Microsoft will soon introduce a Windows PC-specific
version of its motion-sensing Kinect peripheral, with updated firmware
allowing the depth camera to "see" much closer than before.

According to the company, the new firmware allows the Kinect to see
objects as close to 50 centimeters away without any accuracy or
precision loss.

The company is calling the new feature "Near Mode." According to
Kinect for Windows general manager Craig Eisler, the new mode "will
enable a whole new class of 'close up' applications, beyond the living
room scenarios for Kinect for Xbox 360."

The news follows the launch of the Kinect Accelerator Initiative, which will grant developers up to $20,000 to implement new business applications powered by the device.

A beta version of the Kinect Windows SDK is currently available, with multi-core skeletal tracking just one of the features that is offered to developers.