Kinect Beta Program Invites Offering Early Access

Microsoft's Kinect motion-gaming system for the Xbox 360 isn't set to arrive on shelves until the holiday season, but select gamers are getting invites to join a Kinect Beta Program.  Joystiq received several copies of an invitation message that apparently arrived at tipsters via the Microsoft Connect feedback system.

The message didn't specify what, exactly, the beta testers might be playing with, beyond "a unique opportunity to see pre-release software."  However there is mention of the Kinect's audio functionality, which is apparently modified so as to prevent communication with those people not part of the Beta Program.  No word on when the program might begin.