Kinect is a discontinued line of motion sensing input devices produced by Microsoft and first released in 2010. The devices generally contain RGB cameras, and infrared projectors and detectors that map depth through either structured light or time of flight calculations, which can in turn be used to perform real-time gesture recognition and body skeletal detection, among other capabilities. They also contain microphones that can be used for speech recognition and voice control.
Kinect for Xbox One
Steven Spielberg (right) joining Don Mattrick to present "Project Natal" at E3 2009
A January 2010 promotional banner indicating the expected release of Kinect (then "Project Natal") by holiday 2010
Promotion at E3 2010
In computing, an input device is a piece of equipment used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system, such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of input devices include keyboards, computer mice, scanners, cameras, joysticks, and microphones.
Ergonomic keyboard
Chorded keyboard
Thumb keyboard
Keyer