Microsoft unveils Kinect for Windows v2 sensor with minor tweaks

The Kinect for Windows team has revealed the final look of the redesigned Kinect motion sensor for Windows v2 hardware. Unfortunately, the Redmond giant has not detailed release dates.

The Kinect for Windows v2 sensor is nearly identical to the Xbox One Kinect sensor in terms of its looks, with two tweaks - the top panel now has a 'Kinect' printed, while the green coloured 'X' icon seen on the Xbox One's Kinect has been replaced by a simple white-coloured power indicator.

The Kinect sensor will connect to a Windows PC via a power supply and computer interface hub that features a USB3.0 port. The bundled power supply will support voltages between 100-240 volts.

While no details have been mentioned regarding the release dates of the sensor, the official MSDN blog states "As this first look at the Kinect for Windows v2 hardware indicates, we getting closer and closer to launch. So stay tuned for more updates on the next generation of Kinect for Windows."

Earlier this month, Microsoft proposed a new technology that would allow the displaying of web content on multiple flat surfaces, and on devices such as phones or tablets, located in a room. The concept, called SurroundWeb, relies on Microsoft's Kinect 3D sensor technology to scan a room and 'recognise' flat surfaces and other objects.

Last month, Microsoft's movement-recognition Kinect software was reported to be used as a security device deployed along the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. The Kinect-based software developed by Ko Jae-Kwan, founder-president of Saewan Co., has been taken up by the military because of its ability to differentiate between human and animal movement.