ASUS is already working on a prototype device packing the sensor

Jan 27, 2012 15:54 GMT  ·  By

Kinect has already been announced for Windows PCs, yet it appears that some vendors out there might be set to take it to a brand new level.

Rumor has it that ASUS is considering the release of a Window 8-powered laptop that would also include the Kinect sensor inside.

In fact, The Daily claims that they have already had the chance to check these devices, and that they do sport the said Kinect sensors at the top of the screen.

These are said to be Asus netbooks that run under the Windows 8 platform, and it seems that Microsoft has already confirmed that they are prototype devices set to land on shelves with the Kinect sensor packed inside.

The sensor is placed on top of the screen, where the webcam is usually located on this type of devices. Moreover, the laptop features LEDs at the bottom of the display.

Having Kinect sensors packed inside mobile devices will allow for a range of applications, beyond those of Kinect for Xbox.

Microsoft has already promised expanded usage of Kinect for Windows, but has not offered specific info on the possible pairing of its sensor with the new Windows 8 operating system.

Clearly, having Kinect included with laptops would enable the toggling of programs with the simple wave of the hand, while also allowing non-touch controlling of media players and more.

The news site notes that Microsoft might adopt with these Kinect sensors a similar approach to the Windows one, namely licensing. The company won’t produce the hardware in-house.

Windows 8 beta is set to become available next month, and there is a strong possibility that the company would unveil more on plans for integrating Kinect in laptops at that time.

If this pans out, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Kinect included in more devices, such as set-top boxes. A rumor on that emerged only a few weeks ago.