Microsoft announces Kinect hardware for Windows

David Heath
Wednesday, 23 November 2011 19:18

Your IT - Entertainment

Microsoft has confirmed that special optimised hardware will be available for Kinect when the Windows-based version is released early next year.

In a blog post titled "Kinect for Windows - Building the Future," Craig Eisler, Microsoft's General Manager, Kinect for Windows announced that the Kinect for Windows commercial program will launch in early 2012.  This follows the release of the SDK beta in June.

According to Eisler, "we've been asked whether there will also be new Kinect hardware especially for Windows. The answer is yes; building on the existing Kinect for Xbox 360 device, we have optimized certain hardware components and made firmware adjustments which better enable PC-centric scenarios. Coupled with the numerous upgrades and improvements our team is making to the Software Development Kit (SDK) and runtime, the new hardware delivers features and functionality that Windows developers and Microsoft customers have been asking for.

"Simple changes 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.  Of particular interest to developers will be the 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.  "Near Mode" will enable a whole new class of "close up" applications, beyond the living room scenarios for Kinect for Xbox 360. This is one of the most requested features from the many developers and companies participating in our Kinect for Windows pilot program and folks commenting on our forums, and we're pleased to deliver this, and more, at launch."

In addition to direct product and SDK support, Microsoft has also announced the Kinect Accelerator Program which will give 10 selected companies a grant of $US20,000 and access to other resources.  Applications are open until January 25th.  The ten finalists will be expected to relocate to Seattle and occupy donated office space from March until may next year.

At the end of the program, according to Eisler, "each company will have an opportunity to present at an Investor Demo Day to angel investors, venture capitalists, Microsoft executives (including me), media and industry influentials. I can't wait to see what they (and maybe you?) come up with!"