The Xbox 360’s new Kinect motion controller has all sorts of potential. Unfortunately, it also has some limitations, at least for now. Microsoft is still calibrating the system for seated play, and it hasn’t confirmed whether gamers will be forced to stand when the controller launches later this year.

At least Redmond has confirmed that Kinect’s “entertainment” controls, which are presumably based on simpler gestures confined to a user’s upper body, will work while lounging on the couch. Those entertainment controls are also coming to PCs and consumer electronics gear. PrimeSense, the company behind Kinect’s motion tracking, has revealed that the technology will make its way into home-theater PCs and set-top boxes next year. TVs are being targeted, as well, but no deals have been signed on that front yet.

PrimeSense is responsible for Kinect’s cameras and motion tracking, but the system’s voice recognition and tilt functionality belong to Microsoft, so they’ll remain exclusive to the Xbox controller. There are other ways to get voice recognition running on the PC, so that’s not much of a loss. Besides, simple gestures should be enough to control the majority of commonly used home-theater PC functions. A standard remote will likely be more efficient, but I quite like the idea of browsing program guides, photos, and other media with the flick of a wrist. Besides, it would be novel to bring new technology into my living room that could actually remove a remote rather than adding another one.

After the unveiling of the new Microsoft “kinect”(aka, project Natal) controller for the xbox 360 at the E3 conference recently, the pricing of the new device has been kept a secret, even though, an early autumn release is promised. Now, we see that the unit is available for pre-order on Microsoft’s own Online Store for $149.99. Walmart and GameStop have touted this price for some time now. The price includes the sensor device itself, a manual, a power supply cable and supposedly a Wifi extension cable (this is weird, as the device reportedly works via physical connection to the console).As no official notice of the MSRP has been made, this could be as official as it gets folks.

For all those out their not in the know, KINECT is Microsoft’s answer to the Wiimote by Nintendo, and the Sony Move for the PS3 (also unveiled at the E3). Whereas the other two use input devices held in the hand, and moved around like a wand to register motion on the screen, the KINECT has foregone controllers completely in favor of a gesture-based UI, that senses the users motions via a collection of cameras and audio recognition devices all neatly integrated on the KINECT’s bar like sensor.

Ever wondered how awesome it would be, if your gaming console not only become capable of running your favorite gaming title, but also play your favorite movies, songs, TV serials etc. What? Thats been done already? OK, so here’s some more. Welcome to Social Network Integration on your (hardly) gaming console, Xbox 360.

Microsoft announced in the E3 Conference of July, 2009 that soon you will be able to do facebook and tweetering from your Xbox 360. You would also be able to add friends from your facebook profile to Xbox players, do online chatting with them, or even play with the several games available on facebook via your console. Not only that, but you’ll be able to update your status, and keep track of you friend’s activity on twitter too!

Here are the sampled screen shots:

The new options will also enable the user to take screen shots of their gameplay, and upload it to facebook! I wonder if they would’ve only somehow managed to add a complete browser support in the console, so that instead of using only selected social networks, user could have the facility to navigate the web, wherever they want to. I wonder when that would become available.

And thats not it. Besides facebook and twitter, Microsoft has also got plans with last.fm which means that live streaming music from last.fm and your buddies photos from facebook are ready to spice up your Xbox experience, better than ever.

The service is expected to be launched by the end of the year 2009.