As we reported yesterday, Microsoft has today released their new Kinect for Windows SDK, allowing developers to design and create new Kinect applications and projects, building applications with C++, C#, or Visual Basic.
The new Kinect for Windows SDK supports Windows 7 and comes with everything a developer needs to start creating Kinect projects. This includes drivers, rich APIs for Raw Sensor Streams, natural user interfaces, and resource materials, all included in the new beta SDK.
Features of the Kinect for Windows SDK
The Kinect for Windows SDK is packed with features that make it a powerful tool for developers. It includes advanced capabilities such as skeletal tracking, which allows the Kinect sensor to track the movement of up to 20 joints per person for two people. This feature is particularly useful for applications in gaming, fitness, and interactive installations.
Additionally, the SDK provides access to the Kinect’s audio capabilities, including a four-microphone array that can capture sound and determine the direction of the audio source. This can be used for voice recognition applications or to create more immersive audio experiences in games and other interactive applications.
Anoop Gupta, a distinguished scientist at Microsoft Research, explains:
“The Kinect for Windows SDK opens up a world of possibilities to developers who want to unleash the power of Kinect technology on Windows,”
“We can’t wait to see what this community will create as we work together to build more natural, intuitive computing experiences.”
Applications and Potential Uses
The potential applications for the Kinect for Windows SDK are vast and varied. In the healthcare industry, for example, developers can create applications that assist in physical therapy by tracking patients’ movements and providing real-time feedback. In education, Kinect can be used to develop interactive learning tools that engage students in new and exciting ways.
Moreover, the SDK can be utilized in retail environments to create interactive displays that respond to customer movements, providing a more engaging shopping experience. In the realm of art and entertainment, artists and performers can use Kinect to create interactive installations and performances that respond to audience movements.
The new SDK has been designed to easily install on a Windows 7 system without any complex configuration required, allowing you to be up and running in just a few minutes. This ease of installation means that even developers who are new to Kinect can quickly start experimenting and creating.
For those interested in putting their Kinect ideas into action, more information and the download for the new Kinect for Windows SDK beta can be found on the Microsoft Kinect SDK website.
The release of the Kinect for Windows SDK marks a significant step forward in making Kinect technology accessible to a broader range of developers. With its rich set of features and ease of use, the SDK opens up new possibilities for creating innovative applications that leverage the power of natural user interfaces. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, the Kinect for Windows SDK offers the tools you need to bring your ideas to life.
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