The Kinect: Inspiring Innovation
Business Technology | May 16, 2012
When was the last time we saw a Windows product which captured the essence of “cool”? Before recently it had been some time, but when Microsoft developed the Kinect for Windows that all changed. The Kinect is a motion and voice-sensing device that was initially developed for the Xbox gaming console.
A version of the device also works with Windows-operated PCs, and shortly after its launch in February, people started developing innovative ways to use it.
Innovative Uses for the Kinect
At the Chicago Auto Show the Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan North America used the Kinect in an intriguing way, by creating a virtual tour of the enhanced interior of the Pathfinder. This worked out well as they only had the outer shell of the Pathfinder to actually display. Using the Kinect, participants could actually “see” what the interior looked liked.
Microsoft is motivating companies to find different uses for the Kinect and even cooperating with them to create applications for it. This is a great move on their part, as it not only promotes ingenuity but it also puts a Microsoft product at the center of the creative development. One company that has worked with Microsoft in this way is Boeing. They’ve used the Kinect to create virtual tours of their jets. Another exciting use of the Kinect was discovered by a medical center in Canada. They are utilizing the Kinect’s gesture-recognition to swipe through CT scans. This greatly lessens, if not eradicates, the chance of spreading germs since you don’t have to touch the computer.
Kinect: A Solid Hit
Microsoft hit a home run when they invented the Kinect. The Xbox 360 was last year’s best-selling video gaming console, and they have the Kinect to thank for that. Since November of 2010 Microsoft has sold in excess of 18 million Kinect devices.
The excitement around the Kinect and its many uses can only boost Microsoft’s reputation. They may be on their way to entering into the “cool” tech company category.
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When was the last time we saw a Windows product which captured the essence of “cool”? Before recently it had been some time, but when Microsoft developed the Kinect for Windows that all changed. The Kinect is a motion and voice-sensing device that was initially developed for the Xbox gaming console.
A version of the device also works with Windows-operated PCs, and shortly after its launch in February, people started developing innovative ways to use it.
Innovative Uses for the Kinect
At the Chicago Auto Show the Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan North America used the Kinect in an intriguing way, by creating a virtual tour of the enhanced interior of the Pathfinder. This worked out well as they only had the outer shell of the Pathfinder to actually display. Using the Kinect, participants could actually “see” what the interior looked liked.
Microsoft is motivating companies to find different uses for the Kinect and even cooperating with them to create applications for it. This is a great move on their part, as it not only promotes ingenuity but it also puts a Microsoft product at the center of the creative development. One company that has worked with Microsoft in this way is Boeing. They’ve used the Kinect to create virtual tours of their jets. Another exciting use of the Kinect was discovered by a medical center in Canada. They are utilizing the Kinect’s gesture-recognition to swipe through CT scans. This greatly lessens, if not eradicates, the chance of spreading germs since you don’t have to touch the computer.
Kinect: A Solid Hit
Microsoft hit a home run when they invented the Kinect. The Xbox 360 was last year’s best-selling video gaming console, and they have the Kinect to thank for that. Since November of 2010 Microsoft has sold in excess of 18 million Kinect devices.
The excitement around the Kinect and its many uses can only boost Microsoft’s reputation. They may be on their way to entering into the “cool” tech company category.
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