Microsoft has announced plans to remove the original Kinect for Windows sensor from sale during 2015, in order to focus on the new model.
On its official blog (via Slashgear) the company says the retirement of version 1 “marks the next stage in our journey toward more natural human computing.”
Back in October the firm publicly released a new version of the sensor along with a revamped SDK 2.0 enabling developers to create and publish a host of new and exciting Kinect-enabled tools for PC users.
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The firm said: “The original Kinect for Windows sensor was a milestone achievement in the world of natural human computing. It allowed developers to create solutions that broke through the old barriers of mouse and keyboard interactions, opening up entirely new commercial experiences in multiple industries, including retail, education, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
“The original Kinect let preschoolers play educational games by simply moving their arms; it coached patients through physical rehabilitation; it gave shoppers new ways to engage with merchandise and even try on clothes. The list of innovative solutions powered by the original Kinect for Windows goes on and on.”
Microsoft hasn’t announced exactly when it’ll be withdrawing the first sensor from sale, but if you’re after some, better get in there quick.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.