But many of the people trying to wrap their heads around the deal are missing an important point — the more than 10 million Microsoft cameras connected to television screens in homes around the world.

That’s how many Xbox 360 Kinect sensors have been sold in six months. The devices already have video chat capabilities, but the feature has been relatively low profile. Just imagine what would happen if Microsoft brought the Skype brand — and its 145 million connected users — into the picture. That’s a powerful combination of brands with the potential to get a lot of attention and usage.

Inexcusably, I left Kinect out of the equation in my last post. Todd Bishop nails it.

The Escapist magazine and the Extra Credits crew have created the Extra Credits Innovation Awards to acknowledge the ideas of today that will shape the video games of tomorrow. Submissions are open through April 20, and nominees will be announced May 2.

The categories are Innovation in Game Design, Innovation in Narrative Delivery, Most Unbelievably Awesomely Fun, Genre Buster Award, Positive Impact Innovator, and the LOGIN Special Award for Innovation in Multiplayer.

Anyone can participate, from major studios down to the smallest indie or hobbyist developer. Even student projects are welcome. Check it out!

Finally, I can once again hear the satisfying crash of a yellow dragon's jaws closing futilely behind me as I race through a maze. CNET's Crave blog reports that the Atari's Greatest Hits app is bringing old-school arcade and 2600 games to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The app is free, and you load it up with games such as Missile Command, Adventure, Yar's Revenge, Warlords and Battlezone. Individual game packs are 99 cents, while the full 100-game bundle is $14.99.

Reviews are mixed: some seem over the moon about it, but I'm seeing a lot of complaints about the controls and display. I'm likely to give it a whirl, though -- who am I kidding, I pretty much HAVE to -- and will let you know what I think.

Modder Ben Heck asks the musical question, "What Do You Get When You Cross An Xbox 360 With An Atari 2600?" Here is his answer, complete with lovely faux wood paneling.

Starbucks locations in Toronto and Vancouver, B.C. are promoting Tazo Tea by turning their front windows into interactive displays: passers-by use touch to guide birds and insects through a short game.