Microsoft announces Kinect for Windows at CES
Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest hosting the keynote at CES 2012.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET Asia)
That wasn't the case as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer hosted a variety show together with Ryan Seacrest of American Idol fame, which mostly covered the products the company had announced last year. He did however make some key announcements, such as the availability of Kinect for Windows on February 1.
Other important announcements include the launch of its Windows Store for apps, timed to coincide with its Windows 8 beta launch and an interactive Kinect television series starring the Sesame Street characters.
But first, Kinect for Windows. The new Kinect for Windows seems targeted at developers, and can be pre-ordered right now at Amazon. However, it is only available in 12 countries, with no Asian countries included.
Furthermore, it seems like Kinect for Windows will only ship with the sensor (i.e. the Kinect) and has no software bundled (which makes sense considering that it's meant for software developers). Note that it also will not work for the Xbox 360.
The Microsoft Kinect for Windows.
(Credit: Microsoft)
Kinect for Windows is currently not likely to be something a normal consumer would want at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how the programmers create interesting new ways of using the Kinect for a PC. New ways of controlling your operating system and fun ways to play PC games would likely make this a killer accessory for your computer, too.
Right now, the Xbox version of the Kinect requires you to stand at least 1.8m away, and given that the Windows model should work with laptops or desktops, would mean that the Windows version should have a different sensor that works at a smaller distance--perhaps as close as 30cm. We hope to find out more from Microsoft soon.
The Windows Store with the Metro user interface.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET Asia)
The Windows Store will launch together with Windows 8 beta and will be available in 200 markets. It also supports all languages that the Windows 8 operating system does. This represents a huge market for the Redmond-based company, and we're suspecting that this could also be tied to the potential Windows Phone 8 store.
Let your kids have fun with the interactive Sesame Street characters.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET Asia)
Microsoft demonstrated an interactive TV experience using the Kinect with Sesame Street characters. Kids can throw virtual objects at the screen when prompted and the subjects onscreen would react appropriately, according to the perceived size and force of the object, and will continue doing what they're doing if there was no audience participation.
Lastly, the Microsoft boss ended Microsoft's final keynote at CES with a play on his famous "developer, developer, developer" chant with what consumers can expect to look out for from the company in 2012: "Metro, metro, metro. Windows, Windows, Windows".
About the author
Aloysius Low is a Senior Writer at CNET Asia and covers all things mobile. A former World of Warcraft addict, he now dabbles in social media to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. As a lover of all things furry, he's also the unfortunate slave/minion of two adorable cats.
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