3D hackers, keep your eyes on this: Microsoft is developing a version Kinect's hardware and firmware specifically for Windows. In other words, this version of Kinect will work well with PCs. For example:
Of particular interest to developers will be the new firmware which enables the depth camera to see objects as close as 50 centimeters in front of the device without losing accuracy or precision, with graceful degradation down to 40 centimeters.
In other words, optimal camera distance for nearby objects in a home computing environment, as opposed to a living room (which Kinect was originally designed for.) So that means a version of Kinect that will better work for innovative 3D projects like the one above: A Kinect hack that links real world facial expression to a dynamic sculpture in Second Life.
No word when this will actually hit shelves (that I can see), but hopefully 3D hackers will get a great holiday surprise this year.
Tokyo University came up with something to animate your SL avatar in real time, however its only a viewer side hack at this point.
http://metaversetribune.com/2011/11/01/kinect-hack-brings-real-time-animation-to-second-life/
Posted by: Metacam Oh | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM