Kinect Coming to PC From 1 February

While Kinect for PC isn't an entirely new concept, Microsoft has now developed an official PC version of its motion control system for the XBOX 360 to meet growing demand from developers.

The Kinect motion detection system originally designed for XBOX 360 is packed with potential and interesting possibilities, whether for games or other applications. Developers have clearly latched onto this, as they've been working on all kinds of innovative and original demos for several months already.

Until now, PC developers have had to make do without an official software development kit, which hasn't exactly made things easy. However, given the Kinect's success on the XBOX (18 million units sold worldwide) and its wealth of possible uses, Microsoft has decided to allow developers to exploit the full potential of the system on PC platforms.

A new Kinect for PC hardware kit is due to launch in February for $249 (UK prices TBC). Software development tools will also launch alongside. The kit is aimed at businesses, commercial users and developers above all, as home gamers aren't on the top of Microsoft's target user list just yet. Time will tell whether developers will make as many games and applications available to PC users as XBOX 360 owners currently enjoy.


> Reviews: Games Consoles & Accessories

> Reviews: Video Games

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products