Kinect hacks have been popping up all over the place since Microsoft launched their motion based controller late in 2010 and now Microsoft has revealed they will release the non-commercial development kit in late spring 2011. This doesn’t mean free for all hacks but instead will allow academic institutions and communities to create “richer experiences using Kinect technology”.
At the moment Microsoft Research is readying the release which will allow pre approved users and developers to use the Kinect system for external uses. This includes the audio sensors, system APIs, and direct control of the sensor. Interestingly Microsoft will also deliver a version for commercial use at a ‘later date’ which could mean other games developers could use the system.
The Kinect for Windows SDK will run alongside Microsoft’s other research programmes including the Natural User Interfaces including Windows Phone 7, Bing for mobile, Microsoft Surface 2.0 and Office 2010 Mini Translator.
We will have to wait and see who or what qualifies as an ‘enthusiast’ when the Kinect for Windows SDK is released later on in the spring. One thing that is certain is that we can expect plenty more hack both before and after it comes out.
Via: Microsoft Blog
