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 came up with Kinect for Windows that all changed. The Kinect is a motion and voice-sensing device that was initially developed for the Xbox gaming console.
Microsoft in February unveiled Kinect for Windows. This version of the device works with, of course, Windows-operated personal computers. Now a number of users are putting the device to work in unanticipated ways.
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 physically 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 build applications for it. This is an excellent move on their part, as it not only promotes creativity but it also puts a Microsoft product at the heart of the creative development. One company that has worked with Microsoft in this way is Boeing. They’ve used the Kinect to build virtual tours of their jets. Another exciting use of the Kinect was discovered by a healthcare facility in Canada. They are utilizing the Kinect’s gesture-recognition to swipe through CT scans. This greatly lowers, if not removes, the risk of spreading germs because 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 over 18 million Kinect devices.
The Kinect has numerous uses outside of what it was initially developed for. Microsoft actually developed something which is not only useful, but viewed as cool. This change in attitude toward Microsoft could help the company in several ways.
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