2012: New Kinect hardware for Windows PCs.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Microsoft is building on the existing Kinect for Xbox 360 device, they have optimized certain hardware components and made firmware adjustments which better enable PC-centric scenarios, which is due to launch in early 2012.

“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 the Kinect for Windows pilot program and folks commenting on  forums, and they’re pleased to deliver this, and more, at launch.

Small 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.

Developers.

Coupled with the numerous upgrades and improvements Kinect for Windows 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.

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.  

Kinect for Windows commercial program.

As part of Microsoft’s deep commitment to NUI, they designed the Kinect for Windows commercial program to give licensed customers access to ongoing updates in both speech and human tracking (where Microsoft has been investing for years), in addition to providing fully supported Kinect hardware for Windows.

Innovation.

Another thing they’ve heard from their pilot customers is that companies exploring commercial uses of Kinect want to operate with the assurance of support and future innovation from Microsoft. They’ve been captivated by the countless creative ways companies worldwide envision how their businesses and industries can be revolutionized with Kinect, and are proud to be helping those companies to explore the profound implications NUI has for the future.

New initiative, the Kinect Accelerator.

Microsoft also has just launched a new initiative, the Kinect Accelerator incubation project run by Microsoft BizSpark. Craig Eisler, General Manager, Kinect for Windows will be serving as a Mentor for this program, along with a number of other folks from Microsoft. BizSpark helps software startups through access to Microsoft software development tools, connection to key industry players (including investors) and by providing marketing visibility.  The Kinect Accelerator will give 10 tech-oriented companies using Kinect (on either Windows or Xbox360) an investment of $20,000 each, plus a number of other great perks.

Applications are being accepted now through January 25th, 2012. At the end of the program, each company will have an opportunity to present at an Investor Demo Day to angel investors, venture capitalists.

Summary: Microsoft is working on new Kinect sensor hardware tailored to work with the commercially-licensed version of Kinect for Windows PC development kit, which is due to launch in early 2012.

Source: ZDNet via Kinect for Windows Blog