Microsoft Adds Kinect Support For Netflix

Sort of. . . by Zenaku · 2011-04-14 04:44 · Score: 4, Interesting

If the facts stated in this review are accurate, Microsoft should be embarrassed by this level of "support."

http://kotaku.com/#!5792076/kinect-for-netflix-is-a-catastrophe-microsoft-has-no-idea-what-to-do-with-kinect

--
If fate makes you a motorcycle, you become a motorcycle.

Re:Sort of. . . by Zenaku · 2011-04-14 04:46 · Score: 2

Fortunately, I think the reviewer may be doing something wrong.
(sorry for the self reply, I left off the last part of my comment in a link pasting snafu.)

--
If fate makes you a motorcycle, you become a motorcycle.
Re:Sort of. . . by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 04:51 · Score: 0

Sorry, couldn't read the article over the giant yellow Best Buy banners distracting my vision.
Re:Sort of. . . by DanTheStone · 2011-04-14 05:15 · Score: 2

I wouldn't be surprised if he weren't doing anything wrong. The ESPN3 app for Kinect doesn't let you go through the On-Demand listings of different sports, only the 8 games they suggest. They really should have added Kinect emulation of a controller to the normal apps, instead of creating new Kinect-only versions.

I, of course, intend to try this out as soon as I get home from work.
Re:Sort of. . . by HermMunster · 2011-04-14 05:22 · Score: 3, Interesting

I was going to say that if anyone has experience with the Kinect they'd know that it is a difficult tool to use in order to select things. I can't imagine going back and forth scrolling thumbnail art and making selections. Talk about super slow and unresponsive. Work needs to be done on the Kinect before it really can be considered a good input tool.
As far as games go, it seems OK. It is responsive enough while in the game, but when outside choosing items on the screen, well, it lacks, a lot.

--
You can lead a man with reason but you can't make him think.
Re:Sort of. . . by obergfellja · 2011-04-14 05:31 · Score: 1

what is a banner?
Re:Sort of. . . by DanTheStone · 2011-04-14 05:34 · Score: 1

They should definitely allow you to browse your instant queue, though, at a minimum. They could lay it out the same way as the Kinect Hub, which has reasonable navigation and selection ability.
Re:Sort of. . . by gad_zuki! · 2011-04-14 05:46 · Score: 1

So wait, Kotaku, a site with the worst UI design I've ever seen is criticizing MS's kinect interface? Le irony, it is too much!
Re:Sort of. . . by nevillethedevil · 2011-04-14 06:16 · Score: 1

Not sure but I hear you shouldn't make them angry, you wouldn't like them when they're angry.

--
Be gone from my sight or prepare to feel my flaming wraith!
Re:Sort of. . . by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 08:09 · Score: 0

TOUCH DOWN!
Oh shit, it just changed channels again!
Re:Sort of. . . by Dahamma · 2011-04-14 09:02 · Score: 1

On, the other hand, it was written by Joel Johnson, who has proven again and again on Gizmodo, etc that he has probably never figured out how to tie his shoes, let alone use Kinect.
Re:Sort of. . . by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 12:48 · Score: 0

you link to kotaku?... seriously? mouhahaha

Why? by Lunaritian · 2011-04-14 04:48 · Score: 3, Insightful

Sure, it may be cooler to watch videos by waving your arms, but still... buttons are more accurate and faster to use. What's wrong with using the controller for controls?

Re:Why? by swanzilla · 2011-04-14 04:58 · Score: 3, Insightful

Sure, it may be cooler to watch videos by waving your arms, but still... buttons are more accurate and faster to use. What's wrong with using the controller for controls?
Nothing. Sort of like eating sushi with a fork...may be more practical, but you will not rack up any style points in doing so.

--
0 = 1 + e^(Alt something)
Re:Why? by nedlohs · 2011-04-14 04:59 · Score: 1

The damn summary comment gave one scenario. I'm sure if you try you can come up with others.
Re:Why? by StikyPad · 2011-04-14 05:02 · Score: 2

Sort of like eating sushi with a fork...may be more practical, but you will not rack up any style points in doing so.
Nor by waving your arms around vice pushing a few buttons, I'd say. In fact, if the situation were reversed where Kinect style controls were the norm, people would probably regard remotes like the second coming. "FINALLY, I don't have to wave my fucking arms around just to change the channel!"

--
https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere
Re:Why? by demonbug · 2011-04-14 05:23 · Score: 2

Sure, it may be cooler to watch videos by waving your arms, but still... buttons are more accurate and faster to use. What's wrong with using the controller for controls?
Nothing. Sort of like eating sushi with a fork...may be more practical, but you will not rack up any style points in doing so.
Huh? Obviously you don't know how to use chopsticks... just as easy as using a fork.
This is more like using a trained chimpanzee to eat your sushi. Pointless, slow, unreliable, and the only possible reason anyone would ever do it is to show off to their buddies. Once.
Re:Why? by by+(1706743) · 2011-04-14 05:25 · Score: 2

It could be sorta handy to have it automatically pause if someone gets up to grab a beer / go to the bathroom / whatever, and then resume when said person returns.

Hardly something I've waited my whole life for, but still. I say, props to M$ for actually attempting to innovate. And I say this typing on a Microsoft keyboard with a Microsoft mouse...through Chrome under Debian...whoops.
Re:Why? by obergfellja · 2011-04-14 05:32 · Score: 1

These aren't the videos you seek...
Re:Why? by PixetaledPikachu · 2011-04-14 05:49 · Score: 2

And I say this typing on a Microsoft keyboard with a Microsoft mouse...through Chrome under Debian...whoops.
I actually enjoy using computer peripherals made by Microsoft. 2 years a go I replaced my wireless logitech mouse with a Ms Wireless Mobile 4000 with bluetrack for my Lucid box. Their bluetrack mouses are cheaper than logitech's darkfield conterpart, use only 1 AA battery instead of 2, and work just as good. ..and not to mention that the XBOX360 controller is far more superior than logitech gamepad.
Re:Why? by rbollinger · 2011-04-14 06:08 · Score: 1

Personally, I feel like the Kinect on the whole is pretty gimmicky. Not to say that its a bad piece of hardware as there are some truly incredible Kinect hacks out there. But it just doesn't make sense as a controller, for games or otherwise. Gaming and computing in general require a fairly high degree of accuracy with your controllers. On the PC, FPS players will pay quite a bit of money to get a more accurate mouse, and MMO players are always looking for easier access to as many buttons as possible. Kinect went the opposite direction, less accuracy and gestures. Sure its cool as a novelty, but eventually the games all start to feel the same, and for everything else its just slow and clunky.
Re:Why? by kingbilly · 2011-04-14 06:11 · Score: 1

Sure, it may be cooler to watch videos by waving your arms, but still... buttons are more accurate and faster to use. What's wrong with using the controller for controls?
Nothing. Sort of like eating sushi with a fork...may be more practical, but you will not rack up any style points in doing so.
I've tried eating sushi with a fork once in a while, usually when I take some home and eat it later. It always fall apart for me. I think the chopsticks are more practical.
Re:Why? by dlsmith · 2011-04-14 06:13 · Score: 1

+1.
I'm sure I'm just ignorant, but it sure sounds to me like somebody in Microsoft management didn't get the joke when they saw Gmail Motion.
Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 06:20 · Score: 0

Kinect has voice support as well as motion support. The voice activation is what most people would probably be excited about. Navigation using arms isn't so great, but the voice activation is pretty handy. Though, it sounds like they didn't try too hard to get this working well. Additionally, the search feature in netflix is kind of a beast to use on the xbox. Saying "Xbox, search Oceans" or even "Xbox, search O c e a ..." would much easier.
Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 07:00 · Score: 0

The controller turns off after a period of inactivity. If I want to pause the video, I sometimes have to turn on the controller, wait for it to synch then be able to control the video.
I also have to have it within reach, sometimes hard to get to when snuggling with the wife on the couch.
Re:Why? by tehcyder · 2011-04-14 22:08 · Score: 1

Huh? Obviously you don't know how to use chopsticks... just as easy as using a fork.
But not as easy as using a knife and fork, which is how everyone I know eats.

--
To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it
Re:Why? by FreekyGeek · 2011-04-21 07:56 · Score: 1

But if even if you practice and get good at using chopsticks as well as a fork.... why bother at all? Assuming you grew up in the west, you grew up using a fork. If you NOW live full-time in Asia and have to use chopsticks because they're what's available, that's a valid reason. But westerners who live in the west and use chopsticks (only for Asian food, of course) are simply going out of their way to acquire a smug and annoying affectation.

The interface is for Netflix is now Charades by MosnarSgnik · 2011-04-14 04:48 · Score: 3, Funny

You want to see: A movie. One word. The first word is one syllable. You're moving up and down. Move your left arm to see "Jump", shake your left leg for "Hop".

Semaphores by StikyPad · 2011-04-14 04:51 · Score: 1

Forget Netflix, when are they going to add Kinect support for hotmail? And what will be the gesture for spam? I have a few suggestions if they haven't settled on one already.

--
https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere

Re:Semaphores by VGPowerlord · 2011-04-14 05:13 · Score: 2

Google already patented that for GMail with Google Motion. ;)

--
GLaDOS for President 2016! "Well here we are again. It's always such a pleasure." -- GLaDOS, 2011
Re:Semaphores by game+kid · 2011-04-14 18:02 · Score: 1

And what will be the gesture for spam? I have a few suggestions if they haven't settled on one already.

It'll be simple. To report spam, move near screen and raise a middle finger pointing upward in front of message. To send spam (once composed with keyboard or finger-tracing of characters and Viagra pills), move near screen, turn a half-circle (to face other people sitting on the sofa, chairs, etc.) and raise both middle fingers as above.

--
You can hold down the "B" button for continuous firing.

But can you hide it from your 3 year old? by MojoRilla · 2011-04-14 04:52 · Score: 1

Sure, your 3 year old can't hid the kinect, but it is also harder to "accidentally hide" the kinect if they want to watch a movie on NetFlix, like you can with a normal remote.

Darned kids.

Re:But can you hide it from your 3 year old? by Locke2005 · 2011-04-14 06:25 · Score: 1, Insightful

So, you find lying to your children easier than just telling them, "No"?

--
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
Re:But can you hide it from your 3 year old? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 08:10 · Score: 0

You don't?
Re:But can you hide it from your 3 year old? by Locke2005 · 2011-04-14 08:18 · Score: 1

Well, yes, but sometimes it backfires. Went to the library, my daughter was grabbing everything off the shelves (turns out they have games, CDs, and DVDs as well as books). I told her "I'm sure there's a limit of only about 3 things you can check out at at time." So she asks the librarian; turns out there is no limit! So then I had to tell her "Ok, but your still only getting these 5 things!"

--
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.

One down, one to go by BitZtream · 2011-04-14 04:54 · Score: 4, Interesting

When I got my Kinect and played with it for navigation of the dashboard for a while I immediately realized I wanted 2 things.

Kinect control of Windows Media Center, which powers all the TVs in my home via XBox 360 extenders

Kinect control of Netflix.

One down, hopefully it doesn't suck, but unless they've changed something major the biggest problem I can see is that the Kinect stops sensing me the instant I sit on the couch or the recliner in my living room. Seems to be ubiquitous and happens in Dance Central, Kinect Adventures, Your Shape Fitness and the dashboard, so while I haven't been home yet to actually test it out, I'm guessing this isn't really going to let me stop hunting for the WMC remote since I'll probably have to get out of my seat to get the kinect to listen to me.

Voice activation works, so if it allows good voice navigation than it'll probably be Ok.

I really hope they update the media center extender software for xbox with voice commands or make the gesture recognition work when seated. Its a little obnoxious at first but once you get used to it as a control interface its not entirely horrible for short periods of time. I certainly wouldn't want to do something like compose an email or text that way however.

haven't been home to test it out yet so I'm just guessing that is

--
Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager

Re:One down, one to go by initialE · 2011-04-14 14:22 · Score: 1

During the E3 demo, didn't they use kinect to put Justin Bieber on? I thought the Windows media support was ready out of the box, wonder what happened to it.

--
Starbucks, Harbuckle of Breath.
Re:One down, one to go by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 14:25 · Score: 0

This seems way too vague to use. I agree the simple MCE remote gets the job done easier. Now the cool thing of using Kinect is its cool - but is it functional/practical for TV...I cant imagine one wants to wave around and scream at the TV !
(Now people could check out this amazing Bluetooth remote control Android app for Windows MCE and boxee: Tamaturaz @ www.tamatura.com...no xtender support yet though)

When I got my Kinect and played with it for navigation of the dashboard for a while I immediately realized I wanted 2 things.
Kinect control of Windows Media Center, which powers all the TVs in my home via XBox 360 extenders
Kinect control of Netflix.
One down, hopefully it doesn't suck, but unless they've changed something major the biggest problem I can see is that the Kinect stops sensing me the instant I sit on the couch or the recliner in my living room. Seems to be ubiquitous and happens in Dance Central, Kinect Adventures, Your Shape Fitness and the dashboard, so while I haven't been home yet to actually test it out, I'm guessing this isn't really going to let me stop hunting for the WMC remote since I'll probably have to get out of my seat to get the kinect to listen to me.
Voice activation works, so if it allows good voice navigation than it'll probably be Ok.
I really hope they update the media center extender software for xbox with voice commands or make the gesture recognition work when seated. Its a little obnoxious at first but once you get used to it as a control interface its not entirely horrible for short periods of time. I certainly wouldn't want to do something like compose an email or text that way however.
haven't been home to test it out yet so I'm just guessing that is

Direct URLS - skip the blog slashvertisements by BitZtream · 2011-04-14 04:57 · Score: 3, Informative

The blog linked in the summary actually points to:

http://majornelson.com/2011/04/14/kinect-support-for-netflix/

As its information source, if you'd like to skip all the blog slashvertisements and go to the source, the actual source info is at:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Live/Netflix/Home

--
Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager

eugenitix offers support for vaccines of the stars by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 04:57 · Score: 0

no longer a sic-fi nightmare plot, your kids can be injected with whoknowswhat, & the poor mommies get money. is this utopia or what?

Re:And yet by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 05:01 · Score: 0

So don't do it. Give up multiplayer games and netflix on xbox to save $30 a year. That'll really stick it to Microsoft.

(yes, it's $30-35 a year if you get it on sale.. I don't know anybody that pays the full price)

Can't wait to see what movements... by s0litaire · 2011-04-14 05:03 · Score: 3, Funny

... netflix will use for users to unlock/order the adult content...

--
Laters Sol "Have you found the secrets of the universe? Asked Zebade "I'm sure I left them here somewhere"

Re:Can't wait to see what movements... by Locke2005 · 2011-04-14 06:23 · Score: 1

If you're old enough to flip off your tv, you're old enough to watch porn. Just sayin'...;

--
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
Re:Can't wait to see what movements... by edmicman · 2011-04-14 06:24 · Score: 1

There's adult content on Netflix? Where?
Re:Can't wait to see what movements... by Belial6 · 2011-04-14 15:14 · Score: 1

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Alice_in_Wonderland_An_Adult_Musical_Comedy/70107081?trkid=2361637#height1367

While Netflix says it is rated R, and that is what it would probably get today, the rating shown at the beginning of the actual movie is X.

Meh. by Benfea · 2011-04-14 05:06 · Score: 1

Personally, I find mouse gestures obnoxious. I suppose it was inevitable that the gestures would become literal gestures.

Wait, someone slept with CmdrTaco ??? by Chalex · 2011-04-14 05:06 · Score: 1

And he has a kid???

Re:Wait, someone slept with CmdrTaco ??? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 05:18 · Score: 0

Uh, yeah, I mean technically, she was asleep.
Re:Wait, someone slept with CmdrTaco ??? by vgerclover · 2011-04-14 05:32 · Score: 1

May be you missed him proposing through /.

Kinect is worse than a remote with small children. by BagOBones · 2011-04-14 05:20 · Score: 3, Insightful

My three year old loves to yell out "XBOX" and "Cancel" every time I try and use it, and some times randomly when on the XBOX, this causes all sorts of random navigation fun.

For all those complaining about waving, it is voice activated as well.

--
EA David Gardner -"... but the consumers have proven that actually what they want is fun."

Netflix will EXPLODE... by LordStormes · 2011-04-14 05:37 · Score: 1

... as soon as they add support for streaming, interactive porn.

Sadly disappointed by spire3661 · 2011-04-14 05:57 · Score: 1

Article is right, this is a joke. The ONLY truly useful features are the voice pause/play/stop etc. WHY cant they make a better interface to search/instant que etc? All this vast UI knowledge and a HUGE advantage over Sony and they squander it on this neutered piece of crap. I honestly feel like they pushed this out the door as fast as possible and put very little thought on how to make it a transformative UI experience. By now i should be able to control the entirety of the Xbox menu system with the Kinect. This should be priority #1 for them. 15 million units in the wild at $150 a pop. What a wonderful opportunity utterly wasted.

--
Good-bye

Re:Sadly disappointed by Locke2005 · 2011-04-14 06:22 · Score: 2

They've already sold 15 million units? Mission accomplished! Why should they improve it now, you've already payed money for it!

--
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.

Voice recognition? by thewils · 2011-04-14 06:01 · Score: 1

Let's hope it works better than this one...

--
Once I was a four stone apology. Now I am two separate gorillas.

Re:And yet by spire3661 · 2011-04-14 06:01 · Score: 1

Its $60. Yes you can find it on sale, but the price is $60 a year for something that up until Xbox was always considered FREE. Fucking hate LIVE apologists.

--
Good-bye

Who cares? Where is the Hulu client? by Richard+Steiner · 2011-04-14 06:10 · Score: 1

Early in 2011, right? Am I gonna have to buy a Roku to do what my 360 can not?

--
Mainframe/UNIX Bit Twiddler and long time Windows/Linux Hobbyist.
The Theorem Theorem: If If, Then Then.

Not too interested by Is0m0rph · 2011-04-14 06:10 · Score: 1

Netflix is more suited to the controller or my HD-DVD remote. Now LastFM on the other hand I love the Kinect integration and use it all the time.

Re:And yet by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 06:13 · Score: 0

It's $60 if you can't wait until one of the sales that happens every few weeks that puts it at 30 bucks. Complaining about the MSRP on an item that is on sale frequently is silly.

Maybe you should reread my post. Nowhere in my post do I defend Microsoft. I'm not an apologist, I'm just not going to be a crybaby about $30 a year for online multiplayer / netflix. I know people that spend that much on coffee in a week. You should consider getting some help for your rage issues.

Douglas Adams is right again. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 06:17 · Score: 0

No one else is reminded of Zaphod Beeblebrox changing the channel on his ship? Once you happen to get to something you want to watch you have to hold very still so it doesn't change the channel again. Wow Douglas Adams was way ahead of his time.

Always helpful Microsoft by Locke2005 · 2011-04-14 06:20 · Score: 1

So, next time the Kinect sees you masturbating, Clippy will pop up on the screen and say, "It looks like you're fapping... can I help you find some porn?"

--
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.

Re:And yet by CCarrot · 2011-04-14 06:26 · Score: 1

It's not the cost, it's the principle of the thing.

I know I was royally pissed off when I found out that I could only access my bought-and-paid-for Netflix account through my bought-and-paid-for XBox console if I kept bribing M$oft every month for a useless-to-me-because-I-don't-game-online 'Gold' account...no.

I wonder why Netflix ever agreed to that, since it only hurts their own user base. Sure, I have and use other devices that stream Netflix without additional cost, and I suppose others do too, so I guess Netflix probably isn't actually hurting because of this, but still... When I was looking around for a Netflix-capable media center solution for some less tech-savvy friends and relatives, I seriously considered recommending the XBox because of it's reasonable media capabilities and 'plug and play' form factor, until I found out about this particular racket...so I guess M$oft lost a bit more than $30 per year in that instance. Of course, the constant stream of revenue from those who find value in being able to play with irritating 12YO flamers probably more than makes up for it...

--
"I love animals! Some are cute, others are tasty, what's not to like?" - Betsy Schroeder, Jeopardy contestant

They don't have to hide it... by postermmxvicom · 2011-04-14 06:38 · Score: 1

Finally, a remote that my 3 year old can't hide

No, but they still can put peanut butter in it.

--
One last thing: Sometimes I wonder; "Is that someone's signature? Or do they type that at the end of each post?"

Re:They don't have to hide it... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-14 08:47 · Score: 0

Put peanut butter inside... your hand?

But also... by Chris+Mattern · 2011-04-14 07:14 · Score: 1

...a remote you can't hide (or take away) from your three-year-old...

They're not 'remotes' any more... by CohibaVancouver · 2011-04-14 07:18 · Score: 1

What annoys me is the fact that remote buttons (or their functionality) aren't replicated on the endpoint device. I realize electronics manufacturers want to keep their devices 'clean' but dagnabit you should still be able to access all the functionality on your device without needing to use the remote - On my devices you can't turn the subtitles on and off or access the test tone or perform a myriad of other actions without having the remote in your hand - A remote that your toddler may have conveniently hidden in a drawer or used to stir her apple juice.

You are missing the point by arivanov · 2011-04-14 08:43 · Score: 1

This gives a whole new dimension to the old "give me the remote". Just imagine this with two kids in the house (and they need not be Dash and Violet).

--
Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
http://www.sigsegv.cx/

Slashdot Mirror

Microsoft Adds Kinect Support For Netflix

69 comments