Unfortunately, Microsoft has made a statement denying plans to release a firmware update that could have possibly quadrupled the accuracy of its new Kinect motion controller, which I covered earlier this week.
The rumour detailed plans to increase the resolution of the Kinect’s camera from 320 x 240 to 640 x 480, hence improving its accuracy. This potential update had generated significant excitement among users and developers who were eager to see enhanced performance and more precise motion tracking capabilities.
However, when Microsoft was questioned on the firmware update rumoured for their new Kinect device, a Microsoft representative stated:
“We’re constantly working to expand and improve on experiences for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. However, this rumour is completely unsubstantiated.
We couldn’t be more pleased with the fidelity of the technology and clearly consumers agree given we sold more than 2.5 million units around the world in the first 25 days Kinect was on the market.”
The Impact of Kinect’s Current Capabilities
The Kinect motion controller, even without the rumored firmware update, has already made a significant impact on the gaming industry. Its ability to track body movements and translate them into in-game actions has opened up new possibilities for interactive gaming. The device uses a combination of an RGB camera, depth sensor, and multi-array microphone to capture motion and voice commands, providing a unique and immersive gaming experience.
Despite the current resolution of 320 x 240, the Kinect has been praised for its innovative approach to motion sensing. Games like “Kinect Sports” and “Dance Central” have showcased the potential of the technology, allowing players to engage in physical activities and dance routines without the need for traditional controllers. The Kinect’s ability to recognize gestures and voice commands has also been utilized in non-gaming applications, such as navigating the Xbox dashboard and controlling media playback.
Future Prospects and Community Expectations
While the denial of the firmware update may be disappointing to some, it is important to consider the broader context of Kinect’s development. Microsoft has a history of iterating on its hardware and software, and it is likely that future updates and versions of the Kinect will continue to improve its capabilities. The company’s commitment to expanding and improving experiences for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE suggests that they are actively exploring ways to enhance the Kinect’s performance.
Moreover, the Kinect community has been incredibly resourceful in finding creative uses for the device. Developers and hobbyists have utilized the Kinect for various projects beyond gaming, including robotics, virtual reality, and even medical applications. The open-source community has developed drivers and software that allow the Kinect to be used with PCs, further expanding its potential.
In conclusion, while the rumored firmware update to quadruple the Kinect’s accuracy may not be in the works, the device remains a groundbreaking piece of technology with a wide range of applications. Microsoft’s focus on improving user experiences and the community’s ingenuity ensure that the Kinect will continue to evolve and find new uses in the future.
Via Electonista
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