If you head over to the Asus website youll notice that the company is currently running a competition where you can vote for the best software developed by a wide range of competitors for its Xtion Pro motion sensor (similar to Kinect for Xbox 360). However, the Xtion Pro is a very basic device, especially compared to Kinect, but it seems like Asus is getting ready to launch a more advanced model shortly, the Xtion Pro Live.
There are a couple of major differences between the Xtion Pro and the Xtion Pro Live. Although the Xtion Pro works just fine as a motion sensor it only has IR and depth of view sensors while the Xtion Pro Live gains a webcam, much like Microsofts Kinect. The webcam is hardly going to blow your mind, as just like Kinect, it tops out at 640x480 resolution. Surprisingly Asus has managed to keep the size of the unit the same, despite the additional sensor.
Another addition to the Xtion Pro Live is a pair of microphones, which could be handy for voice commands or web cam usage, one again following in the footsteps of Kinect. Asus is also opening up an app store for the Xtion where developers are going to be allowed to offer their goods for sale. Its somewhat amusing that Asus is claiming a world first and exclusive still, especially as a Kinect unit offers exactly the same features, well, not quite as the Kinect unit has auto tilting, a feature that Asus doesnt seem to have implemented.
We managed to find some pricing as well and this is where things arent looking so good for Asus, as according to Asusworld Italy, were looking at a retail price of €175 (S$300) which compares badly against buying a standalone Kinect unit for €95 (S$165). Even the Xtion Pro is quite a lot more expensive at €155 (S$270), so unless you specifically want to use the software from Asus app store, a Kinect unit will set you back a fair bit lessand itll work with an Xbox 360 as well. Were not sure when the Xtion Pro Live will be available, but considering pricing is already out; we shouldnt have to wait too long.
Source: Asusworld Italy
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