That certainly seems to be the rumor. The above behind the scenes shot was taken of what is supposedly Microsofts keynote address at the upcoming CES. Winrumors seems to have the inside scoop, and is reporting (although with no sources noted) that it's essentially a software update that allows kinect users to interact with each other's Avatars in much the same way Sony users can do so in PlayStation home or in Nintendo's Mii areas.

The software update, delivered over Xbox LIVE, will allow Kinect owners to interact with each other using their avatars. The avatars will have a separate area, much like Nintendo’s Mii channel, that will allow for users to control them using Kinect and interact to watch content or play games.

Because, of course, we all know how popular PlayStation home is.

I'm not sure what Microsoft is trying to do, or trying to replicate exactly. Just as long as it allows me to be a hot chick, get lot's of guys dancing around me and then immediately change into a big fat guy with a beard.  Unfortunately I don't think the Kinect, with its delay, can keep up with my slamming hot dance moves.



Microsoft Set to Announce "Avatar Kinect" at CES (1up)

Comments

  • Avatar
    J52
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Finally, no more relying on dance-emotes with animations that vaguely resemble sex acts.

  • Avatar
    s1yfox
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Its certainly going in that direction isn't it?the moment i heard of the avatar I had a feeling that is where it was headed

  • Avatar
    Greg the Keg
    13 years, 11 months ago

    "Because, of course, we all know how popular PlayStation home is."

    Took the words right out of my... well, my keyboard, I guess.

  • Avatar
    Redfrenzy
    13 years, 11 months ago

    I have a feeling that this will be Playstation Home - esque. They keep talking about their interfaces and how they are intergrating things together through xbox live. This will probably be Avatar home that ties the marketplaces and features together.

    Also, I didn't realise just how close CES was.

  • Avatar
    Arxidus
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Adding motion capturing to a Playstation Home environment? That's a .... a dangerous area to dabble in.

  • Avatar
    Waari
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Hmm...So I can...hump..12 year old kids on xbox live? Time to start saving money for a Kinect!

  • Avatar
    xSciFiCHiCKx
    13 years, 11 months ago

    I will do terrible, terrible things to my Avatar..

    This can only end badly, but will be undoubtedly hilarious.

  • Avatar
    inthenameofharmon
    13 years, 11 months ago

    yeah who needs Milo? we can slap random strangers around and without any mini games too! :D

  • Avatar
    DesperadoDesp
    13 years, 11 months ago

    "Just as long as it allows me to be a hot chick, get lot’s of guys dancing around me and then immediately change into a big fat guy with a beard". I lol'd at this.

    Seems like microsoft is stepping up their game but kinda doing the same thing as sony? Eh.. bad move.

  • Avatar
    SomethingSnappy
    13 years, 11 months ago

    wow

  • Avatar
    Testsubject909
    13 years, 11 months ago

    This thing is to appeal to the casuals, to make the console a far more social experience outside of just gaming. It'll probably get a small hit out of some of the older people who aren't as game savvy and for younger folks who're always up for exploring and socializing in any form.

  • Avatar
    Muddy_Donuts
    13 years, 11 months ago

    PS Home is actually a lot more popular than people give it credit for. I still do not like it, but the appeal is there. If the 360 is planning on doing the same thing, especially with the new Kinect, it could end up being insanely popular.

  • Avatar
    Zerothelioneater
    13 years, 11 months ago

    I find those avatars in the picture to be strangely horrifying. As for the avatar kinect thing, it will probably end up being something poorly moderated, turning it into a monstrosity of a community, like the Phantasy Star Universe demo.

  • Avatar
    Comradebearjew
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Man I wish PS Home was more popular... and was actually fun.