Microsoft first released Kinect back in 2010 as an accessory to the Xbox console. It was used to track the body of the player, which is used to control certain games. It was discontinued back in 2017, only to be revisited in 2019.
Say Goodbye to Kinect, Again
Microsoft decided to bring the motion-sensing camera back in 2019 as a new version of the previous Kinect accessory. This year, Microsoft decided to end the production of the device as well. Although, it might not be the end of the depth camera.
The tech giant has partnered with other companies to provide options for people who might need devices like it. People won't have to wait for other companies to create it since there are still Azure Kinect Developer Kits available right now.
Microsoft's Swati Mehta says that the cameras will be available to buy until the end of October, or until the supplies last. The ending of production will not affect the functions of the devices that have been bought. According to The Verge, buyers can continue using it "without disruption."
Mehta explained that the company regularly updates its products to best support customers and partners as their needs evolve. This includes "introducing new opportunities, as well as retiring products." One alternative suggestion was Orbecc's Femto Bolt.
For those who plan on buying the product before it runs out, the item is still available for purchase on Microsoft's website. The Azure Kinect DK costs $399, and the company is no longer issuing refunds for the item.
Microsoft claims that the developer kit contains a "best-in-class" 1 MP depth camera, 360˚ microphone array, 12MP RGB camera, and orientation sensor for building advanced computer vision and speech models.
Read Also: 10 Things to Know About the Xbox One
The First Kinect
The first depth camera release from the company was an accessory to the Xbox 360. It was meant to be a controller-free gaming device, which would create a new gaming experience for the console. The Kinect sensor would be plugged directly into any Xbox 360.
It was an advanced piece of equipment in its time, considering that it was able to track 48 points of movement on the body, as well as recognize faces and voices. The player basically becomes the controller when they use the device.
After years of production, the company decided to stop manufacturing the Xbox Kinect Adapter to "focus attention on launching new, higher fan-requested gaming accessories across Xbox One and Windows 10," according to GameRant.
This was also around the time that VR was starting to gain traction, and movement-based playing was dying down. It makes sense that Microsoft would no longer invest in a product that people are losing interest in and move on to the next trend.
Microsoft tried creating its HoloLens goggles, but that has since failed in the gaming industry. Instead, the tech giant is trying to develop it for military use. The company has received billions to develop them and has already sent out thousands of VR goggles.
Related: Microsoft's Improved HoloLens Goggles for the US Military Will Be Tested This Month
