Microsoft Kinect, the project officially launch for xBox360 console. As you can see in the picture the main equipment is the Kinect sensor.
Kinect SDK for Windows gives developers easy access to the capabilities offered by the Microsoft Kinect device connected to computers running the Windows 7 operating system and Windows 8 developer preview (desktop apps only).
It is easy to use. Basically you download. All you have to do is plunging the Kinect into a free USB socket and start programming. You can create applications in C#, VB or any .NET language including C++. Its only disadvantage is that it has a non-commercial licence which means you cannot use it to make any profit or even use it at all within a profit making organization.
Introduction to Hardware
There is a plug on the end of the cable that comes out of the Kinec. It is a proprietary connector designed to allow the Kinect to be plugged into the new black XBOX 360 without the use of an external power supply. Older XBOXes don't have the special connector and they come with an external power supply which has an adaptor to convert the Kinect plug into a standard USB connector and power supply connector.If you have bought a Kinect with a recent XBox as a bundle then you will need to buy the adaptor/power supply. At the moment these are only available from the Microsoft store.
Prices
The initial retail price of Kinect sensor is about $149.00. But if you haven't xBox360 console you should considered abut xBox360 console and bundle pack.
Kinect Sensing
With Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets your whole body in the game. Imagine controlling movies and music with the wave of a hand or the sound of your voice. With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. And the best part is Kinect works with every Xbox 360.Kinect has following sensors to detect humans' activities.
- Motion sensor
- Skeletal tracking
- Facial recognition
- Voice recognition
