Kinect: attack of the clones
ASUS makes its own.
ASUS, a PC hardware company, has decided to make its very own Kinect.
Far from a shameless rip-off, the device - named the WAVI Xtion - has been co-developed by PrimeSense, the company that provided Microsoft with 3D sensing tech for Kinect.
The WAVI Xtion is poised for a Q2 2011 release, with a worldwide roll-out to be carried out in phases thereafter.
What's more, the duo - PrimeSense and ASUS - have put together a suite of tools called Xtion PRO for developers to create applications and software with. This will be available in February, bizarrely, before the WAVI Xtition - perhaps the tools also work with other devices, cough, Kinect.
What's more, there's the opportunity for enthusiasts and developers alike to sell their creations on an Xtion online store, too. And ASUS clearly has one eye on gaming, if quoted buzz-phrases like "revolutionise users' recreational lives" are to be taken at face value.
"ASUS combines its wireless cross-room solution with PrimeSense's simple, intuitive, gesture-based control technology to allow users to enjoy and share PC content on TV with gestures. WAVI Xtion is the unprecedented living room experience that will revolutionise users' recreational lives," buzzed ASUS general manager Kent Chien.
