Kinect Technology Coming to PC and TV

Andy Chalk

One Flag, One Fleet, One Cat
Nov 12, 2002
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Kinect Technology Coming to PC and TV


Kinect won't be out until November but the company behind its camera technology has already signed deals to bring similar systems to HTPCs and set-top boxes for televisions.

At this point, the coolest thing about Microsoft's Kinect [http://www.amazon.com/Kinect-Xbox-360/dp/B002BSA298/ref=sr_tr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1277314673&sr=1-1] isn't the games, it's the possibility of controlling your electronic gadgetry with a Decker-esque monotone or, if you prefer, a Johnny-style wave of the hand. What proper nerd wouldn't thrill to the idea of saying, "Track 45 right" and actually seeing something happen on the screen? Before long, that fantasy may not be restricted to just the 360.

Adi Berenson of PrimeSense [http://www.primesense.com/], the company behind the camera technology at use in Kinect, says it has signed deals to include its hardware in HTPCs by the end of the year and in at least one cable set-top box for televisions by summer 2011. PrimeSense also hopes that the devices will begin to be installed directly into televisions by the end of next year.

It won't be exactly like Kinect; the system will still use two cameras to monitor three-dimensional positioning but won't support voice recognition or any kind of motorized tilting, Kinect features which were added by Microsoft [http://www.microsoft.com]. On the other hand, the gesture recognition has apparently "evolved," so while yelling at your television will still be a waste of time, there may come a day when flipping it off actually gets you somewhere.

Source: Engadget [http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/kinect-tech-destined-for-tv-embedded-greatness-in-2011-htpc-int/]


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squid5580

Elite Member
Feb 20, 2008
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Don't these people have children? They are sure aren't thinking like people who do.
 

Woodsey

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Aug 9, 2009
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Why, just the thought of defragging the hard drive using only hand gestures is giving me a nerd-on.
 

LTK_70

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Aug 28, 2009
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Yes, now this is something I can see the Kinect being used for. Computers and consoles are just too complicated for controller-less user interfaces, but TVs have exactly the right number of functions to be controlled by your hand and arms. And I love the idea of being able to mute the TV by giving it the finger. :D

Still, I wouldn't pay $150 for a game controller so I sure as hell won't pay that for a glorified remote control. They've gotta make it a lot cheaper first.
 

luvd1

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Jan 25, 2010
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Jimmy_shredshot said:
So begins the next chapter in the changing channel war...
It will be like yoda vs count dooku. Who can use the force more effectively.
 

Plinglebob

Team Stupid-Face
Nov 11, 2008
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When its linked a PVR+DVD/Blu Ray box, give me a call. The only reason I'm thinking of getting Natal is for the geeky joy of controlling the dashboard and DvDs by yelling at it. A resonably priced PVR with it in would be just what I need.
 

Gabanuka

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Oct 1, 2009
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I can hardly contain my vital fluids. When will ge give all this motion control things the book?
 

addeB

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Oct 2, 2009
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LTK_70 said:
Yes, now this is something I can see the Kinect being used for. Computers and consoles are just too complicated for controller-less user interfaces, but TVs have exactly the right number of functions to be controlled by your hand and arms. And I love the idea of being able to mute the TV by giving it the finger. :D

Still, I wouldn't pay $150 for a game controller so I sure as hell won't pay that for a glorified remote control. They've gotta make it a lot cheaper first.
I think that it's just Microsoft charging way to much.
 

Jared

The British Paladin
Jul 14, 2009
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Its the next step..3D, and then we will be changing channels with our hands and not a remote...well, I dont see a problem with that though. It could be useful
 

Sebenko

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Dec 23, 2008
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GonzoGamer said:
I thought kinect is supposed to work on the PC already.
I though Kinect could fuck off already. I don't want it to work on PC.

Someone please make Kinect die.
 

unacomn

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Mar 3, 2008
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Why would I want Natal on PC when I can have this: www.mgestyk.com

It's been in development for years, it can recognize hand gestures that act like triggers so you can actually play stuff instead of just flapping around like a sick bird.

And it works with NFS5, the NFS game I like the most and still play.
 

Playbahnosh

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Dec 12, 2007
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I see I'm not the only one who think this Kinect business is bullshit. NO, it won't work with you TV!!!

Controlling your TV with hand gestures and voice commands? It sounds awesome in theory! Ever tried to watch an entire movie while sitting perfectly still and not saying a word? Ooh, I just scratch my nose...damn, it changed the channel *voice command recognized, changing channel*... FUUUUUUU-


I mean ever since Star Trek, I wanted voice commands in my home, but then I realized, it simply can't work with current technology. Too much ambient noise means either autopilot or it will not recognize what you are saying. Too little ambient noise means it will hear when you scratch your bum and recognize it as some command. Oh, and take care not to utter any command words by chance in casual conversation while in hearing distance of the TV, or some very fucked up shit can happen. Same goes for body language or, you know, ANY motion while in front of that camera thingy. It's all just a very expensive, very defective piece of crap.
 

AzzA-D

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Nov 18, 2009
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Andy Chalk said:
Kinect Technology Coming to PC and TV

On the other hand, the gesture recognition has apparently "evolved," so while yelling at your television will still be a waste of time, there may come a day when flipping it off actually gets you somewhere.

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So let me get this right? The technology inside of Kinect is going to be old hat by the time its released? Is already old hat? I have a feeling in a year or two we are going to be seeing Kinect 2.0...
 

ninjajoeman

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Mar 13, 2009
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just think porn with the kinect... using 3D

not that I would, I would use it for more practical purposes like watching cats trip hehehe