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Kinect for Windows SDK Preview in Motion

Now that Kinect for Windows 2.0 devices have shipped, a preview of the software development kit is available for more than game developers.

The Kinect for Windows team released a preview of its Kinect for Windows 2.0 software development kit (SDK) earlier this month. The preview coincided with the release of Kinect for Windows 2.0 sensors, a device that is being targeted at commercial developers who want to add voice, gesture, and movement features to business and consumer apps for sale through the Windows Store.

The Kinect for Windows SDK preview improves upon skeletal orientation features, with an increase in the number of people it can track (6) and the skeletal joints it can track per person (25), touts a blog from the Kinect for Windows team. The blog also cites support for cross-development platform, including support for the Unity game development platform. The SDK also has a feature that allows for development without the need for a Kinect sensor present, as well as a custom gesture builder. Also improved is face tracking, capturing facial features with a more life-like appearance.

The Kinect for Windows SDK 2.0 can be downloaded here.

The Kinect for Windows 2.0 device itself has been improved, with more refined skeletal orientation, 1080p HD video support and new active infrared features. It's U.S.$199, and can be purchased here or at select retail outlets.

For developers who are just getting into Kinect development, Microsoft recommends the "Programming for Kinect for Windows 2.0 Jumpstart" course, available through the Microsoft Virtual Academy.

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