Microsoft will formally roll out the Kinect for Windows v2 Sensor this coming July 15. The PC version is now listed at the Microsoft Store.
The Kinect for Windows v2 Sensor is a $199 motion device for the desktop. This means anyone can now buy the sensor even without an actual Xbox One gaming console unit.
No report on how many Xbox One Kinect units have been sold but software giant Microsoft is set to launch a new version. This is an enhanced version but a regular PC user can't use this yet as this will initially be available to developers so they could start building new apps.
Microsoft is releasing an SKU for the developers so more games and apps could be added to the limited selection of gamers. Developers are offered enhanced responsiveness, more precision, and intuitive capabilities with the sensor. The improvement now allows them to make more gesture-based and interactive apps for leisure and gaming purposes.
This works with the Kinect Windows SDK 2.0 only for now. It is intended for the developers so they could build apps based on JavaScript, C ++, VB. Net, or CX programming language.
The product is now ready for pre-order but Microsoft has made no formal announcement yet. No doubt though that this is official because the Cupertino software company has not pulled out the page yet.
Developers are encouraged to check out the Kinect for Windows v2 site to learn more about the Kinect for Windows software development kit (SDK) 2.0.
For developers, the page will help them build apps and see what others are already making. The latest SDK is now available for download and all the tools and documentation a developer needs to create an app.
The Kinect sensor for Windows is said to rival the Leap Motion hand motion sensor that is also intended for the desktop computer. The Leap Motion is actually a copycat. It was launched as a Kinect competitor but Leap Motion is believed to have a more accurate motion detection system. The Leap Motion can also track small movement of a person's fingers. Meanwhile, Microsoft's version still needs a lot of improving.
