Asus, PrimeSense Reveals Motion Sensing for PC

It's a Kinect-like device for the PC, however it's by ASUS and called WAVI Xtion.

Both ASUS and PrimeSense announced a joint project that will bring motion sensing controls to the PC, thus possibly debunking any rumors that Microsoft will eventually bring Windows-based support for the Xbox 360's Kinect motion sensing device.

According to both companies, the WAVI Xtion for the PC will utilize PrimeSense's core 3D sensing solution already licensed by Microsoft for Kinect. The difference will be that the PC-oriented device will be developed primarily for browsing multimedia content, accessing Web sites and social networks when the PC is hooked up to the living room TV.

"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," said Kent Chien, General Manager, ASUS. "WAVI Xtion is the unprecedented living room experience that will revolutionize users' recreational lives. Natural Interaction's appeal to consumers means more monetization opportunities based on personalization, various branding and advertising programs inside applications."

The WAVI Xtion:

-The cost of the device is $ 220, but if the user needs not only the ability to play media (including video as a FullHD), then he will have to part with almost twice the amount ($ 400). In this case, he will receive a system consisting of a transmitter and a camera.

-Xtion PRO

Use Xtion PRO developer solution to make motion-sensing applications and games

1. The world’s first and exclusive professional PC motion sensing software development solution

2. OPNI NITE middleware compatible SDK makes the motion-sensing applications and games development easily

3. Easily selling developer’s applications on the upcoming ASUS@vibe online entertainment content store

-The ZCam's time-of-flight camera system features a near-infrared (NIR) pulse illumination component, as well as an image sensor with a fast gating mechanism.

The Kinect:

-The retail price of the Kinect is $149.99 (it costs only $56 to produce).

-Microsoft released the SDK(software development kit) for non-commercial use earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The SDK is available for download now at Microsoft’s research website.

-The Kinect is based on software technology developed internally by Rare, a subsidiary of Microsoft Game Studios owned by Microsoft, and on range camera technology by Israeli developer PrimeSense.