Kinect (codenamed in development as Project Natal) is a

line of motion sensing input devices by Microsoft for Xbox

360 and Xbox One video game consoles and Windows PCs.
Based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral, it
enables users to control and interact with their
console/computer without the need for a game controller,
through a natural user interface using gestures
and spoken commands. The first-generation Kinect was
first introduced in November 2010 in an attempt to
broaden Xbox 360's audience beyond its typical gamer
base. A version for Windows was released on February 1,
2012.
Kinect competes with several motion controllers on other
home consoles, such as Wii Remote Plus for Wii, PlayStation
Move/PlayStation Eye for PlayStation 3, and PlayStation
Camera for PlayStation 4.
Although featuring improved performance over the
original Kinect, its successor has been subject to mixed
responses. It has been praised for its wide angle, its fast
response time and high quality camera. However, the
Kinect's inability to understand some accents in English
was criticized Furthermore, controversies surround
Microsoft's intentional tying of the sensor with the Xbox
One console despite the initial requirements for the
sensor being plugged in at all times having been revised
since its initial announcement. There have also been a
number of concerns regarding privacy.
IGN gave the device 7.5 out of 10, saying that "Kinect can
be a tremendous amount of fun for casual players, and
the creative, controller-free concept is undeniably
appealing", though adding that for "$149.99, a motion-
tracking camera add-on for Xbox 360 is a tough sell,
especially considering that the entry level variation of
Xbox 360 itself is only $199.99".
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Game Informer rated
Kinect 8 out of 10, praising the technology but noting that
the experience takes a while to get used to and that the
spatial requirement may pose a barrier.
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Computer and
Video Games called the device a technological gem and
applauded the gesture and voice controls, while criticizing
the launch lineup and Kinect Hub.