but Sony doesn't seem to be doing anything groundbreaking with Move either. Personally, I think motion control are necessary right now.

[MrBubble]

so apparently i am trolling when i say who would want to use kinetic for netflix

[SLLCKGT]

Haha! I noticed that. Some people don't like simplicity. Some people like you and me might enjoy using a controller but no some people have to go the extra distance to make things more difficult just so they can justify spending $150.

[deserteaglexix]

Someone walk me through Kotaku's logic. Please.

How does bad Netflix implementation equal Microsoft not having an idea to do with their peripheral? Are then insinuating that a multi-billion dollar company lacks a game plan? C'mon that's just childish, an insult to readers, and a poor excuse for page views.

[Scyrus]

um dude, do u see anything good what so ever to warrant the purchase of the kinect? even if u dont buy it the lack of exclusives caused by the kinect are hurtful.

browsing netflix with kinect was one of the main features they bragged about and its this bad? honestly, MS did know what they were doin, trickin everyone into thinkin kinect was gonna be awesome.

if there was atleast one game that worked well for core games then i would take back what im saying, but tthere isnt any so i stand by my opinion

[TiKiMaN1]

Used it to watch Netflix only 10 minutes ago. The voice commands work great for starting and pausing play. Sure it does not have Kinect search functionality yet, but it is an improvement over the complete lack of Kinect support yesterday.

An by the way Joel Johnson get your lame opinion out of my Kotaku!

[Relientk77]

"For more choices, use your controller"

It's telling you to go use yourself

[jneul]

LOL I SEE MS DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO PROVE SONY RIGHT YOU DPO NEED SOME FORM OF CONTROLLER WITH A CAMERA FOR IT TO WORKS PROPERLY FOR HARDCORE APPS AND GAMES, I THINK LOTS OF PPL OWE US AN APOLOGY RIGHT NOW, KINECT HAS BEEN OUT FOR AGES AND NOT EVEN ONE VIABLE HARDCORE APP/GAME HAS BEEN MADE YET AND WE ALREADY HAVE HAD PROPER HARDCORE GAMES FOR EXAMPLE KILLZONE 3 AND DUNGEON HUNTER ALIANCE WITH MOVE SUPPORT!!

[Agent_hitman]

LOL Microsoft is running out of IDEA for Kinect?? Haha, why not just release some WAND controller a "WII" like for kinect, I guess it will give some new experience for kinect users.

Right? Microsoft?

[cyclonus007]

Maybe this is all a ploy:

1. Early adopter buys Kinect
2. Realizes there are no good games for it
3. Waits for games
4. Lose patience
5. Returns Kinect
6. A year later, Microsoft announces a few good games
7. Microsoft lowers Kinect price
8. Microsoft gets a nice boost in sales from people re-buying Kinect

[dragonelite]

Well played Kotaku.

But the question is does microsoft make the Netflix app or does Netflix made it themselfes atleast look who is to blame instead of doing stupid thing but its kotaku. And gaming press in general suck ass in fact checking.

[ZILLA]

will replace the good ol fashion controller(period)

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Harry potter is not available on Netflix streaming, so ha!

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Disagree all you want. It still isn't available.

[Solo227]

LMAO, I love my PS3 but now 360 users can feel our pain... Here's a list of great ideas that we promised would do alot more than we received...

-six axxis
-remoteplay
-HOME
-Life with Playstation
-Cross Game chat.. eh I mean text... WTF?

I dont know why you would half any of these features... Add them all together and you'd be selling more PS3s... Microsoft is no different... We consumers gotta just take what we get...

[BuckyBarnes]

Motion Gaming has taken us several steps back in gaming progress. Instead of quality games concentrated by a whole company, we get games made by half staffed companies due to the amount of money being made by motion gaming and said companies split teams into "branches" Cant wait till we go back to regular gaming and focus on important aspects, like storyline, graphics, content, and social gaming. Really sad that a majority of people bought into any sort of motion controller promises when CLEARLY every single outlet has come up short of what they promised.

[MilkMan]

Gotta hand it to M$, they can market the nails of the cross. Kinect was nonsense out the gate.

Unless a miracle happens where developers start cranking out "FANTASTIC, CANT LIVE WITHOUT GAMES" one after another, this will undoubtedly be a MASSIVE FAIL for M$.

Cant jump on EVERY single thing you see.