Microsoft: Kinect Is The “Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device In History”

Microsoft Chief financial officer, Peter Klein has said in a conference call that Kinect is the “fastest-selling consumer electronics device in history”.

The executive’s claim isn’t self-conceited, as Microsoft’s operating income for the Entertainment & Devices division was $679 million, up from $365 million a year ago.

Microsoft saw 42 percent growth in U.S. console sales in 2010, mainly because of its slimmed-down version of the Xbox 360 that was introduced in June last year and Kinect which drove new game software and console sales.

After many years of skepticism and losses, Microsoft’s game business has finally hit its stride.

Kinect has given the company a much-needed boost on sales just in time and simultaneously kept the gamers entertained with something new as well.

Microsoft had sold 6.3 million Xbox 360s during the 4th quarter of 2010 and shipped eight million Kinect units.

The company is now expecting 50 percent growth in its entertainment division in the third quarter, and 40 percent overall for its 2011 fiscal year.

Source VentureBeat