Microsoft’s motion-sensing controller system for the Xbox 360, Project Natal, has been made official – and will now be known as Microsoft Kinect.

The new – and long-awaited – device was sneak-previewed earlier this morning, in a typically bizarre Microsoft event involving everyone being handed strange, white ponchos. However, we’re still not sure of a release date or price yet – that news should come later on this week from Microsoft’s next E3 shindig.

Attendees were treated to a look at the super-slick menu interface and also a Video chat feature in which you can talk to up to four people at once, as well as sharing your favourite movies and photos. But of course, what people really wanted to see was Kinetic in gaming action.

There was a wide range of games on show, with Microsoft obviously keen to give a good account of the depth of Kinetic’s range. Demonstrations included a track and field title, a driving game, a football game, some dancing tuition and a pet simulator, although the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for a Star Wars game in which you be able to play a Jedi Knight, complete with a double lightsabre.

So that’s all that’s been revealed for the moment – although more Kinect details will follow from Microsoft at E3 later this week………….

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