Microsoft has officially announced the end of Kinect hardware production, putting an end to an era. Despite its initial promise, Kinect struggled to capture the interest of gamers and became synonymous with shovelware games. While it was shipped with Xbox One in 2013, it failed to gain traction and was eventually unbundled. However, Microsoft repurposed Kinect for mixed reality and enterprise solutions, offering the Azure Kinect Developer Kit. Now, they have decided to discontinue its production.
In a blog post, Microsoft stated that they regularly update their products to adapt to the evolving needs of their customers and partners. Although the Azure Kinect Developer Kit has reached the end of its production, the technology will continue to be utilized. Microsoft highlighted Orbbec’s Femto Bolt, a device similar to Azure Kinect DK, as a suitable alternative for those interested in working with 3D depth camera technology. Developers can use the Azure Kinect DK software on the Femto Bolt through a dedicated software pipeline.
Furthermore, Microsoft is committed to supporting existing Azure Kinect DK devices by providing the necessary software tools. This ensures that users can continue to benefit from the depth-sensing technology even after production ceases. Despite the discontinuation of hardware production, the legacy of Kinect will live on in the advancements and applications derived from it.
As Microsoft closes this chapter in Kinect’s life, they adapt to the ever-changing market demands. With their continuous focus on innovation, it will be interesting to see what breakthrough technologies they introduce in the future. Kinect may be gone, but its influence continues to resonate within the realm of motion sensing and camera technology.
