Kotaku reports that Microsoft is looking for standardization accross the apps that will be part of the Xbox dashboard experience. Kinect will be a cornerstone in that uniform experience, as Microsoft is now requiring app developers for the Xbox platform to allow for navigation by gestures or voice. A year ago, these interactive features weren’t much more than a cool feature, but now that Kinect has been selling so well, Microsoft feels confident in making these things a requirement. Luckily, Microsoft’s helping developers making apps with tools to help index search terms for voice recognition and motion controls.

Windows, Phone ánd Xbox

Looking forward, it makes sense if Microsoft would not just standardize voice and gesture for the Xbox platform, but beyond that as well (as they do with the Metro interface that is part of the latest Xbox dashboard update, will be part of Windows 8, and is already live on Windows Phone 7). Unifiying the experience, Kinect (the brand) is crucial in this attempt to make all of us enjoy Microsoft products a bit more.

Do you feel this is the way to go forward for Microsoft, or are you looking for diversity in your experiences on the various platforms?

For those not aware, Microsoft will also bring a version of Kinect to Windows to allow PC developers to play around with it, and create cool apps that may help reimagine the way we work.

Source: Kotaku