How a bunch of hackers freed the Kinect from the Xbox
In 2010, Microsoft launched the Kinect, a motion-sensing input device that promised to transform the gaming landscape by allowing players to interact with games using their bodies. With its innovative technology, users could swing imaginary lightsabers or throw virtual footballs, creating an immersive gaming experience. However, as time has shown, the Kinect did not meet Microsoft’s ambitious expectations and is often regarded as a commercial failure. Despite its initial marketing as a gaming device, the Kinect’s legacy has evolved into something far more significant, impacting various fields beyond gaming.
As the years passed, the Kinect found new life outside the realm of video games. It became a pivotal tool in robotics, enabling developers to create advanced motion-tracking systems that could interpret human gestures and movements. This technology has been harnessed in numerous applications, from enhancing robotic interactions to improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Interestingly, the Kinect also ventured into unconventional territories, including a brief association with the adult industry, where its motion-sensing capabilities were utilized for interactive experiences. Moreover, it has gained popularity in the paranormal community, marketed as a ghost hunting tool that can detect movements and anomalies in haunted locations.
In retrospect, while the Kinect may not have revolutionized gaming as Microsoft envisioned, it has undeniably made a significant impact in diverse sectors, showcasing the potential of motion-sensing technology. Its journey from a gaming gimmick to a versatile tool illustrates how innovation can take unexpected paths, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in areas that were not initially foreseen. The Kinect’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of technological advancements and their ability to reshape industries in unforeseen ways. For a deeper dive into this fascinating evolution, check out the full story at The Verge.
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In 2010, when Microsoft unveiled the Kinect, it pitched the camera as a revolutionary new gaming device. Swing an imaginary lightsaber and that would be translated onscreen. Throw a football and it would be caught on your TV. Fifteen years later, we know the Kinect as an expensive failure. Microsoft overestimated the demand for playing games with your body. But the Kinect did still turn out to be revolutionary – just not for gaming.
Now, we understand the Kinect is
anything but a gaming device
. It became
a robotics game changer
,
enjoyed a brief dalliance with pornography
, and is now
upsold as a ghost hunting toy
. None of which would have be …
Read the full story at The Verge.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Tech & AI news.
