Marking the November 4th anniversary of Kinect, Xbox 360 today announced that the Kinect for Windows commercial program will be launched early next year. The commercial program is expected to give businesses the tools to develop applications that could improve their own operations and potentially change entire industries. According to Microsoft, more than 200 businesses worldwide - including Toyota, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Razorfish have already joined a Kinect for Windows pilot program to begin exploring the possibilities of Kinect.

Six months ago, a group of hobbyists and academics from around the world embraced the possibilities of Kinect. In a wave of creativity, they downloaded the Microsoft Kinect for Windows SDK and began developing creative applications and innovative uses in healthcare, education, art and so much more.

Launched one year ago, Kinect for Xbox 360 offered controller-free games and entertainment. Sales immediately soared with more than 10 million Kinect sensors sold, setting the Guinness World Record as the fastest-selling consumer electronics device in 60 days along the way.

Kinect also brought new categories of entertainment to the platform. Brands such as Disney, Sesame Street and National Geographic have developed fun experiences for everyone. Microsoft said that nearly 40 entertainment providers, Comcast, Verizon FiOS and HBO GO will join current providers like Netflix, Hulu Plus and ESPN on Xbox 360 this holiday season and beyond, to deliver TV entertainment experiences that are more personal and social.