Best Kinect Hacks We've Seen So Far

Jim Reilly

 Since the launch of Kinect last month, programmers around the world have been developing software to tap into the device, and in turn, creating some fascinating new control schemes and functionality that has never been done before.

Typically, companies like Microsoft wouldn't condone others 'hacking' into their hardware, but Alex Kipman, Director of Incubation for Xbox, recently said in an interview with NPR that Microsoft intentionally kept Kinect "open" and that the device wasn't protected by design.

Let's run down some of the best Kinect hacks we've seen posted online so far, courtesy of Kinecthacks.net. If you come across a Kinect hack you think is really cool, post away in the comments below!

Would you enjoy playing Minecraft if you had to place each building block with your arms? Probably not. Thankfully, user leparlon has only managed to make it so players can walk around freely in the world. Still, this gives gamers some insight on how a first-person shooter could work with Kinect.

User yankeyan successfully mapped the original NES controls from the first three Super Mario Bros. games to recognize his fully body motions. Looks like it worked pretty well, though it's kind of embarrassing to see him die on the Koopa in World 1-2.

Okreylos was able to make Kinect reconstruct the image picked up by the camera into a 3D space. He recently connected two Kinect cameras using the program and this is the result.

Yankeyan again came up with another cool program that turns an ordinary wooden stick into a lightsaber, all in real-time with sound effects. Hopefully LucasArts sees this video and considers implementing the program into their upcoming Star Wars Kinect game.

User Squadbot attached the camera to a mobile robot. The camera then collects data in the world and then reconstructs it in a 3D environment. The bot can even detect humans who can use arm gestures to issue commands. IGN