Developers can now pre-order Kinect for Windows v2 sensor starting today

Kinect for Windows v2 sensor gives developers the ability to develop interactive voice and gesture based applications, using its precision, responsiveness, and intuitive capabilities. At Microsoft Build Developer Conference in April, the company announced that they will be releasing Kinect for Windows V2 sensor and SDK this summer. With this release, developers will also be able to create Windows Store apps for the first time.

Microsoft has announced that developers can pre-order the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor starting today, and it will be available as a public beta in July 2014. The company will be shipping all the pre-orders in July. This move has been made to give developers a head start, giving them access to improved features like increased depth-sensing capabilities, full 1080p video, improved skeletal tracking, and enhanced infrared technology.

According to Microsoft, lots of developers requested to be a part of their Developer Preview program and they’re still receiving requests. Microsoft urges anyone who wants to be part of this, to pre-order as soon as possible since the supplies won’t last for long. Although, as soon as the pre-order inventory is finished, they’ll provide additional sensors for general purchase later this year.

“The Kinect for Windows v2 sensor does not ship with any software. It is intended for use with the Kinect for Windows SDK 2.0 (licensed separately) and will only operate with applications developed for Kinect for Windows v2. Developers can use the Kinect for Windows SDK 2.0 to build applications with C++, C#, or Visual Studio Basic by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.” Microsoft mentioned.

Improvements made are:

• Real Vision: Kinect Real Vision technology dramatically expands its field of view for greater line of sight. An all-new active IR camera enables it to see in the dark. And by using advanced three-dimensional geometry, it can even tell if you’re standing off balance.
• Real Motion: Kinect Real Motion technology tracks even the slightest gestures. So a simple squeeze of your hand results in precise control over an application, whether you’re standing up or sitting down.
• Real Voice: Kinect Real Voice technology focuses on the sounds that matter. Thanks to an all-new multi-microphone array, the advanced noise isolation capability lets the sensor know who to listen to, even in a crowded space.

“I love what the Kinect sensor and SDK can do. Getting the v2 sensor into the hands of more developers and getting the SDK more widely available is the next step.” said Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Chief Evangelist Steven Guggenheimer. The company has also promised to bring more features for the v2 technology in the coming months.

The timing for this release comes just weeks after Microsoft announced a Kinect-less Xbox One console for $399. Are developers still interested in developing for the Kinect after this move? We will have to wait and see.

UPDATE:

Microsoft will be selling the Kinect for Windows V2 sensor for $199 and start shipping on July 15.