Microsoft on Thursday rolled out an Xbox 360 update that brings Kinect support to Netflix.
Going forward, you can leave the remote on the couch and tap into Kinect for motion- and voice-controlled access to your Netflix Watch Instantly queue on the Xbox 360.
"That means controller-free navigation of thousands of movies and TV show, allowing you to use just the sound of your voice or wave of your hand to control your favorite Netflix content," Larry Hryb, Xbox Live programming director, wrote in a blog post. "You'll be able to select movies and TV shows recommended for you by Netflix, as well as play, pause, fast forward and rewind using gesture or voice."
When Microsoft rolls out the update, you'll be prompted to accept it the next time you start up Netflix. It also includes a new controller-free recommendation channel that suggests movies or TV shows based on your viewing habits and instant queue, Hyrb said.
Microsoft first announced plans for a Kinect-Netflix linkup during its CES keynote. At the time, Microsoft described the move as "all part of our vision to bring partner content plus the magic of Kinect straight into your living room."
At CES, Microsoft also announced that Kinect support for Hulu Plus will be available this spring.
In other Kinect news, Microsoft showed off Kinect for Windows at its MIX11 conference this week. "We demonstrated competing Kinect + Windows scenarios and revealed skeletal tracking, audio, and depth camera will be features of the Kinect for Windows SDK when it's released later this fall," Microsoft said in a blog post.
A non-commercial Kinect for Windows software development kit (SDK) is expected later this spring.