Microsoft updated its Xbox game system and TV controller with a new "dashboard" with which Kinect owners can navigate with either gestures or voice control. The user also can initiate search by voice to find content on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Zune Marketplace, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more (SSN, December 2011, p. 6).

With Apple clearly planning an "Apple TV" (with some reports that they are discussing specific screen sizes with manufacturers), more information about Microsoft's plans to provide its TV solution have been leaking out. The classical distinction between Microsoft and Apple seems to be holding true to some extent: Apple's solution will be a full device controlled entirely by Apple, probably with content available through an online Apple store. Microsoft will provide a somewhat integrated solution if Kinect and Xbox are connected to a TV set, but also apparently plans to license Kinect technology separately from the Xbox, allowing TV set or PC manufacturers to create their own vision with a common user interface (SSN, December 2011, p. 6). Microsoft has, however, made deals with content providers already, an important aspect of integration similar to what Apple achieved with music producers and artists for the iPod. Some 57 million people worldwide own Xboxes that can be updated to receive the new content.

In announcing the expanded content for Xbox Live, Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, said, "A new era in entertainment begins where all your entertainment is together in one place — your games, movies, TV shows, music and sports. With this update, Xbox 360 system owners will experience Kinect voice control integrated with Bing search, making your TV and entertainment experiences more social and personal than ever." Nearly 40 TV and entertainment providers around the world announced they would bring customized, voice-controlled experiences to Xbox 360 systems.

With Bing on Xbox, one can use one's voice to find games, movies, TV shows, and music on Xbox LIVE by saying what one wants. Microsoft characterized the "power of Kinect combined with the intelligence of Bing search" as "turning your voice into the ultimate remote control." One impediment to rapid acceptance by consumers may be that some structuring of the commands appears to be necessary, e.g., saying "Bing…Search…" before saying search terms. With all the publicity over Apple's Siri reacting to almost any request or question, this structuring—as simple as it is once one understands it—could cause some misunderstandings. In particular, the voice control for Kinect is designed for use at a distance in a room, where, by design, the TV may be blaring. Because of this, one wouldn't want voice control to trigger some change if one says something not intended as a command. Phrases that essentially say, "Kinect, please listen" are necessary.

Bing on Xbox voice search will initially be available in English in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. for Zune video, Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and select content partners. For those who do not have a Kinect peripheral, text search will be available.