Kinect for Windows: Microsoft Program Eyes New Era of Gesture Control
By David Tobia
October 24, 2012
October 24, 2012
- Microsoft hopes its Kinect for Windows program will help revolutionize the way people interact with their computers. The goal of the program is to bring the hands-free gestures Kinect made popular on the Xbox 360 to all Windows devices.
- This will not only change the way people interact with their devices, but will create new possibilities for interaction, such as hands free gestures for surgeons who cannot touch keyboards.
- “We initially used keyboards, then the mouse and GUIs were a big innovation, now touch is a big part of people’s lives. The progression will now be to voice and gesture,” explains Peter Zatloukal, head of engineering for the Kinect for Windows program.
- Kinect for Windows equipment sells for $249 and is available in 32 countries. Before Microsoft can reach the number of people it envisions, developers must create applications for the system.
- While Microsoft is currently targeting only software developers, Technology Review suggests the company could bring the system directly to consumers if developers make enough software progress.
- Another option would be to “encourage computer manufacturers to bundle it with desktops, laptops, or monitors in place of a regular webcam,” notes the article.
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