To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Microsoft reveals Kinect for Windows v2 hardware

Microsoft has released the first images of the second generation Kinect sensor for Windows

Microsoft has revealed the first official images of its Kinect for Windows v2 hardware, which takes the depth-sensing and motion-tracking camera paired with every Xbox One console and makes it compatible with PCs – primed for game and app developers to start working on new motion-controlled projected.

Microsoft Kinect for Windows v2

The company made the reveal on the Kinect for Windows blog, showing potential customers what to expect when the final hardware goes on sale later in the year.

Physically, the sensor is almost identical to the Xbox One Kinect camera, albeit with the word “Kinect” on the top panel instead of Xbox branding. The Xbox Nexus (the large green “X” logo) found on the front of the Xbox One Kinect has also been replaced with a simpler LED power indicator.

Microsoft Kinect for Windows v2

Whereas the Xbox One Kinect has a proprietary connector, which delivers both power and data to the camera, Kinect for Windows v2 will use an external power supply and connection hub. 

Microsoft is selling the Kinect for Windows v2, giving PC software developers access to the Xbox One technology for the first time. The Kinect for Windows v2 units are designed for use with the Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) 2.0, letting developers create apps that are available through the Windows 8 Store.

Read more

News