Microsoft’s David Catuhe has this week announced the release of a new version of the Kinect Toolbox 1.2. This latest update is now available for download and brings with it a number of great new features, including the ability to now convert gestures into mouse controls.
New Tools and Features
The new Kinect Toolbox now provides the following tools for developers to implement into their applications. One of the standout features is the MouseController, a tool that has been designed to enable control of a mouse with your Kinect. This feature is particularly useful for creating more interactive and immersive user experiences, allowing users to navigate their computer or applications using hand gestures.
Another exciting addition is the MouseImpostor, a new control to replace the mouse pointer when used on the Xbox games console, for instance. This feature can significantly enhance the gaming experience by providing a more intuitive and natural way to interact with games and applications.
In addition to these, the update also introduces Magnetic controls. These controls have been added to provide developers with the ability to enable users to select controls with Microsoft’s Kinect device using gestures. This can be particularly useful in applications where touchless interaction is preferred or required, such as in medical environments or public information kiosks.
Practical Applications and Future Potential
The new features in Kinect Toolbox 1.2 open up a wide range of possibilities for developers and users alike. For instance, the MouseController can be used in educational software to create interactive learning environments where students can navigate through lessons and activities using hand gestures. This can make learning more engaging and accessible, especially for young children or individuals with disabilities.
The MouseImpostor feature can be a game-changer for the gaming industry. By replacing the traditional mouse pointer with gesture controls, developers can create more immersive and interactive gaming experiences. Imagine playing a strategy game where you can command your troops with a wave of your hand or navigating through a virtual world using natural gestures.
Magnetic controls can also have significant implications for various industries. In the healthcare sector, for example, surgeons could use gesture controls to navigate through medical images or patient records without having to touch any surfaces, thereby maintaining sterility. In retail, interactive displays could allow customers to browse products and make selections using gestures, providing a futuristic shopping experience.
For full details on the new features, you can jump over to the official release notes by David Catuhe. The Kinect Toolbox 1.2 update is a significant step forward in making gesture-based controls more accessible and versatile for developers and users alike.
Source: Engadget : CodePlex : Eternal Coding
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