Sesame Workshop, NatGeo to Supply Interactive Kids Programming for Microsoft Xbox

Microsoft is teaming up with Sesame Workshop and National Geographic to develop interactive kids programming for the Xbox 360 that will allow kids to use Kinect motion-sensing and voice recognition technology to interact with educational programs. It also announced a deal with Disney Pixar to develop games based on Up, Toy Story 3, Cars 2 and other movies. 

The Sesame partnership is a big lift for Microsoft, the Xbox 360, and its Kinect motion sensing technology. Microsoft is creating interactive versions of shows from the current Sesame Street season, and it is developing new content for viewers with Kinect. The software giant also gets access to the Sesame Street archive. 

"Kids and families can jump into the action with this next generation of TV entertainment, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster with tasks on Sesame Street and exploring the natural world with Nat Geo WILD TV shows — using full-body and voice recognition," Microsoft said in Tuesday's announcement. The educational programming encourages kids to use gestures and motor skills to interact with characters. 

National Geographic will initially supply Microsoft with "Project Columbia" content that allows them to use motion gestures and their voices to explore the natural world, and interact with animals. 

Microsoft is also said it is working with Disney to develop several games for Xbox Kinect. It will debut with "Kinect: Disneyland Adventures" in November, and will launch several titles based on Disney•Pixar movies this spring. More