Kinect voice control comes to Noo Zeelund

14 February 2012: Kinect for Xbox 360 has brought accent-accurate voice control to New Zealand along with a free Xbox LIVE dashboard update.

The free download enables Xbox 360 consoles to recognise the New Zealand accent which when used in tandem with physical gestures to control their Xbox 360 Kinect.

Voice control within games enables “say as you see” voice commands while users play – including asking your Kinect Sports 2 caddy to “change club” in a round of golf or “throw a grenade” in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

The new accent-sensitive voice update will allow people to action commands in their entertainment including pause, play, fast-forward and stop, as well as navigate through menu items and across Xbox LIVE entertainment services, all with the sound of their voice.

In preparation for the launch, Microsoft gathered hours of New Zealand voice data which was then forwarded to Microsoft Corp. in the United States where it was integrated into the new software.

The Xbox LIVE dashboard, where users can access online content, has also been redesigned in what Microsoft says is the biggest update since the Xbox 360 was launched seven years ago.

The update brings a newly designed user interface and new personal and social features including Cloud Storage for Game Saves and LIVE Profile, Beacons and Facebook Sharing and enhanced Family Settings.