Microsoft was certainly pushing the Kinect this morning. Beyond announcing a number of new Kinect-only titles, the company also exposed how some of the biggest core games in the Xbox 360 line-up will utilize the motion-sensing technology. Microsoft also announced "Kinect Fun Labs," a new dashboard feature that finally realizes many of the Kinect capabilities that the company had previously mentioned prior to the hardware's launch.

"Better With Kinect"

While Kinect has broken hardware sales records, the software line-up has been a bit slim. The majority of the motion-sensing system's titles have focused on family friendly games and, well, dancing. While there's even more dancing coming soon, Microsoft is looking to draw in the hardcore Xbox 360 audience by including Kinect capability in the console's larger titles.

Not satisfied with simply pressing a button to choose Shepard's dialog options? If you have a Kinect plugged into your Xbox 360, "Mass Effect 3" – just given a March 6, 2012 release date – will allow you to simply speak the onscreen dialog option, and Shepard will say the related comment. That didn't stand out to me as being all that exciting, but the new ability to issue squad commands by voice seems amazing. I certainly like the idea of freeing up my hands to focus on fighting, instead of giving orders. Check out a video here.

Microsoft also showcased Kinect functionality within the upcoming "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier." The demonstration illustrated how hand motions through Kinect are used to customize weapons. A quick arm swipe, and every component of a rifle is separated, allowing you to swap out different features. You can also shoot in the game using Kinect, sending bullets flying with a quick open and close of your hand.

Strangely missing from the "better with Kinect" line-up was anything to do with "Gears of War 3." It had been widely rumored that a Kinect version of the game was under development.

New Kinect Titles

One of the only games I've consistently played on my Kinect is "Dance Central." While I'm definitely not too keen on allowing anyone else to see me dancing in front of my television – no, really, it's bad – the title's perfect for the hardware, and actually a lot of fun. While it wasn't a huge surprise to hear of a "Dance Central 2" announcement, I was happy to hear that Harmonix will allow all songs from the first game to import into the sequel. Even more important, "Dance Central 2" allows for simultaneous multiplayer.

"Crysis 2" developer Crytek also had a surprise up their sleeve in regards to a new Kinect game. Based on the trailer, it looks as though "Ryse" is a first-person, motion-sensing sword fighting game, taking place during the fall of Rome. There were no details given beyond the trailer.

It seems like indie-darling "Minecraft" is everywhere these days, and the game is now coming to Xbox 360, with the addition of Kinect controls. I think I could get used to smacking trees with a wave of my arm. The console version of "Minecraft" will launch exclusively to Xbox 360 this winter.

Lionhead's Peter Molyneux took the stage later in the conference, showing off a gameplay demonstration of "Fable: The Journey." The new "Fable" title is Kinect-based, using motion-sensing to perform actions like holding onto a horse's reigns or cast spells against little goblins. It sounds kind of interesting, but all the footage shown this morning was on-rails. It sort of felt like watching a "Fable" version of "Time Crisis" or something.

Lastly, Double Fine's Tim Schafer brought a "simulated family" on stage to demonstrate their upcoming Sesame Street game, "Once Upon A Monster." The game's not for everyone – it's obviously well within the child's game realm – but as a father, I'm definitely looking forward to playing it with my son. The demo showed Elmo and Cookie monster encountering a monster, and mimicking his movements, e.g. stomping on the ground. While it's a licensed title, it's clear that Double Fine's style is present.

Fun Labs

Microsoft also unveiled "Fun Labs" for Kinect today. The new dashboard program brings many of the features previously discussed leading up to Kinect's launch. Most impressively, you'll now be able to make a more precise Xbox Live avatar. Standing in front of Kinect, the system scans your entire body, including facial features like your mouth. According to the on-stage demo, Kinect was even able to transfer the look of clothes being worn by the person being scanned. Finally, my avatar can wear a Slayer t-shirt.

Those more detailed body scans also mean that finger tracking is available. Allegedly, the system will now be able to detect subtle movements like the pulling of a trigger.

Lastly, Kinect's "Fun Labs" finally allows for the much talked about object scanning. Remember the old video where the kid scanned in his skateboard? Microsoft showed a large stuffed animal being scanned into the Kinect, followed by a digital representation coming to life on-screen. While these just seem like toys now, they could be used by developers to create some interesting game features in the future.

"Fun Labs" is available today.

Microsoft's press conference is just the beginning. Stay tuned right here all week, as we'll have ongoing coverage as it happens in Los Angeles.