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Kinect for Windows uses a new Kinect camera

by JC Fletcher on Nov 23rd 2011 12:00PM

Microsoft's Kinect for Windows program doesn't just involve new firmware for PCs. There will be a new version of the Kinect hardware designed for Windows, with "improvements" like a shorter USB cable ("to ensure reliability across a broad range of computers") and a smaller USB dongle to better share space.

The firmware includes support for a new "Near Mode," designed to see objects as close as 50 centimeters away from the camera ("with graceful degradation down to 40 centimeters," Windows Kinect GM Craig Eisler notes). It makes sense for a device you would use while sitting at the computer.

In advance of the Kinect for Windows launch (early 2012), Microsoft has launched the "Kinect Accelerator" program, which will give $20,000 each to ten startups using Kinect, along with Microsoft development tools, "marketing visibility" and mentoring.

Via: Eurogamer
Source: Microsoft

Tags: kinect, kinect-accelerator, kinect-for-windows, microsoft, pc, xbox

Reader Comments (29)

Would the new Kinect device for PCs still work at a distance like the 360 version, for instance if you have an HTPC (Home Theater PC)?

Will this Kinect also be compatible with the 360?

I think kinect is a bigger revolution beyond gaming. I'm expecting to see industrial/business spplications for this.

@Timjoy

Absolutely, and MS knows it. Sooner or later someone with inspiration is going to come around with something really incredible. I haven't paid much attention to Kinect development since all of the Kinect hacks around launch, but we've already seen some pretty amazing things.

@Electrium Would be cool to be built in to touch screen monitors!!

@Timjoy Agreed. I also think it won't be more than a year before we see a tiny version that's embedded straight into TV's, cell phones, laptops and tablets. Microsoft is playing a very clever chess game the past few years--Xbox 360, Kinect, Windows Phone 7, soon Windows 8, all built around natural UI's. They're making systemic changes that appear by all marks to be setting the stage for a very interesting Microsoft ecosystem future.

I might just buy one now... =)

I'll get one when there's worth while software in tow.

@ColorblindMonk

It's called Windows 8. How else did anyone think you were going to use a "touch-first" interface on a desktop computer, effectively?

https://tachyoniccargo.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/kinect-2-0-siri-for-everyone-else/#more-960

@Tachyonic Cargo

You do know Windows 8 does have a desktop more, riight?

@Tachyonic Cargo: the link to your site shows medium grey text full wide on a sunset background. This is absolutely unreadable.

I might have read it, but it's just not eye-friendly

Had no idea it was coming to pc. Very cool. I can see mmo emote actions being fun with kinect. Maybe tactical hand gestures in fps games too.

@GuardianLegend2
"Tactical hand gestures" like the one I use whenever someone cuts me off in traffic?

@Mach2
My tactical FPS gestures usually just involve crouching and standing, not so much use of the hands.

@Mach2
I imagine it'll take snapshots of those and put it up on Facebook.

"Near Mode" doesn't just make sense for people sitting at their computer, it makes sense for people who don't have an abundance of clear space in front of their televisions!

So this means there will now be two different Models for the kinect? or is this an upgraded version that will also be cross compatible with the 360?

im pretty annoyed since i just bought one not so long ago.

@KiDPANDA This is just for the PC, so nothing to worry about. It's not like you'll be using the Xbox version of the Kinect 50 cm away from the camera.

@NBear927

Speak for yourself, my 360 and my PC share the same monitor and the same playing space. It would be nice if I didn't back out quite so far to play Gunstringer.

Hopefully this "near mode" Will work fine for the xbox version, and the windows Kinect will also work on the 360. I haven't bought one due to the distance, if the distance was really shortened and tracked properly, I may buy one. The attachment that some third party developed isn't the best solution as it causes tracking issues.

@Fearmonkey I agree. 360 Kinect desperately needs this.

heh heh...."dongle"

Ive used my Kinect™ for a total of 15 minutes.

@Klearwater Killer
dammit, I was afraid someone would beat me to the punch on the dongle joke. And I felt the same way about Kinect until I played The Gunstringer. That game proves that the Kinect can do great things when the developer knows what they're doing

I'd buy this for a voice controlled batman arkham city where when you say "Im Batman" then that makes you take down a thug

Is it ironic that the motion-controlled Kinect will be usable by someone sitting in front of a computer?

@radioactivez0r

No. There is also voice recognition, facial recognition components that can be used in front of a computer.

You'd think the improvements would be to their $2 cameras...

I'm yet to try out Kinect (in any form), but as a Nintendo 'fanboy', I must say I see great potential in this technology.

did not buy kinect because my PC and my 360 share the same TFT screen on my desk

the near mode would be required in both situations for me,
so even if the Hardware is compatible, if the 360 has no "near mode" (where it makes sense... Forza 4's Headtracking etc.) i still won't be able to use it to 100%

no go

Breaking News

Kinect for Windows uses a new Kinect camera

Reader Comments (29)

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:06PM nerdydesi1 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:10PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:11PM Timjoy said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:37PM Electrium said

Posted: Nov 24th 2011 10:41AM 1OhhOne said

Posted: Jan 9th 2012 11:12PM JasonGW said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:13PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:21PM ColorblindMonk said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 3:04PM Tachyonic Cargo said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 3:48PM ComedyInK said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 4:28PM Alan Strangis said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:27PM GuardianLegend2 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:39PM Mach2 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 1:19PM swooded said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 1:20PM ColorblindMonk said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:40PM Calatia said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 12:43PM KiDPANDA said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 2:18PM NBear927 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 3:47PM Author X said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 1:41PM Fearmonkey said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 7:29PM Cafecito said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 1:55PM Klearwater Killer said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 1:58PM MEMgrizzlies7 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 2:26PM rajendra82 said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 3:27PM radioactivez0r said

Posted: Jan 9th 2012 11:27PM Odog4ever said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 7:45PM ClanPsi said

Posted: Nov 23rd 2011 11:44PM Soiden said

Posted: Nov 24th 2011 7:24AM Z3R0B4NG said

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