Microsoft launches Kinect technology for Windows Phone

Microsoft also wants to apply the technology it uses in Kinect devices to Windows Phone devices. That claims The Verge Monday based on unknown sources. One unreleased device would already be equipped with the technology this year.

The technology is called 3D Touch or Real Motion and was initially developed by Nokia, according to Microsoft watcher Tom Warren of The Verge. With the function, smartphones could be operated without touching the screen. For example, someone could take an incoming call just by holding the phone to their ear. Notifications would also be ‘wipe away’ by hand above the screen.

Warren writes that Microsoft will provide at least one device with the technology this year. This would be the new top model codenamed McLaren. Telecom watcher Evleaks, who often comes first when it comes to details about unreleased smartphones, this week unveiled Microsoft’s roadmap, which will feature the McLaren and other upcoming “Nokia devices.”

The Kinect technology would only be available for Microsoft’s own devices with Windows Phone 8.1, because the technology was acquired from Nokia, whose acquisition was recently completed. Competitors such as Samsung and HTC are therefore excluded, according to The Verge.

In future smartphones, Microsoft also plans to build in equipment that detects how someone is holding their phone. In this way, a smartphone recognizes whether someone is lying in bed or sitting upright and on the basis of this the screen can be displayed vertically or horizontally. Furthermore, Microsoft would like to build in a touch-sensitive side in its mobile phones, where it is possible to zoom in the camera by swiping the fingers along the device. The company would adopt the philosophy of using as few buttons as possible.