Kinect is an add-on device for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming system that enables users to control games, movies and music with physical motion or voice commands and without the need for a separate input controller like a joystick or keyboard. The controller-free gaming environment provided by Kinect makes it possible for sensors to process basic gestures, facial characteristics, sounds and even full body motion activities such as jumping and kicking.
Following development under the codename Project Natal, Microsoft chose the official name for its Kinect gaming device as a blend of the words Kinetic and Connect. Microsoft first launched Kinect in November 2010 and sold more than 8 million units in the device s first two months.
