Microsoft has launched the Kinect for Windows commercial program, which it says was designed to let firms explore new ways "to improve internal operations, build new customer experiences, and potentially revolutionise their industries".
To encourage small businesses to adopt the technology, Microsoft and Tech Stars are running a Kinect Accelerator program offering entrepreneurs, engineers and innovators the opportunity to develop applications with Kinect as part of a three-month intensive competition.
"It's been just over a year since we launched Kinect for Xbox 360, and we're only starting to scratch the surface of what's possible with Kinect," said Kinect for Windows general manager Craig Eisler.
"By offering hardware and software that's designed specifically for Windows applications, we hope to inspire visionaries around the world to create transformative breakthroughs with Kinect - taking its gesture and voice capabilities beyond the living room into other industries such as education, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail."
The Kinect for Windows commercial license and purchasable hardware is available in 12 countries (United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and United States).
Computer firms will soon be incorporating Kinect technology into laptops, according to a recent report.
Comments
6 comments so far...
PMIKE5 on 1 Feb '12 said:
Kinect would be a very handy tool for the PC. Especially for photoshop
FlacidDonkeyGuy on 1 Feb '12 said:
I think with the supposed low spec of the next box, Windows 8 & laptops with Kincet bulit in. The LIVE sevice & games might well be cross platform. ie: port a pad in a 720 or Spec'ed laptop/desktop with Windows 8, play on LIVE with the same games, using your profile. Win win for Microsoft sell a cheap console at proit or Software for a PC, rake in Royalties off games regardless, & claw back market share from Apple in the process.
Imaduck on 1 Feb '12 said:
Personally i feel Kinect is more at homeo n the PC. Most of the "oooh wow" sciency experimental Kinect stuff has been done on PC's, so makes sense.
B_G_G on 1 Feb '12 said:
It's not going to be useful in Photoshop. Well, OK. Only if its a LOT and I mean a WHOLE FREAKING TRUCKLOAD OF LOT more accurate than it is on the 360. To pixel perfect levels. Which I find unlikely.
I can't see myself choosing to use it to play games over a gaming mouse either, again because the reduction in accurate control is just unacceptable.
As a remote control replacement for a media center PC however, I am very much on board.
weejocky on 1 Feb '12 said:
Does kinect for PC also require you to be 6 feet away.... if so its useless for a majority of users
nologo on 2 Feb '12 said:
love the way microsoft hold on to this like they invented it..no it was created by a 3rd party.
Asus also have the same technology and are developing laptops with it built in.
it will be on every next gen console.