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Microsoft: next-gen Kinect sensor for Windows to launch in 2014

Microsoft already gave us a look at its next-gen Kinect alongside the Xbox One, but today the company circled back to announce an update to the Windows version of its sensor. Don't get too excited yet, though: the update won't debut until 2014. Still, Redmond has shared details about some of the enhancements it says will "revolutionize computing experiences," such as a higher-definition camera, expanded field of view and improved motion tracking -- essentially the same improvements we'll see on the new Kinect for the Xbox One. Microsoft says developers will learn more at the Build 2013 conference in June, so stay tuned.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, Microsoft

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Source: Kinect for Windows Blog

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Good Times Dan Nosowitz

"My mind is occupied. Please call back later."

We've had a good time with the Necomimi Cat Ears in the past--we used them to monitor our interest in the last iPhone event--but the Good Times project is a use for them we never expected.

The Necomimi Cat Ears, upon which the Good Times project is based, use electroencephalography to monitor brainwave activity. The Cat Ears are a pretty simple cause-and-effect toy: with high levels of brain activity, the ears perk up. With low activity, they droop down. They're fun, but we couldn't see much real practical use for them.

Good Times uses essentially a pair of the Necomimis without the ears attached, and uses the brainwave monitoring to trigger a specific response when people try to call you. When your brainwave activity is very high, the device assumes you're mentally very engaged, working hard on something, and thus do not want to be disturbed. If anyone tries to call during that time, he or she will get your voicemail, which the headset has activated via Bluetooth. Once your brainwave activity has lessened, people will be able to get through again.

I saw the Good Times demonstrated at an AT&T event this morning, and it worked quite well. I'm normally skeptical of EEG, having had experiences with it where it just doesn't work, but Good Times seems to work perfectly. It does, however, look completely ridiculous. That's not really a problem, considering this is more of a fun experiment than a product that's designed to be sold on the retail market. But it's fun!

Good Times was created at an AT&T hackathon, out of a modified Necomimi set. It's the product of one man, Italian native Ruggero Scorcioni, who took first place (and a $30,000 prize) for Good Times.