TechBytes: Microsoft Touts Updated Xbox Kinect at CES

GM cars recharge phones, Comcast on tablets.

ByABC News
January 6, 2011, 9:52 AM

Jan. 6, 2011— -- Microsoft opened the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. CEO Steve Ballmer took to the stage for his keynote speech Wednesday night touting the Xbox Kinect.

The company unveiled new features for the motion-controller that let users navigate through Netflix and Hulu. Microsoft also introduced "Avatar Kinect," which creates custom characters for each Kinect user.

General Motors is expected to unveil technology today that could recharge your phone by simply dropping it on the car's console.

The automaker plans to install a wireless charging device called Powermat in some cars. The technology will begin appearing in the Chevy Volt and certain Cadillac models starting next year.

Comcast subscribers will soon be able to turn tablet computers into another TV screen. The cable company says it will begin streaming live and on-demand TV shows, movies and other video to iPads and similar devices later this year.