Tom Warren over at winrumors.com has suggested that the official Microsof Kinect SDK may be released in beta form later today. I currently have my fingers crossed that this is the case.
The software giant will unveil its plans for the forthcoming Kinect for Windows SDK beta at MIX11 this week. According to sources familiar with the company’s plans, Microsoft will announce the beta availability on Wednesday April 13. WinRumors previously exclusively revealed that the software giant was planning its own SDK amid a growing community of “Kinect hackers”. Microsoft officials confirmed the existence of the Windows based Kinect SDK during a special press event in February. Microsoft’s Don Mattrick, president of the company’s interactive business division said the software maker will ship the SDK in the Spring. The beta is on schedule and will likely be made available on Wednesday.
As a side note Sony is also planning to allow developers to use its PlayStation Move technology as an input device, with the launch of an official SDK.
Move.me is an software server application, designed for academics, college students, HCI developers or anyone with a programming interest. Sony says it wants to see how people can take the PS Move beyond gaming, and looks forward to seeing tools developed in areas such as fitness, rehabilitation, learning and the creative industry.
Developers will be able to use the PS Move controller, the PS3 system, the PlayStation Eye camera, and a PC, in their quest to build innovative applications. As with Kinect tho release date for the SDK has been detailed only as this spring. More information can be found via Sony’s Move.me webpage.