Today Microsoft released the new Kinect for Windows SDK 1.8, which includes some key features and samples that the community has been asking for, including:
**New background removal
** An API removes the background behind the active user so that it can be replaced with an artificial background. It is especially useful for advertising, augmented reality gaming, training and simulation, and other immersive experiences that place the user in a different virtual environment.
Realistic color capture with Kinect Fusion
A new Kinect Fusion API scans the color of the scene along with the depth information so that it can capture the color of the object along with its 3D model. The API also produces a texture map for the mesh created from the scan. This feature provides an high fidelity 3D model of a scan, including color, which can be used for full color 3D printing or to create accurate 3D assets for games, CAD and other applications.
**Improved tracking robustness with Kinect Fusion
** This algorithm makes it easier to scan a scene. With this update, Kinect Fusion is better able to maintain its lock on the scene as the camera position moves.
**HTML interaction sample
** This sample demonstrates implementing Kinect-enabled buttons, simple user engagement and the use of a background removal stream in HTML5. It allows developers to use HTML5 and JavaScript to implement Kinect-enabled user interfaces, which was not possible previously!
**Multiple-sensor Kinect Fusion sample
** This sample shows developers how to use two sensors simultaneously to scan a person or object from both sides, making it possible to construct a 3D model without having to move the sensor or the object! It demonstrates the calibration between two Kinect for Windows sensors, and how to use Kinect Fusion APIs with multiple depth snapshots. It is ideal for retail experiences and other public kiosks that do not include having an attendant available to scan by hand.
Adaptive UI sample + updated Human Interface Guidelines
This sample demonstrates how to build an application that adapts itself depending on the distance between the user and the screen, from gesturing at a distance to touching a touchscreen.
Download it now and start experimenting with the new features!