The official Microsoft Kinect SDK beta is now out and available for download! Covered by Channel Nine Live Media, Microsoft Scientist Anoop Gupta made the announcement himself that after the long wait, users may now go to the official SDK website to download the latest software development kit for the Kinect camera.

Here are the features that will come with the Kinect SDK (taken from Microsoft SDK website):

“The Kinect for Windows SDK beta is a programming toolkit for application developers. It enables the academic and enthusiast communities easy access to the capabilities offered by the Microsoft Kinect device connected to computers running the Windows 7 operating system.

The Kinect for Windows SDK beta includes drivers, rich APIs for raw sensor streams and human motion tracking, installation documents, and resource materials. It provides Kinect capabilities to developers who build applications with C++, C#, or Visual Basic by using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.

Raw sensor streams

Access to raw data streams from the depth sensor, color camera sensor, and four-element microphone array enables developers to build upon the low-level streams that are generated by the Kinect sensor.

Skeletal tracking

The capability to track the skeleton image of one or two people moving within the Kinect field of view make it easy to create gesture-driven applications.

Advanced audio capabilities

Audio processing capabilities include sophisticated acoustic noise suppression and echo cancellation, beam formation to identify the current sound source, and integration with the Windows speech recognition API.

Sample code and documentation

The SDK includes more than 100 pages of technical documentation. In addition to built-in help files, the documentation includes detailed walkthroughs for most samples provided with the SDK.

Easy installation

The SDK installs quickly, requires no complex configuration, and the complete installer size is less than 100 MB. Developers can get up and running in just a few minutes with a standard standalone Kinect sensor unit (widely available at retail outlets).

This SDK is designed for non-commercial purposes only; a commercial version is expected to be available at a later date.”

Additional details about the SDK is that it is currently in beta, meaning it is not yet the actual finished product. Rather, Microsoft wants the opinion of the Kinect hackers/developers in finalizing the product. By keeping it in beta, Microsoft will then ask users to give their feedback concerning the SDK with the eventual hope of releaseing a Kinect SDK built for and with Kinect hackers.

There is also a commercial version coming out. Details are not yet final as to what the difference would be between the two versions of the Kinect.

Source: kinecthacks.com

The only usable factory option was the cup holder in the center console but most of the time I have my coffee or water in there.  I researched various options and could never really find a good way for my iPhone to sit while I was driving, especially when I had a beverage in my cup holder.  Unfortunately the Prius’ design doesn’t really lend itself to the traditional vent or window iPhone mount.

Finally the other day I stumbled upon the ProClip website and realized there was still hope.  ProClip had a proprietary two part system that looked legit and that seemed perfect for how my Prius was laid out.  I ordered the item and it arrived in just a few days.  After a quick 15 minute install I must say that I’m glad I pulled the trigger on the ProClip.  Like I said, the system has two parts.  You first install the base mount and then you get your device specific holder (my links are to the specific parts I ordered for my 2010 Prius).

If you look around you’ll see there are numerous options for the device holder with various prices.  I opted to get a slightly more expensive one that had a pass-through for the phone charger, just so I didn’t have to hook that up each time I put the phone into the mount (yes, I’m that lazy).  If you want to spend less money there are options there for you when it comes to the device holder.  The mounts are more cut and dry (vent mount, console mount, etc).  That really depends on where you want it to be.

So far the holder has been great.  I was able to have my coffee in my cup holder, my phone angled where I could easy see and control it, and everything seemed solid.  I do have to get used to getting the phone in and out of the holder, but I think that’s something that will get easier over time, and the holder will get broken in allowing the phone to slide in and out without much effort.  The holder is padded and has a very good quality finish.  I can tell it will never scratch the phone or allow the phone to fall out.  And while I haven’t used it, it supports both vertical and horizontal modes.

If you’re looking for a decent mount for your iPhone, and you don’t mind a more permanent option, definitely consider the ProClip mount!

Since I recently updated my phone to the latest iOS version, 4.2.1, I figured I’d share with you the latest tool I used to jailbreak the phone and the few of my “must have” jailbroken apps.  I won’t go into much detail about how to install the jailbreak or each individual app, there are plenty of resources available on the topic.  I just wanted to share which apps I have come to love and depend on, which have made me love my iPhone even more.

First, Jailbreak it (Guide for Windows, Mac).

Second, the apps…

My3G

Facetime over 3G! Take back your 3G! My3G makes Apps believe that they are on WiFi instead of 3G. With My3G, you can now watch HiDef YouTube videos, use Skype/Fring/Other VOIP apps over the 3G network!

MyWi 4.0

Create an iPhone WiFi HotSpot or iPad WiFi HotSpot with a press of a finger! Wherever you are – you can connect your laptop or other mobile device to your iPhone/iPad easily to use your iPhone/iPad’s data connection.

Wi-Fi Sync

Wi-Fi Sync enables wireless syncing with iTunes at the touch of a button. Never go looking for that USB cable again. Sync from the car, bed or shed whenever it suits you.

LockInfo

Gives you access to your information where you need it, when you need it. You can view your new emails, upcoming calendar events, unread SMSs, missed calls and much more on your lockscreen.

biteSMS

Takes all of the basic features of the built-in Messaging app, and adds many more great features.

SBSettings

Offers a faster method to manage iPhone settings like rebooting, turning on/off Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, etc.

Along with dusting off my running shoes I’ve dusted off and charged back up the Garmin Forerunner.  What the heck is that you ask?  It’s a wrist-mounted GPS fitness computer!  Come on, you didn’t think I’d have a gadget for running?  You must not read this site or know me.  Actually, if you’re into running or thinking of getting into running you may want to consider picking up this or one of their other models.  It’s great when you’re trying to train for a race (5-k, 10-k, half or full marathon, etc) or just want to track your routs/progress and allows you to download your data for free to the Garmin Connect website.

Two things to note if you already have one of these devices or consider buying this model.  1, they have a firmware (software) update for the unit.  Since I hadn’t used mine in a few years mine was a few versions behind.  All you need for this is to download their web updater software and it’s pretty much automatic from there.  2, this unit only has a serial (RS-232) interface to the computer.  If you don’t know what that means all you need to know is that most new laptops and Macs don’t have serial interfaces.  You can solve this problem by picking up a USB to Serial cable adapter.  This will make working with any modern computers (laptops and Macs) much easier and faster.

Hopefully I can stick with the running now and build back up to doing some races.  My co-worker is doing the Virginia Beach Half-Marathon this Labor Day weekend.  I would love to go with him but we have so much else going on this summer that I really just can’t take another weekend away.  I may be able to convince him to do the Baltimore Half-Marathon this October.  We’ll have to see how that works out I guess.

Either way I plan on getting in at least 2 runs a week for now as I ease back into things.30

There are definitely a ton of options, most of which I don’t understand.  I do feel like so far just using the auto-mode the photos have been awesome.  The best feature that I’ve been loving is the quick recovery time between shooting pictures.  I hope to learn more about the advanced features in the future when I have more time.  For now I’ll rely on the auto and scene modes.

One thing that I did do was update the camera’s firmware this week.  In case you’re not aware, it’s always a good idea when purchasing any kind of camera, camcorder, etc. to check to see if there are firmware upgrades.  Typically they fix bugs or ad support for new accessories that may have come out since the product was initially released.

If you’re a fellow Rebel XSi owner you can get the latest firmware and upgrade instructions here.  The process is very easy and only requires that you have a card reader for your SD card.

By the way, speaking of SD cards, I highly suggest that if you’re in the market for a DSLR camera that you pickup a good quality SD memory card.  Going with a cheap generic card, which cheap, will not allow you to fully take advantage of the speed that your camera can most likely write to the card.  Generic and cheap cards are slow, and you’ll wait for the images to be written to your card between pictures.  In order to eliminate this bottleneck I went with the SanDisk 16gb Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC High Performance Card.

They key here is the 30MB/s speed.  That’s where this card stands out above others (the 16GB of storage doesn’t hurt either). I had picked one up at Best Buy the day before the kid’s birthday party for almost $80 more and ended up ordering the one linked above from Amazon because it was much cheaper.  Once the Amazon.com one came I simply took that box back and returned it to Best Buy.

All in all I’ve taken a few hundred pictures with the new camera and love it.  It’s definitely bulky and not as convenient as carrying around the old point and shoot, but the end result is worth it as far as I’m concerned.

While I don’t think the Digital SLR will completely fill all of our photography needs I think it will slowly become the better option as the kids (two of which will be 3 here in June) get into more activities which will require their own personal sports illustrated (or whatever they do) photographer.  I still see us throwing the crappy old battery hungry point and shoot into the van for occasional use where we may not feel like lugging around a bigger camera.

The one model I’m seriously considering is a basic/entry level SLR from Canon.  Consumer Reports recommended it and my main dilemma now is to decide if I should get a kit where they bundle in a basic lens or get the body and my own lens separately.  For simplicity sake here’s a link to the Canon EOS Rebel XSi from Amazon.

As you can see from that link you can buy the camera body only or the standard bundle with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Image Stabilization) Lens.  If you go by Amazon you’ll see that there’s about a $100 difference between the two models.  And while not a big deal, the standard lens is only about the same as a 3x magnification range and is about what I’d have with my standard point and shoot. While I realize the quality difference would be massive when compared to the point and shoot I feel like not having the ability for distance shots may just have me reaching for the smaller one a lot of the time.

I wonder if it would just be better to get the body by itself and find a full range lens (18-200mm) and carry around 1 lens vs. having two in the bag.  I guess I’ll really have to consider what the majority of the shots will be.  Maybe having standard zoom (the one you get with the bundle) will be what I use most of the time and I could pickup a telephoto lens (50-250mm) for when the kids start soccer or whatever.  Or, you can find other places like B&H Photo that sell kits with both the standard zoom and telephoto bundled together.

Hmmm… decisions, decisions.  If any of you guys have any suggestions I’d love to hear them.  With two vacations coming up in the next few months I think pulling the trigger soon will result in lots of nice pictures when we’re on the beach in the Outer Banks this summer and down in Florida conquering Disney this fall.

The two cameras that I tested were the Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder and the Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Camera.  Both were purchased from Amazon.com and as you can see from the links here had pretty comparable features.

Here’s a breakdown of what I felt were the pros and cons for each model:

Camera	Pros	Cons
Flip MinoHD	Smaller size Wrist strap on side vs. bottom Software supports MAC Software decent for managing device and movies Battery is internal and can be charged by USB port	No expandable memory Internal battery can’t be replaced if it goes bad or loses capacity over time More expensive Software upload to YouTube feature doesn’t take advantage of YouTube’s new HD options
Kodak Zi6	Feels more solid Screen much more clear, bigger is much better for viewing Zoom button much better “Trackball” much more responsive than buttons on Mino Uses external batteries, easy to pickup a pack from a store if you’re in a pinch Uses external storage (up to 32GB), you can swap out cards if not at your PC. Mino only has 4GB internal memory	Small internal memory Can’t plug it into my 15″ Macbook Pro USB slot when the power cord is plugged in. Have to use a USB extension cable. No Mac version o the software Seems to default to HD vs. HD 60 (60 = 60 frames per second vs. 30, the default) — this may be configurable

So which one did I keep?  The Kodak.

Why would you do that, you ask?  Well, the TiVo is 100x smarter than Comcast’s service in that it can hook in with the home network and talk to other TiVos.  Also, since it hooks into the network it can do all kinds of cool stuff over the web like allow you to schedule shows while at work and even stream movies from Netflix (yes, we have that service too) directly.  Also, the TiVo can interface with the computers on your home network to play music and show pictures.  Add the fact that you can record copies of shows that you record on to DVD and I think you’ve got a feature set that makes Comcast’s box and service look like a fisher price toy.

The only thing that I was unsure about was how much Comcast would charge me for CableCARDs.  Well, after a quick call to them a little while ago I learned that they give you the CableCARDs for FREE!  I asked twice and she confirmed it.  We’ll see if that’s actually the case when I go to pick them up in a week or so.  There’s always some screw up when it comes to dealing with them.  I’m definitely excited that I can now not pay them $30+ a month for DVR service on my two Comcast DVRs.

After hunting around I ended up placing an order on Amazon for two TiVo TCD652160 HD DVR units.  I also added two TiVo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapters so that they can talk to each other and get hooked up to my local network.  Add in some current monthly service specials that TiVo offers and my total monthly cost will definitely be much lower than if I had stayed with Comcast.  Sure I’ll need to recoup the costs of the boxes, but considering I’ve had my one Comcast box for over 4 years I think in the long run I’ll come out ahead in this deal, and have a ton of more features and a much better “user experience” while doing it.

More reviews and initial impressions to come once I get the new hardware in, the CableCARDs picked up from Comcast, etc.  Hopefully things will go smoothly and I’ll be up  and running sometime next week.