Microsoft has launched a new adapter hardware kit which allows people to connect an Xbox One Kinect sensor to their Windows 8/8.1 PCs. The device costs £29.99 (US$49.99) via the Microsoft Store. Microsoft has also started to allow Kinect apps into the Windows Store for the first time.
GameSpot notes that to buy a Kinect Sensor for Xbox One ($150) plus the new adaptor ($49) make the overall price the same as the standalone PC Kinect (the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor) which sells for $199. However the result will be the same with no difference in the experience noted by Microsoft. Just make sure your PC has a spare USB 3.0 slot and is running Windows 8 or newer. Please note that the new adaptor isn't to be used for connecting Xbox 360 Kinect peripherals to PCs.
Microsoft also announced yesterday that version 2.0 of the Kinect SDK, with over 200 improvements, is available for developers to download. It's a free pack of software tools and documents to help programmers make better Kinect software. While on the topic of Kinect software, Microsoft has also allowed developers to include their Kinect apps in the Windows Store. There's only three such downloads available right now, see screenshot.
The Kinect for Windows v2 sensor builds upon the original's capabilities and offers more precise body tracking, an expanded field of view and infrared detection. Microsoft says these hardware enhancements make it even better "to build natural applications". The firm also suggests using Kinect with PC to create solutions for retail, education and the healthcare industry.
