Is Microsoft Kinect Virtual Goldmine?

The Promise Behind Microsoft Kinect

The magic behind Kinect is that it responds to body gestures.

And while Kinect did debut to rave reviews, Microsoft executives really didn't understand how Kinect could change the world -- and rack up new sales.

But since its introduction in 2010, hackers have found dozens of very cool uses for Kinect-- none of which did much for Microsoft's bottom line.

This got the software giant to thinking that maybe they were sitting on a potential gold mine.

That's why Microsoft is now tapping the genius of young entrepreneurs to better monetize the technology behind Kinect.

You know, the type of guys who live and breathe cutting-edge high tech.

In fact, Microsoft recently picked 11 startups to work at its Kinect development offices in suburban Seattle. It's a savvy move.

After all, these guys get out of bed every day looking to create the Next Big Thing.

Already, the program shows great promise. Here are some of the slick high-tech ideas these young turks are already tackling:

•Styku only hopes to reinvent how people shop online. The startup's idea is to provide you with a personal avatar that lets you "try on" clothes virtually before you buy them.
•Jintronix uses Kinect and 3D gaming to improve rehabilitative therapies for patients suffering from a motor disability. Virtual reality could be a godsend for stroke victims who want to rehabilitate from their homes.
•GestSure Technologies targets surgeons and hospitals. It wants to bring touchless interfaces into the operating room. Doctors could access computer data during surgery without compromising cleanliness.
•Ikkos uses algorithms to teach movements. Parents will love this one. It's designed to help people develop the body mechanics of an Olympian.

It's too soon to tell if any of these startups will ever go public and give savvy investors the kind of big gains that have been pushing the Nasdaq to new heights lately.

But don't worry. Kinect is bound to provide its share of breakouts.

First of all, Microsoft recently released a version of Kinect for Windows and is now pushing a version with developer software.

In fact, I predict we will see hundreds of applications using Kinect by the end of this decade. And many of them will be practical for every day use.

 

Read more: http://moneymorning.com/2012/04/18/microsoft-kinect-nasdaq-msft-is-virtual-goldmine/

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• yes, before APPLE's I-play in maybe <5 years -让板砖飞一会儿- ♂ (0 bytes) () 04/18/2012 postreply 16:41:18