The software giant Microsoft will be releasing a Kinect add-on for Windows on February 1st, 2012. What is interesting about this release is the fact that it is not targeting Xbox gamers or PC gamers but developers themselves.
On it’s release the Kinect sold over one million units, making it the fastest selling consumer product of all time and giving it a spot on the Guinness Book of World Records. The idea was simple, Kinect made you the controller. Using what Microsoft calls Natural User Interface (NUI) gamers of all ages were able to enjoy gaming with Kinect. Microsoft was finally able to target casual audiences and retain its hardcore gamers. Along with this new found popularity, and unexpected by Microsoft, a community of developers began to tap into the potential of Kinect.
Developers came up with an endless amount of innovation with Kinect as new “Kinect Hacks” emerged every week. New ideas such as Drones controlled by NUI showed up on Youtube. With each new hack different from the last, it was outstanding to imagine what this technology could bring in the future. Microsoft’s response to all of these hacks was an official Software Development Kit.
At its keynote for CES Microsoft revealed that over 18 million Kinect units had been sold world wide since its release and that there would be a commercial version of Kinect for Windows coming soon. Microsoft also formed a Kinect division within itself freeing Kinect from the Xbox division and keeping its new found momentum rolling. Also at CES Microsoft showed off a Kinect for Windows demo revealing a “Magic Mirror” that utilized the Kinect to create amazing augmented reality experiences. It could only be a matter of time before businesses use similar ideas in their stores.
Businesses have always tried to find new ways to interact with and attract customers. With Kinect I think Microsoft might have a viable solution. A Kinect could be used in all clothing stores by building upon the “Magic Mirrors” concept. Just imagine instead of having to go through a maze of isles all you have to do is go to a Kinect kiosk and browse the clothing they have available and then have a employee bring it up to you. Another route tech companies could take is in robotics. There is already a few videos out on YouTube of developers utilizing Kinect in robotics. Robots would have better understanding of where people are with the Kinect’s skeleton tracking and powerful microphones. Kinect can also impact education. Having a Kinect for a Physical Education class would help people lose weight and have fun. Games such as Dance Central work up a sweat without you noticing because of the fun you are having. The Kinect could also be put into great use in medical use. In surgery the Kinect keeps the doctors from having to leave sterile conditions through hands free computing. Seeing Kinect at all of these places would build the Kinect brand into a familiar and trust worthy piece of tech. If Kinect does indeed catch on it would actually even restore Microsoft’s reputation from those who believe it is a self indulgent company by making them see that Microsoft’s innovation is benefiting and changing the way mankind works.
Giving a PC eyes and ears will drastically change the way we interact with technology allowing for simple NUI experiences. Microsoft clearly realizes the potential of the Kinect beyond gaming. So far what we’ve seen developers create using the Kinect appears to be just the beginning.
