Microsoft launches Xbox One Kinect sensor adapter for Windows 8 and 8.1

If you own an Xbox One with the Kinect sensor, you can now take that sensor and use it on your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 PC. Microsoft has just announced that it has launched a hardware adapter for the sensor that will allow it to work with those PCs for just $49.99.

Kinect adapter for windows

While Microsoft is already selling a version of the sensor specifically for Windows for $199.99, this new adapter should allow for the expansion of Kinect's use by millions of people who have already used the sensor with their Xbox One console. Microsoft has also released a stand alone version of the Xbox One Kinect sensor for $149.99. Microsoft says the new adapter will work with both the Xbox One and Kinect for Windows v2 sensors.

In a blog post, Microsoft stated:

"These updates are all part of our goal to make Kinect accessible and easy to use for every developer. We created Kinect as a way to make computer interaction more intuitive and to address an increasing desire for technology to be more accessible. We are seeing a lot of interest from businesses to bring interactive experiences to their customers that allow people to interact naturally with technology by simply gesturing and speaking. Now, with the ability to commercially deploy the latest Kinect technology in a variety of industries and environments, there is a big opportunity for developers to meet the demand."

Are you exited about the prospect of playing Kinect-based apps on a Windows 8 or 8.1 PC?

Source: Microsoft blog

John Callaham