Open Source Kinect Drivers Released for PC

November 10, 2010 4:10 PM

While the NUI Group works on its SDK and Windows drivers for Microsoft's Kinect sensor after releasing proof that it had successfully hooked the device up to a PC, a lone hacker has gone ahead and released an open source driver (via Engadget).

Hector Martin's driver will spit out the RGB and IR camera feeds from the sensor to a computer running his code. It isn't that useful at the moment, but could help lead to new uses and applications. The source code can be snagged from his website if you're the hacking type.

The NUI Group, meanwhile, will not be releasing its work until it receives $10,000 in "donations" so this might be your only shot for the time being. And it's free, though Shacknews cannot take responsibility for any Microsoft ninjas dispatched to your residence should they discover your tampering.

A video showing off the quick hack can be found below.

Brian Leahy

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the archvile

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November 10, 2010 5:21 PM

Ah yes, hardware hacking. Remember the CueCat back in 2000? That was fun watching the Slashdot articles stream out on software to make the thing output barcodes in plain text, followed by DMCA takedown notices, followed by hardware hacks to achieve the same thing. I didn't get a CueCat back then, but I managed to get one from a friend who got it as part of a magazine subscription (probably Wired). I hacked it with a garbage twist tie.