MS: Voice control ready for Kinect launch

UPDATE: Microsoft has issued the following statement to MCV.

Voice control is an exciting part of the Kinect for Xbox 360 controller-free experience and we can confirm that it will be available at launch in November 2010. Only on Xbox 360 will you be able to navigate the Kinect Hub using your voice to control your movies, TV Shows and music. We do not have additional details to share about local voice availability at this time.”

It’s still unclear what the exact situation is. It seems that English language support for Kinect will be in place for launch, but the exact timetable for other European language support remains undecided. That’s all the information we have for now.

Apologies for all the confusion.

ORIGINAL STORY: Microsoft has confirmed to MCV that Kinect will not boast any voice control functionality at launch.

Speaking at Gamescom, marketing manager for Xbox Live EMEA Robin Burrowes stated that the platform holder will be announcing when voice control will be turned on in due course”.

MCV can also confirm that chat software Video Kinect will also not feature as part of the accessory’s launch. Like voice control, that will also arrive at a later date.

Earlier demonstrations of Kinect had depicted users switching between various functions and selecting media on Xbox 360 by simply telling the console what it was they wanted it to do. The peripheral will also be able to recognise the voices of individual users.

Earlier this month the platform holder touted such functionality as one of the key reasons why hardcore gamers will be keen to be amongst the first owners of the device.

Kinect will launch in the UK on November 10th.