We have been hearing a number of rumors that we may see the first Apple TV next year, and Google is working with a number of manufacturers to bring more Google TV enabled devices to market.
Now it would appear that Microsoft is in discussion with TV manufacturers, and they are planning to license the Kinect technology to companies like Sony and Vizio, which would mean HDTV’s with Microsoft’s Kinect built in.
According to a recent report by The Daily, the Kinect enabled TVs would be able to recognize specific users, and then change the setting to that user in line with their viewing habits.
Revolutionizing the TV Experience
The integration of Kinect technology into HDTVs could revolutionize the way we interact with our televisions. Kinect, originally developed for the Xbox gaming console, uses advanced sensors and cameras to detect motion and voice commands. By incorporating this technology into TVs, users could control their TV with simple gestures or voice commands, eliminating the need for traditional remote controls. Imagine walking into your living room and simply saying “Turn on the TV” or waving your hand to change the channel. This hands-free interaction could make the TV experience more intuitive and accessible for everyone, including those with physical disabilities.
Moreover, the ability of Kinect to recognize individual users means that each family member could have a personalized viewing experience. For example, when a child sits in front of the TV, it could automatically switch to their favorite cartoon channel, while an adult might see their preferred news station. This level of customization could extend to other settings as well, such as volume levels, screen brightness, and even parental controls.
Competition in the Smart TV Market
The race to innovate in the smart TV market is heating up. With Apple rumored to release its own TV and Google expanding its Google TV platform, Microsoft’s move to integrate Kinect technology into TVs is a strategic effort to stay competitive. Each company is bringing its unique strengths to the table. Apple is known for its sleek design and user-friendly interfaces, while Google offers robust search capabilities and seamless integration with its other services like YouTube and Google Photos.
Microsoft’s advantage lies in its Kinect technology, which has already proven successful in the gaming world. By leveraging this technology, Microsoft could offer a unique selling point that sets its TVs apart from the competition. Additionally, partnering with established TV manufacturers like Sony and Vizio could help Microsoft quickly gain a foothold in the market.
It certainly sounds very interesting, and we suspect with all the companies racing to bring more functions to TV sets, things are going to get a lot more exciting over the next few years. Have a look at our handy guide which explains the difference between LCD and LED TVs. Have a look at our handy OLED TV Explained guide for more information on the latest HDTV’s.
Source BGR
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