SDK update for Kinect v2 sensors brings Kinect apps to Windows Store

Microsoft announced that they have released the the second version of the Windows Software Development Kit for the Kinect v2 sensors. This update allows developers to sell Kinect apps through the Windows Store. The company also announced that they have released an adapter kit that costs $49.99. This will allow gamers who own Kinect for Xbox One tot attach the sensor to their Windows PC’s and tablets. According to Microsoft, through this adapter, the Kinect v2 sensors perform the same way on both platforms.

Kinect SDK 2.0 is now available for free download on the Microsoft website. You can also click here and get straight to the download page. The company states that there are no fees for runtime licenses of commercial applications developed with this tool. They also mention other software that they have updated in order for developers to be able to build faster, more stable and feature-rich products. The tools offered by Microsoft include Visual Gesture Builder, Kinect Studio and Kinect Fusion.

Following a lot of requests from the community, Microsoft has finally brought Kinect Apps in the Windows Store. Now PC gamers, provided they own Kinect v2 sensors, can enjoy the same features as those using the same technology on Xbox One. Several third party developers already posted their apps in the Windows Store today. One of these is Kinect Evolution, which helps users understand the core capabilities of the technology. Another app is YAKiT, which allows those without design expertise to animate 2D or 3D characters in real time.

Last, but not least, it’s worth mentioning that the Kinect Adapter for Windows allows gamers to use the Xbox One standalone Kinect sensor with PC’s running Windows 8 and 8.1 through a USB 3.0 port. According to Microsoft, the price of the adapter plus the Xbox One Kinect sensors equals the one of the Windows Kinect v2 sensors. For more details on the subject, check out Microsoft’s announcement on their official site.