Microsoft wants Kinect in the workplace

Kinect for Windows commercial program announced

We're approaching the 1 year anniversary of Microsoft's Kinect system and to celebrate Microsoft has announced that Kinect for Windows commercial program will go live early in 2012.

We know, we were kind of hoping for something a bit more exciting as well - especially as the press release we were sent was titled "Xbox 360 Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of the Kinect Effect". Would a Kinect-only version of Halo been too much to ask?

Anyways, the Kinect for Windows commercial program may not be as dull as it sounds - remember all those cool hacks that hit YouTube soon after the motion sensor went on sale? This could see some similar Minority Report style shenanigans hitting your workplace.

"Six months ago, a diverse group of hobbyists and academics from around the world embraced the possibilities of Kinect," explained Microsoft in the release.

"In a wave of creativity, they downloaded the Microsoft Kinect for Windows SDK and began developing creative applications and innovative uses in healthcare, education, art and so much more. Microsoft has recognised this phenomenon as The Kinect Effect.

"The commercial program will give businesses the tools to develop applications that not only could improve their own operations, but potentially revolutionise entire industries.

"While no one knows what the future holds, if the past year is any indication, it’s going to be inspiring."

So there you go, not so boring after all. And, if it leads to an office full of employees waving their arms and legs around like an out-of-time Mr Motivator workout session, motion gesturing their everyday work tasks, then we're all for it.

You can check out some Kinect Effects already, over on Xbox.com.

Tags: Gaming Microsoft Microsoft Kinect Kinect Xbox 360

Microsoft wants Kinect in the workplace originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:19:00 +0000

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