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When the Kinect first launched, Microsoft seemed unsure how to respond to the dedicated modding community that sprang up around the Xbox peripheral. Happily, they decided to accept the inevitable, if not fully embrace it. But now we have word from Microsoft itself that a Kinect SDK for Windows will be dropping this spring.
The SDK will be a collaborative effort of the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) and Microsoft Research. With the official development kit, modders will have easy access to more parts of the Kinect system. We're talking about full access to the audio and video sensor interfaces with a more optimized development environment. The Kinect hacks so far have been impressive, but the next wave could really blow us all away.
Kinect has proven to be a unique system for natural user interface, and having this input on a PC could be interesting indeed. The SDK will be free for any interested parties. Do you think Microsoft will sell more Kinects because of this?
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darrennevares
February 21, 2011 at 6:11pm
There already is some video of Kinect being used with computers in Ubuntu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ59dXOo63o&feature=player_embedded
mofitgti
February 21, 2011 at 3:16pm
Good News, this will open alot of doors for the interactive pc world, if kinect becomes compatable with 3d vision and multi screen setups, what a blast that would be!!!! Good job microsoft!! Thumbs up
jnite
February 21, 2011 at 2:27pm
This is definitely the right way to go. Gives people a second reason to buy a Kinect. I personally don't care about Kinect in a gaming aspect, but the concept of using it for my PC peeks my interest.
acidic
February 21, 2011 at 1:53pm
i think they are doing the right thing. its better to embrace and support the modding community instead of turning your back on them and screwing it all up like sony has with this whole ps3 thing. i can guarantee you that kinect sales will definately improve with this as more useful/cool programs get released
bling581
February 22, 2011 at 11:28am
Don't fool yourselves, it's all about the money. I doubt they care little about the modding community and you wouldn't see this if they knew there wasn't much revenue behind it.
