Microsoft, today, announced the release of a beta version of its Kinect SDK. This software development kit allows Kinect hobbyists to build applications that utilize the Kinect sensor. The SDK allows users to build applications that use the Kinect on PCs running Windows 7.
The Kinect SDK for PCs is only for noncommercial use but will soon be available for commercial use. The SDK offers developers access to the raw streams from sensors in the Kinect, which include the depth sensor, color camera sensor, and the microphone array.
The Kinect for Windows SDK beta is a programming toolkit for application developers. It enables the academic and enthusiast communities easy access to the capabilities offered by the Microsoft Kinect device connected to computers running the Windows 7 operating system.
The Kinect for Windows SDK beta includes drivers, rich APIs for raw sensor streams and human motion tracking, installation documents, and resource materials. It provides Kinect capabilities to developers who build applications with C++, C#, or Visual Basic by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.
Not that long ago, we learned that Microsoft Research had big plans for the Kinect platform. “When we first saw the Kinect it became completely obvious that what we wanted to do was control the universe with our fingertips. We believe that Kinect can be more than just a great platform for gaming and entertainment. It opens up enormous opportunities that span everything from delivering new personal experiences to addressing societal challenges in the fields of healthcare and education.”
