Kinect for Windows consists of the Kinect for Windows hardware and Kinect for Windows SDK, which supports applications built with C++, C#, or Visual Basic by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010. The newly release Kinect for Windows SDK version 1 offers improved skeletal tracking, enhanced speech recognition, modified API, and the ability to support up to four Kinect for Windows sensors plugged into one computer.

Version 1.0 of the Kinect for Windows SDK and runtime are now available for download, and distribution partners in our twelve launch countries are starting to ship Kinect for Windows hardware, enabling companies to start to deploy their solutions.

How to to Get Started on Kinect

The newly released Kinect for Windows hardware is optimized for use with computers and devices running Windows 7, Windows 8 developer preview (desktop applications only), and Windows Embedded-based devices.

1. Purchase the Kinect for Windows sensor to get started.
2. Download the Kinect for Windows SDK.

Looking for great on content on how to build apps for Kinect? Visit Channel 9 where we have updated quick starts and open source projects.

Quickstart

Get Started-  Kinect for Windows Quickstart Series

• Installing and Using the Kinect Sensor
• Setting up your Development Environment
• Camera Fundamentals
• Working with Depth Data
• Skeletal Tracking Fundamentals
• Audio Fundamentals

Write an App! - Sample Code / Open Source Projects

Kinect Service

A Windows Service so you can see Kinect data on your Windows Phone

Kinect Paint

Draw with your hands

Kinect Mouse Cursor
Control Windows with your hands

Coding4Fun Kinect Toolkit
Developer library for easy programming

Jellybean

Our famous drivable lounge chair code has been updated to the latest release of Kinect for Windows

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation