Kinect Adapter For Windows Makes Xbox One Device A USB Joint

The newest way Microsoft is making Kinect more accessible to the masses is with a device called the Kinect Adapter for Windows. This device allows the Xbox One Kinect to work with your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 device with a simple USB plug. You'll need USB 3.0 – which your computer almost certainly has – but besides that it's just a simple slot. Need a use for that camera that came with your Xbox One? Surprise! Now you have one!

Not that the Kinect for Xbox One was useless before – absolutely not. You can speak with it. You can let it log you in automatically. You can play a variety of free games from Microsoft with it – demos, anyway.

But now you'll have the option of using that Kinect for Xbox One with your Windows machine as well. Purchasing the Kinect for Xbox One sensor along with the adapter, says Microsoft, "brings it to price parity with the existing Kinect for Windows v2 sensor." Smart of them to do that, yes?

• You can also use this adapter as a spare power supply for the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor.

• You can also use this adapter to connect your Kinect for Xbox One to your Windows 8 or 8.1 tablet – Surface tablet included.

This adapter is $49.99 and will be launched inside the United States in the Microsoft Store immediately if not soon. This device will be available in over 24 markets as soon as later today and will be out in 41 countries in the next several weeks.