ASUS, PrimeSense bring Kinect to computers with WAVI Xtion

ASUS and the Kinect's key technology creator PrimeSense today say they were developing a computer-specific motion controller. Much like the Xbox 360 add-on, the WAVI Xtion uses a dual-camera system that can gauge shape and depth and use it to control computer functions, especially in wide-open environments such as home theaters. Hands-free media and web browsing are the main focuses.

Both companies hope to chase the popularity of Apple's mobile business model and develop an Xtion app store that will provide titles optimized for the camera control system. The company is hoping to encourage the OpenNI (natural interface) development that has often been used for Kinect hacks and hopes to give them developer kits.


A development platform, Xtion Pro, will be the first to arrive and should be ready in February. The regular WAVI Xtion system should be ready during the spring and will reach different countries in "phases."

While it's unclear whether support will go beyond Windows, companies like Apple have already been patenting motion control and could make use of technology like that from PrimeSense for the Apple TV, handheld devices and computers.

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