Kinect For Windows is Here!
In an CES announcement last month, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed the plans to release the Kinect Software Development Kit. Yesterday, the Kinect SDK is making it’s way out into the world of the PC user. How will this impact the way we interact with our computers? With the ability to have our computers recognize our voice and gestures, only time will tell. This is an exciting step in the advancement of computer technology.
The SDK and Version 1.0 is available for download here, and include:
Raw Sensor Streams:
Enables the depth sensor to see objects as close as 40 centimeters and also communicates more information about depth values outside the range than was previously available. There is also improved synchronization between color and depth, mapping depth to color, and a full frame API.
Skeletal Tracking:
Provides more accuracy and skeletal tracking now enables control over which user is being tracked by the sensor.
Advanced speech and audio capabilities:
Provide the latest Microsoft Speech components and an updated English Language Pack for improved language recognition accuracy. In addition, the appropriate runtime components are now automatically installed with the runtime installer exe.
API improvements:
Enhances consistency and ease of development. New developers should have a much easier time learning how to develop with Kinect for Windows, and all developers will be more productive.
Currently, the Kinect SDK runs at $249.00 USD, but future plans to lower that cost for educators is in the works.
For more details see the Kinect for Windows Blog.
