Coming up to exactly one year since Microsoft originally released their new Kinect gaming motion controller for the Xbox 360 console, Microsoft has today unveiled plans to release a commercial software development kit (SDK) for its Kinect motion controller device in early 2012.
The new SDK will enable developers of third-party applications to create commercial software for Microsoft Windows and incorporate the motion control features of the device within it. Microsoft has already been running a pilot scheme for a new SDK which already has 200 companies signed up, including the likes of Toyota and Razorfish. Additionally, Microsoft released a non-commercial SDK for their Kinect device, which allows enthusiasts and students to take advantage of the motion controller’s features.
Expanding the Kinect Ecosystem
The announcement by Microsoft comes as a welcome addition for developers who are now hoping to take advantage of the Xbox 360 Kinect device on Windows PCs. The Kinect motion controller, initially designed for gaming, has shown potential in various other fields such as healthcare, education, and robotics. By providing a commercial SDK, Microsoft is opening the door for innovative applications that can leverage the Kinect’s advanced motion-sensing capabilities.
For instance, in healthcare, the Kinect could be used for physical therapy exercises, allowing patients to perform movements at home while their progress is monitored remotely by healthcare professionals. In education, the Kinect can create interactive learning experiences, making subjects like science and history more engaging for students. Robotics enthusiasts can use the Kinect to develop robots that can navigate and interact with their environment more effectively.
Compatibility and Future Prospects
Microsoft explains that the new SDK will work with Windows 7, but as yet hasn’t divulged whether it will work with their up-and-coming Windows 8 operating system. Given the rapid advancements in technology and the anticipated features of Windows 8, it is likely that future updates to the SDK will ensure compatibility with newer operating systems, thereby extending the longevity and utility of the Kinect device.
The potential applications of the Kinect SDK are vast. For example, in the automotive industry, companies like Toyota could use the Kinect for virtual showrooms, allowing customers to explore car models in a highly interactive manner. Marketing firms like Razorfish could develop immersive advertising campaigns that engage users in new and exciting ways.
Moreover, the SDK could foster a new wave of indie developers and startups, eager to create unique applications that utilize motion control. This democratization of technology could lead to unexpected and groundbreaking innovations, much like how the app stores for smartphones have revolutionized mobile computing.
For more information on the new SDK and to get started developing applications, jump over to the Microsoft website for everything you need.
Source: CNET
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