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Xbox 360 Kinect takes the controller from video gamers (photos)

What will be the must-have item for this year's holiday shopping season? Most likely it'll be the controller-free Xbox 360 Kinect gaming center.
By Andy Smith, Contributor
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Microsoft released Kinect, its controller-free video gaming system for the Xbox 360, just in time to become the next must-have item for the holiday shopping season (see ZDNet's Holiday Tech Gift Guide). Here's one of the first reviews of Kinect.

Will this become a familiar sight at your workplace? Will better dancing lead to a promotion? Larry Dignan ponders business uses.

Plus, here's a gallery of the first games available for Kinect.

Credit: Microsoft

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For users who already own an Xbox 360, you can buy the Kinect sensor for $149 - it comes with the Kinect Adventures game.

The Kinect has a color 640 x 480 color VGA camera and four microphones that support voice recognition.

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You need about six feet of play space.

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If you don't have an Xbox 360 or want a new one, the Kinect is coupled with a 4GB  Xbox 360 console. It's got built-in in WiFi to connect with Xbox Live and retails for $299,

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The most expensive package is Kinect coupled with a 250GB Xbox 360 console for $399. Rachel King has more.

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Scary thought? Will Kinect turn families into zombies?

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Accessories that might help gamers include a floor stand for $29.99.

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Of course, there's the headset with microphone for $19.99.

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Xbox 360 play and charge kit with rechargable battery pack for $19.99.

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No controller but you can buy a remote for $19.99.

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Here's a TV mount for Kinect that goes above or below a flat-panel for $39.99.

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A Kinect wall mount kit for flat-screen TVs at $14.99.

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