Following on from the announcement of the Kinect for Windows commercial program a few weeks back, Microsoft has this week announced it is currently developing new Kinect hardware specifically designed for Windows. Microsoft hopes to launch this new hardware in early 2012.
Microsoft explains they are currently building on the existing Kinect for Xbox 360 and are tweaking the firmware and hardware components to more closely work with Windows computers. This development is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to integrate more natural user interfaces into their software ecosystem, making computing more intuitive and accessible.
Enhanced Features for Developers
Once released early next year, the new Kinect hardware and Software Development Kit (SDK) and runtime aim to provide developers and Microsoft customers with the features and functionality that they have been requesting. These enhancements are designed to make the Kinect more versatile and reliable for a wide range of applications beyond gaming.
These include: “shortening the USB cable to ensure reliability across a broad range of computers and the inclusion of a small dongle to improve coexistence with other USB peripherals and new firmware which enables the depth camera to see objects as close as 50 centimeters in front of the device without losing accuracy or precision, with graceful degradation down to 40 centimeters,” explains Microsoft. This means that the Kinect will be able to function effectively in smaller spaces, making it more suitable for use in various environments such as offices, classrooms, and homes.
Potential Applications and Impact
The new Kinect for Windows is expected to open up a plethora of new applications and use cases. For instance, in the field of education, teachers could use Kinect to create interactive learning experiences that engage students in new and exciting ways. In healthcare, physical therapists could use Kinect to monitor patients’ movements and progress during rehabilitation exercises. Businesses could also leverage Kinect for interactive presentations and virtual meetings, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Moreover, the improved depth camera capabilities will allow developers to create more precise and responsive applications. For example, gesture-based controls could become more accurate, enabling users to interact with their computers in a more natural and intuitive manner. This could lead to the development of new software that makes computing more accessible for people with disabilities, providing them with new ways to interact with technology.
Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the Kinect hardware for Windows also underscores the company’s dedication to fostering innovation within the developer community. By providing a robust and versatile platform, Microsoft is empowering developers to push the boundaries of what is possible with natural user interfaces.
More information about the new Kinect hardware currently being developed by Microsoft can be found on their official blog and website. As the release date approaches, we can expect more detailed specifications and potential use cases to be unveiled, generating excitement and anticipation within the tech community.
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