When was the last time we saw a Windows product which captured the essence of “cool”? Before recently it had been some time, but when Microsoft came up with Kinect for Windows that all changed. The Kinect is a gesture and voice-sensing device that was initially developed for the Xbox gaming console.

Microsoft in February unveiled Kinect for Windows. This version of the device works with, of course, Windows-operated personal computers. Now a number of users are putting the device to work in unforeseen ways.

Innovative Uses for the Kinect

At the Chicago Auto Show the Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan North America used the Kinect in an intriguing way, by creating a virtual tour of the upgraded interior of the Pathfinder. This worked out well as they only had the outer shell of the Pathfinder to physically display. Using the Kinect, participants could actually “see” what the interior looked liked.

Microsoft is motivating companies to find different uses for the Kinect and even working with them to develop applications for it. This is a great move on their part, as it not only promotes inventiveness but it also puts a Microsoft product at the center of the creative development. One company that has worked with Microsoft in this way is Boeing. They’ve used the Kinect to develop virtual tours of their jets. Another exciting use of the Kinect was discovered by a hospital in Canada. They are utilizing the Kinect’s gesture-recognition to swipe through CT scans. This greatly decreases, if not eradicates, the risk of spreading germs because you don’t have to touch the computer.

Kinect: A Solid Hit

When Microsoft came up with the Kinect for Windows they hit a home run. Last year the Xbox 360 was the best selling video game console. In fact, since November 2010, more then 18 million Kinect devices have been sold. This is definitely changing the way that the consumer views Microsoft products.

The excitement around the Kinect and its many uses can only help improve Microsoft’s reputation. They may be on their way to moving into the “cool” tech company category.

>