Microsoft releases Kinect source code to Open Source

Microsoft just released some of the source code for its Kinect Motion sensor accessory into open source. The idea to get the community involved in pushing the potential of Kinect, already a highly innovative controller-free gaming experience, into other applications. Code that's been shared out of Redmond includes face tracking, audio capture, slideshow gestures and green-screen effects. For more information on Kinect for Windows and how to access the source code, check this blog post.

Source: CRN.com

Ubuntu for Phones makes major mobile push

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Canonical's Ubuntu OS is popular for being easy to install and use and for being quite malleable and capable of running efficiently on older PCs. Back in 2011, we featured a story about Ubuntu making inroads to mobile and late last year it was announced that multi-core smartphones could easily run the mobile version of the OS. Ubuntu just announced Ubuntu for Phones which will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas next week.

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Dell's Ubuntu-powered Developer Edition XPS 13 now available for $1449

Dell's selling an Ubuntu-powered XPS 13 geared for developers that is runnng the Precise Pengolin version of Canonical's Ubuntu Linux distro and which has all the necessary drivers and applications. Available from Dell's US online store the Ultrabook features an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage and a basic set of developer tools and utilities, as well as access to two beta projects: the cloud launcher and the profile tool.

Chrome OS to power Google's cloud in 2010

 

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google recently announced its Chrome desktop OS that is set to launch in 2010.  What makes the Google OS is unique is that it works entirely inside the Google Chrome browser with tabs as the main means of navigation between programs.

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