Microsoft to Discontinue Original Kinect for Windows Sensor in 2015

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

Out with the old, in with the new

It was only a matter of time before the original Kinect for Windows sensor would be set aside once Microsoft had released the Kinect for Windows v2. The new device was released in October and now Microsoft has announced that it is discontinuing the original Kinect for Windows in 2015.
“The move to v2 marks the next stage in our journey toward more natural human computing,” said Microsoft in a statement. “The new sensor provides a host of new and improved features, including enhanced body tracking, greater depth fidelity, full 1080p high-definition video, new active infrared capabilities, and an expanded field of view. Likewise, SDK 2.0 offers scores of updates and enhancements, not the least of which is the ability to create and publish Kinect-enabled apps in the Windows Store.”
Microsoft plans to phase out the original Kinect in 2015 but says it will do its best to meet the orders from business customers that still require large numbers of the v1 hardware. However, once the current stock is depleted, there will be no more v1 units for sale.
The release of the original Kinect sparked interest from the PC community, which resulted in the device being hacked early in its lifecycle and then repurposed for other tasks. From being used as a 3D radar, to pairing the device with a Roomba for gesture-controlled cleaning, there have been some interesting innovations that came about once the Kinect was made available.
What were some of your favorite Kinect-related innovations or hacks revolving around the v1 sensor? Sound off in the comments below!
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