Xbox Kinect Finds New Life in Unlikely Setting

A gamer recently discovered an Xbox Kinect being used for a different purpose than usual. Although it's not the first time the Kinect has been spotted without being connected to an Xbox, it's always interesting to hear stories about how it is being utilized in other fields.

Back in 2010, Microsoft introduced the Kinect for the Xbox 360 in an attempt to revolutionize the way games were played. Following the success of Nintendo's Wii and its motion-sensing controller, Microsoft wanted to take gameplay to the next level by eliminating the need for a controller altogether. However, many Kinect games were limited in their playstyle due to the motion capture technology, which did not appeal to most hardcore gamers. Consequently, Microsoft eventually ended support for the Kinect.

The Kinect's Versatility in the Medical Field

A Redditor shared a photo on r/mildlyinfuriating of a Kinect being used as the camera for a CT scan machine. Surprisingly, the medical field has found the Kinect camera to be powerful enough to capture highly detailed x-ray images of the body. Other Redditors have also mentioned how the Kinect camera is being utilized in various industries such as architecture, interior design, and engineering for scanning and mapping images.

Although Microsoft ended support for the Kinect in 2017, a unique indie game called Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator was released in 2021 with Kinect support. This game, available on Steam for PC, may be the last to work with the Kinect. Another example is a mod for Grand Theft Auto 5 that also added Kinect compatibility. However, the demand for Kinect-powered games has significantly decreased.

Apart from the lack of interest in Kinect games, the device faced other issues. One major concern was related to privacy, as Microsoft was accused of being able to listen to audio recordings of Kinect owners. The company stated that this was for collecting feedback to improve future technology, and this did not lead to any significant controversy.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the versatility of the Xbox Kinect beyond its intended gaming purpose. Despite Microsoft ending support for the device, it has found innovative applications in the medical field, such as capturing detailed x-ray images. This underscores the potential of technology to transcend its original design and serve valuable functions in different domains.

However, the article also touches upon the challenges faced by the Kinect, particularly the lack of interest in Kinect-powered games and privacy concerns. These factors contributed to Microsoft's decision to discontinue support for the device. Nonetheless, the Kinect's legacy lives on through its innovative use in other industries, showcasing the adaptability and transformative nature of technology.