Xbox Kinect was announced on June 1st 2009, by Microsoft's Director Alex Kipmon who incubated the project. They called it 'Project Natal' a code name for Kinect after a Brazilian city.
Microsoft had a budget of $500 million and they were not afraid to use it. They advertised on Youtube homepage, Disney channel, Nickelodeon.. During Tv Programme's 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'Glee'. As well as in Magazines such as Instyle and People. Time Square held Kinect high with large amounts of Billboards. Also being very cheeky and using stars such as 'Oprah Winfrey' giving away Kinect consoles and controllers to the audience as well as 'Ellen' from her own show showing it off in front of the audience and 'Jimmy Fallon' Giving consoles and controllers away to the audeince. And lastly 'GAME' becoming the official launch partner and promoter.
Ashley Tisdale - US actress mainly known for her appearances in Disney films and programmes held a pre - launch party for Kinect and had the support of international football sensation David Beckham. And She also had a video chat with Nick Cannon Over Kinect.
Kinect was released with the New Xbox 360 (Media Convergence) A very clever idea bringing the console out with the Kinect therefore having to buy the new console to play Kinect.... BUT, Microsoft announced that Kinect would be available on all 360 consoles therefore only having to buy 'Kinect' on it's own. Saving customers more money and a more likelihood of buying it as it's more affordable.
2.5 million Kinect sensors have been sold as of November 29th 2010 and 1 million of these were sold in 10 days after the North American Launch. Within 1 month Kinect became the top selling accessory of the year! They aimed Xbox Kinect at everyone not a specific audience, therefore not age discriminating people. This intrigued more customers and more interest. Many stores stayed open after midnight so you could buy the Kinect. Game was the main store to buy it from as it was the official sponsor and launch partner.
Key dates Of Kinect leading up to Launch;
June 1st 2009 - Project Natal (Kinect) is announced by Alex Kipmon at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)
March 25th 2010 - Save the date fliers are sent out.
June 13th 2010 - World premier of 'Project Natal) + Release date for North America
July 20th 2010 - Microsoft announce New xbox and Kinect bundle will be available from release date.
October 19th 2010 - Oprah Winfrey gives away Xbox kinect goods to Audience
October 23rd 2010 - Ashley Tisdale hosts the pre - launch party.
November 1st 2010 - Burger King Gives away kinect bundle every 15 minutes
November 4th 2010 - Kinect launched in North America as well as consoles and controllers given away at 'Jimmy Fallon's Night In'
November 10th 2010 - Europe release date.
November 18th 2010 - New Zealand, Australia and Singapore release date.
November 20th 2010 - Japan release date.
November 28th 2010 - Promotion ends.
December 2010 - Microsoft announce Kinect to function with Windows Pc's
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