Microsoft Kinect heading to Windows Phone 8?
Reports suggest that Windows Phone 8 devices could use Microsoft Kinect technology to deliver new experiences and options to smartphone users. Gesture controls on a device the size of a smartphone? It could happen. The big question is do we really need such a thing? Here’s what Kinect on Windows Phone 8 could bring.
Originally intended for hands-free video games, Microsoft Kinect is being tipped to deliver new smartphone experiences to the new Windows Phone 8 operating system.
Skyrim bags over 200 Kinect voice commands
Using Kinect, the new breed of Windows 8 Phone devices would offer new gesture recognition and the kind of vocal commands we’re gradually getting used to using in our home cinema set-ups. Theoretically a Windows Phone 8 device would be able to detect shakes and twists in order to perform a function.
And with Kinect’s voice recognition software, Windows Phone 8 devices would have in-built voice technology to rival the ‘Siri’ voice recognition features of the Apple iPhone 4S. Kinect’s Natural Use Interface is suggested to be better at interpreting voice commands.
There are plenty of obstacles along the way, mind: like how to fit in all the necessary Kinect components into a smartphone, and how to solve the problem of using these gesture controls in dark lighting. Microsoft Kinect currently suffers performance issues in dimly lit settings.
Infra-red cameras and a daylight-only gesture controls, and voice controls for night time use have been suggested, but for now we must take it all with a pinch of the salty stuff? The next generation of smartphone could be very interesting indeed. We’ll let you know when more concrete developments occur.
User comments (1)
Leave a comment
t16 April 2012
A phone is a handheld device why would it need that sort of technology on on. The voice control has been around for a decade. Most phones already have gyroscopes built in so controlling gameplay by shaking and tilting a phone already exists. Hands free gaming on a phone. What are they talking about. Where would people use it. Considering you need a large amount of space in comparison to a normal phone game. Most people playy on their phone on the go. Please name me a place where you meet all those requirements. Remember offices and cafes are where people want to come out quickly from. So there really is nowhere you would playy that sort of game.(temember at home people have consoles and TV)
Report as inappropriateJoin Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment