Microsoft has announced that a new version of their Kinect for Windows will be arriving in May 2012. Once released, the new Kinect for Windows 1.5 will provide developers with 10-joint skeletal tracking support, even when a user is seated. This enhancement will enable the Kinect motion tracking controller to track the head, neck, and arms of either a seated or standing user, significantly expanding its usability in various applications.
Enhanced Skeletal Tracking and Speech Recognition
In addition to the 10-joint skeletal tracking support, Kinect for Windows 1.5 will also provide speech recognition for four new languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. This feature will make the device more accessible to a broader audience, allowing developers to create applications that cater to non-English speaking users. The inclusion of these languages demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to making their technology more inclusive and versatile.
Moreover, Microsoft will be releasing new dialect language packs for various forms of English and other languages. These packs will include: English/Great Britain, English/Ireland, English/Australia, English/New Zealand, English/Canada, French/France, French/Canada, Italian/Italy, Japanese/Japan, Spanish/Spain, and Spanish/Mexico. This extensive range of dialects ensures that the speech recognition feature can accurately understand and respond to users from different regions, enhancing the overall user experience.
Global Expansion and Applications
Kinect for Windows will also be launching in nineteen more countries over the coming months. This global expansion will allow more developers and users to access and benefit from the advanced features of Kinect for Windows 1.5. The increased availability will likely spur innovation and lead to the development of new applications across various industries, including healthcare, education, and entertainment.
For example, in the healthcare sector, the enhanced skeletal tracking can be used for physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, allowing therapists to monitor patients’ movements accurately. In education, the speech recognition feature can be utilized to create interactive learning tools that cater to students from different linguistic backgrounds. In the entertainment industry, developers can create more immersive and interactive gaming experiences that respond to users’ movements and voices.
The new version of Kinect for Windows also opens up possibilities for businesses to integrate motion and voice control into their operations. Retail stores can use the technology for interactive displays and customer service kiosks, while offices can implement it for hands-free navigation of presentations and meetings.
Overall, the release of Kinect for Windows 1.5 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of motion and voice control technology. By providing enhanced tracking capabilities and expanding language support, Microsoft is paving the way for more innovative and inclusive applications that can benefit users worldwide.
Source: Engadget
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