Microsoft to spend $500M on Kinect marketing - Report

Microsoft has previously expressed how it intends to treat the launch of Kinect as it would a new system. Now, the tech giant has placed a price tag on just how much effort will sit behind the launch of the company’s full-body motion-sensing technology.

According to a New York Post report, Microsoft plans to spend $500 million marketing Kinect. The budget is spread through a number of campaigns, including a Times Square event and billboards; a YouTube front-page takeover; deals with Burger King, Pepsi, Time magazine; and more. Microsoft, according to the report, will also spend marketing dollars on advertisements during ABC's Dancing with the Stars, and Fox's Glee.

Kinect, which was previously known as Project Natal, goes on sale November 4. It will be available both as a stand-alone product ($150) and in bundle form ($299 and up).

In other Kinect news, Microsoft today revealed the full software lineup for the technology. Kinect will launch in North America with an eclectic mix of 17 titles, including Kinectimals, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, and Joy Ride. For the full list of Kinect launch titles, check out the blog of Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, Xbox Live's director of programming. The Xbox 360 launched in 2005 with 18 titles to its name.

The European Kinect release slate will include all 17 North American titles as well as Get Fit With Mel B from Black Bean Games/Lightning Fish, and Crossboard 7 from Konami.