The 3D scanning capabilities of the Kinect have been front row in terms of displaying its numerous real-world applications. Being able to fully scan a 3D model of practically anything and then importing it into a 3D modelling solution or gaming engine lends itself to so many DIY projects that are cheap and practical.
Early adopters of the new Kinect hardware will have the opportunity to purchase the device before it officially goes on sale. For $399 you'll get a pre-production model, the SDK as well as the consumer-level version when it becomes available.
The new Kinect will be a huge component of Microsoft's XBOX One. No word yet on whether or not a "Kinect for Windows" edition is in the works but I figure it's safe to assume it will be released some point down the line.
No word as well if the USB connection will be left open like the original allowing drivers to be build for all types of operating systems. I get the sinking suspicion they want to keep this model in their own hands this time around...
Another innovative and praticle use of the Kinect depth sensing capabilities is proudly on display for this latest hack which involves using the device as a parking aid. Once only available as a premium feature in some vehicles, this clever application uses the Kinect along with a few open source solutions such as OpenCV, Ubuntu and Libfreenect to pull it all off.
In this great demonstration of using a Kinect enabled digital synthesizer, the folks at 1000 errors used a wide assortment of applications to build this very cool hack. The digital pot-o-gumbo consists of several applications being used in tandem such as Synapse Kinect, Maxxforlive, Ableton Live, VDMX and Quartz Composer
If you're looking for a sweet, easy to use gesture based interface, this independent project developed by Wesley Lopez will be right up your alley. Very similar in terms of look and feel of the original XBOX 360 Kinect interface, this one has the abilities to "snap" into position to load an application along with the hover over ability that open up new option relating to any of the listed applications.
In the video, the user is able to load a web browser, copy/paste, scan through some photos, and launch a video. Check it out to see more!
Oh wow, ever cool, a flying pig! And look at that! A monkey just flew out of that guy's butt! Yes, it seems as if the unimaginable has just happened. An open "Thank you" letter from the Kinect for Windows General Manager directed to the Kinect hacking community. Why is this such a monuments occasion? Well, As Joshua Blake states in his great OpenKinect Google Groups post, this is the "first time a Micfosoft exec has addressed the [hacking] community by name in an official communication".
What the hell! You'll need to take a look at this one folks. A Kinect controlled skateboard. Just when ya thought you've seen it all eh? Mounted to the front of the board, angled up towards the rider. The person being tracked can then control the speed and direction of the board. Practicle? meh. Awesome? Oh you better believe it!
Developed by Chaotic Moon Labs, this all-terrain electric skateboard is definitely one of the coolest Kinect related projects to come out in a while. It's also no slouch clocking in at 32 MPH!
Check out this innovative little app! Built by Cadavid Concepts, Inc, this Kinect Application allows you to harness the power of an iPad/iPhone with the latest in Augmented Reality tech to create a fun way to chat with your friends in 3D. Regular old dusty "Facetime" ain't got shit on Kinected!
In an article posted on newscientist.com today, it would appear as though the Kinect sensor may very well be propelling itself from our living room into outer space. Astronauts apparently lose a fair amount of body mass due to muscle atrophy -- approximately15 percent actually -- seeing as how they're in a zero gravity environment, traditional scales don't exactly work all that well.