Microsoft has officially ended production of the Kinect hardware, the motion-sensing accessory originally released for the Xbox 360 and later used with Xbox One and enterprise applications.
The company announced the decision in a post on its blog. Microsoft said it has partnered with third-party companies that will supply alternative hardware options for users who still want motion-sensing devices compatible with related applications.
Partners to supply replacement hardware
Microsoft named several partners that will provide alternative solutions. Those include Orbbec, which launched the Femto Bolt; SICK AG, maker of the Visionary‑T; and Analog Devices, which is using Microsoft‑licensed pixel and sensor technology.
Support for existing devices and software
According to Swati Mehta, an executive at Microsoft, customers who already own a Kinect will continue to be able to use their devices with no interruptions. Microsoft also said the device’s software development kit (SDK) will remain available for download.
History of Kinect and its evolution
The Kinect first launched for Xbox 360 in 2010. When the Xbox One debuted, it was initially sold bundled with a new version of the Kinect sensor; the company later reversed that decision and began selling the console without the accessory. In 2019 Microsoft released the Azure Kinect, a version aimed at enterprise and developer use.
Related: Xbox 360 online store closure
- Microsoft announced the closure date for the Xbox 360 online store: July 29, 2024;
- After that date, games, DLC and other content will no longer be purchasable from the Xbox 360 Store and Marketplace;
- Customers who previously bought digital games will still be able to play them, and purchased titles will remain available for download;
- For more details, see the full article linked above.
