Microsoft Prototypes Kinect-ed Notebooks
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012Notebook computers controlled by hand gestures. That very 21st-century vision of computer interaction is getting closer, according to new reports about prototypes that integrate Microsoft’s Kinect gesture-based controller technology.
The online reports indicate that Microsoft, maker of the Kinect for the Xbox 360 game console, has developed two Windows 8-based prototypes with built-in Kinect sensors. On these Asus notebook computers, sensors are stretched across the top of the screen, where the webcam would otherwise go.
A Hit on Its Hands
Kinect uses motion detection, hand gestures and voice recognition to control video games. There’s also facial recognition, which is stored in a profile, so that Kinect knows who players are. Finally, there are four microphones that enable the recognition and separation of a person’s voice from other noises in the room.
When it was first released a year ago, Kinect sold 8 million units in its first 60 days on sale, making it the fastest-selling consumer electronics device ever. Computer programmers almost immediately began hacking the device for new uses, which Microsoft at first opposed.
But the company soon realized it had a hit on its hands, and has since become active in promoting Kinect for a range of applications. Microsoft has released a beta Kinect for Windows Software Developers Kit, and a release version is expected soon. The company has said that its pilot program involves more than 200 applications from top companies in more than 20 countries, in such industries as health care, education, advertising and automotive.
There has been no shortage of imaginative uses. For instance, the Lakeside Center for Autism in Issaquah, Wash., has used Kinect to help improve social interaction, language development and motor skills for its patients. Another example: A Spanish start-up company, Tedesys, is developing an app that will allow doctors to use the device…
View full post on NewsFactor Network