Microsoft has released a new update for its Kinect for Windows runtime and SDK today, taking it to version 1.5. The new update brings with it Microsoft’s new Kinect Studio, which has been created to enable developers to record and play back Kinect data.
The new Kinect Studio allows Kinect developers to record clips of users in the application’s target environment and then replay them at a later time for further development. This feature is particularly useful for debugging and refining applications, as developers can analyze user interactions and behaviors in detail without needing to recreate the same scenarios repeatedly.
Enhanced Face Tracking and Seated Skeletal Tracking
Other features in the new Kinect for Windows runtime and SDK 1.5 update include a Face Tracking SDK, which provides a real-time 3D mesh of facial features. This advanced face tracking capability can be used in a variety of applications, from gaming to healthcare. For instance, in gaming, it can enhance the realism of avatars by mimicking the player’s facial expressions. In healthcare, it can be used for monitoring patients’ emotional states or for rehabilitation exercises that require precise facial movements.
Additionally, the update introduces Seated Skeletal Tracking, which is now available. This tracks a 10-joint head/shoulders/arms skeleton, ignoring the leg and hip joints. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications where users are seated, such as in office environments or for accessibility purposes. For example, it can be used in virtual meetings to capture and animate the upper body movements of participants, making remote communication more engaging and interactive.
Global Availability and Language Support
The Kinect for Windows runtime and SDK is also now available in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan from today. Starting next month, it will be available in 15 additional countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, India, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. This expanded availability underscores Microsoft’s commitment to making Kinect technology accessible to a global audience, fostering innovation and development across diverse regions.
Moreover, the update includes new samples in both C++ and C#, plus a “Basics” series of samples with language coverage in C++, C#, and Visual Basic. These samples are designed to help developers get started quickly and efficiently, providing a solid foundation for building Kinect-enabled applications. The inclusion of multiple programming languages ensures that a wide range of developers, regardless of their preferred coding language, can leverage the power of Kinect.
In summary, the Kinect for Windows runtime and SDK 1.5 update brings significant enhancements and new features that empower developers to create more sophisticated and user-friendly applications. The introduction of Kinect Studio, advanced face tracking, and seated skeletal tracking, along with expanded global availability and comprehensive language support, make this update a substantial step forward in the evolution of Kinect technology.
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