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Kinect v2.0 is all grown up with new 'adult' features


Is Microsoft's motion-sensing Kinect accessory finally growing up?
 
Microsoft, in a blog post, hinted that the coming new version of Kinect will have improved sensors and software that allows it to do more than just kids' games.
 
"The new Kinect for Windows v2 sensor and software development kit (SDK) will take natural user interaction to the next level, offering greater overall precision, responsiveness, and intuitive capabilities that will accelerate the development of voice and gesture experiences on computers. In July 2014, the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor and a public beta of the SDK 2.0 will be available, giving developers the ability to start developing Kinect for Windows applications for the Windows Store," it said.
 
It added they will be able to make their apps available to Windows Store customers later this year.
 
Also, Microsoft noted that businesses worldwide are using the Kinect for Windows sensor and SDK "to develop innovative solutions for retail, healthcare, education, and more."
 
Microsoft said the upcoming Kinect's features include:
 
  • Depth sensing: higher depth fidelity and a significantly improved noise floor, for improved 3D visualization, improved ability to see smaller objects and all objects more clearly, and improves the stability of skeletal tracking.
  • 1080p HD video
  • Wider/expanded field of view
  • Improved skeletal tracking: the sensor can now track as many as six complete skeletons compared to two with the original sensor, and 25 joints per person compared to 20 in version 1
  • New Active infrared: allows the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor to see in the dark, and produce a lighting-independent view, to make machine learning or computer-vision–based tasks much easier
 
"We look forward to the many new and innovative uses that the community will develop to use this fundamentally new capability," Microsoft said.
 
A separate report on tech site Mashable said the sensor is priced at $199 and was available for developers to preorder starting June 5.
 
But Mashable also noted the new Kinect indicates a separation from the Xbox gaming console, after Microsoft released the Xbox One without Kinect last month.
 
"Once considered inseparable, the two are beginning to part ways in terms of function. While Xbox is continuing its focus on entertainment, Kinect is branching out into territory beyond that of interactive gaming. Some of the non-recreational functions being explored include interpreting sign language and flying military-grade helicopters," it said. — Joel Locsin / TJD, GMA News