Microsoft said Monday that its Kinect SDK for PCs, which will allow developers to create new uses for the motion-based system beyond gaming, will be available early next year.
"The commercial program will give businesses the tools to develop applications that not only could improve their own operations, but potentially revolutionize entire industries," Microsoft said in a blog post.
Back in June, Microsoft released the Kinect for Windows SDK as a free download via Microsoft Research. It included drivers, APIs, device interfaces, installer documents, and resource materials for developers.
Microsoft said today that since then, more than 200 businesses worldwide—like Toyota, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Razorfish—have joined a Kinect for Windows pilot program.
"While no one knows what the future holds, if the past year is any indication, it's going to be inspiring," Microsoft said.
The news comes on the eve of the Kinect's first birthday. It launched on November 4, 2010 and quickly became a best-seller. Ten million Kinect sensors flew off the shelves, earning it a Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling consumer electronics device.
Later this year, consumers who subscribe to Comcast and Verizon FiOS will be able to watch live TV and on-demand video via the Xbox 360, and control the action via Kinect. Microsoft is also teaming up with the Sesame Workshop and National Geographic for Kinect-based versions of its children's programming.
Last month, Microsoft also promised that Xbox Live will be coming to its revamped Windows 8 OS.
No comments:
Post a Comment