Just three hours after the European launch, Hector Martin has already hacked Microsoft’s new Kinect motion system and enabled it to run under Linux open-source drivers with support for RGB input as well as depth sensing. This remarkable feat showcases the potential for Kinect beyond its intended use with the Xbox gaming console. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
The Significance of Hacking Kinect
The ability to hack Kinect and run it on Linux opens up a myriad of possibilities for developers and tech enthusiasts. By enabling the Kinect to work with open-source drivers, Hector Martin has paved the way for innovative applications in various fields such as robotics, virtual reality, and even healthcare. The Kinect’s depth-sensing capabilities can be utilized for 3D scanning, gesture recognition, and more, making it a versatile tool for developers.
You can download the full drivers. However, there are still a few things to sort out, such as audio and a full list of tweaks. But what do you expect in just three hours? Fantastic job!
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The hack demonstrates the potential for Kinect to be used in ways that Microsoft may not have originally intended. For instance, in the field of robotics, the Kinect’s depth-sensing technology can be used to help robots navigate and interact with their environment more effectively. In virtual reality, the Kinect can be used to create more immersive experiences by tracking a user’s movements in real-time.
Moreover, in healthcare, the Kinect can be used for physical therapy and rehabilitation. By tracking a patient’s movements, healthcare providers can monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly. The possibilities are endless, and with the open-source community’s involvement, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for Kinect in the future.
The open-source community has always been a hotbed for innovation, and this hack is a perfect example of that. By making the Kinect compatible with Linux, Hector Martin has not only expanded the device’s potential but also inspired other developers to explore new possibilities. As more people experiment with the Kinect and contribute to its development, we can expect to see a wide range of new applications and improvements.
The hacking of Kinect to run on Linux is a significant achievement that highlights the power of open-source development. It opens up new avenues for innovation and demonstrates the potential for technology to be repurposed in creative and unexpected ways. Kudos to Hector Martin for his impressive work, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Kinect and its applications.
Via CrunchGear
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