Kinect, or more specifically Kinect for the Xbox 360, is a controller free gaming system originally designed by Microsoft. It utilizes a webcam to utilize facial recognition, motion sensor, and voice recognition software to interact with the user (think HAL from 2001 a space odyssey). It is currently capable of tracking up to 6 people, but Microsoft claims this limit is only due to the limitations of the camera used. Microsoft released Kinect at the end of 2010, and it immediately sold incredible amounts. Far more amazing to me, is that the major controversy surrounding Kinect is not its revolutionary advancements and potential, but its profit potential.
In 2010 Adafruit Industries offered a reward to whoever developed an open source version of Kinect, which eventually reached $3,000.
In November 2010, Hector Martin was announced the winner, and received the award. It was revealed later that Johnny Lee, part of Microsoft’s Kinect development team, actually financed the award.
Due to the technicality that Microsoft utilized an open USB connection in their design, their patents may not be enforceable, but I foresee a long court battle before this is decided. I can not imagine Microsoft what appears to be a fairly clear case of reverse engineering, patent, and copyright infringement, without a battle.
SOURCES:
http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/11249/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect
http://www.technollama.co.uk/kinect-licensing-implications-of-open-hardware-projects?wpmp_switcher=mobile
http://openkinect.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2010/11/10/we-have-a-winner-open-kinect-drivers-released-winner-will-use-3k-for-more-hacking-plus-an-additional-2k-goes-to-the-eff/
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