Microsoft recently announced the Kinect Accelerator programme for start-ups and developers. Ten companies will be selected to take part in the programme, then given financial and advisory support from Microsoft to develop applications based on the firm's Kinect motion-detection system.
For the moment, Microsoft's Kinect is principally used for gaming, as the system allows users to control games on the Xbox 360 console through physical movement. The Kinect system uses an RGB camera and two 3D depth sensors to track players' movements and integrate them into the onscreen image. Microsoft, however, is keen to see this technology develop in other directions for use in more diverse sectors, such as arts, healthcare and education, which is why the firm launched the Kinect Accelerator programme.
Ten start-ups will be selected by Microsoft to develop applications that make use of Kinect technology in all kinds of domains. From March to May 2012, these start-ups will relocate to Seattle where they'll be taken under the wing of the TechStars start-up accelerator. During these three months, the lucky few will work on developing their Kinect applications with the help of a $20,000 grant, free office space and Xbox and Windows Kinect software development kits. They'll also receive support from the Microsoft BizSpark start-up support programme for commercial, technical and management advice. At the end of the programme, the projects will be presented to Microsoft's influential contacts, including investors, venture capital firms and industry heavyweights.
All entries to the Microsoft Kinect Accelerator programme should be submitted before 25 January 2012.
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For the moment, Microsoft's Kinect is principally used for gaming, as the system allows users to control games on the Xbox 360 console through physical movement. The Kinect system uses an RGB camera and two 3D depth sensors to track players' movements and integrate them into the onscreen image. Microsoft, however, is keen to see this technology develop in other directions for use in more diverse sectors, such as arts, healthcare and education, which is why the firm launched the Kinect Accelerator programme.
Ten start-ups will be selected by Microsoft to develop applications that make use of Kinect technology in all kinds of domains. From March to May 2012, these start-ups will relocate to Seattle where they'll be taken under the wing of the TechStars start-up accelerator. During these three months, the lucky few will work on developing their Kinect applications with the help of a $20,000 grant, free office space and Xbox and Windows Kinect software development kits. They'll also receive support from the Microsoft BizSpark start-up support programme for commercial, technical and management advice. At the end of the programme, the projects will be presented to Microsoft's influential contacts, including investors, venture capital firms and industry heavyweights.
All entries to the Microsoft Kinect Accelerator programme should be submitted before 25 January 2012.
> Reviews: Games Consoles & Accessories
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