Here’s how Microsoft collects motion data to improve its mixed-reality products

2 min. read

Published onAugust 10, 2018

published onAugust 10, 2018

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft needs to collect a lot of data and information relating to diverse physical characteristics to improve its products and services, especially in the mixed reality ecosystem.

I came across a booth that the company had set up outside the Microsoft Store in San Francisco looking for volunteers for its research and data collection efforts.

The booth had some equipment set up to map motion data. The Microsoft folks at the kiosk were urging shoppers and visitors at the mall to give their five minutes in exchange for a gift card good for Chipotle or Jamba Juice or something.

The sign up did not require any personal information – except name and signature on the participation form granting Microsoft the right to user our data, name, likeness, image, voice, et al for the development of its products and services. Although, not all of them were recorded in this exercise and it was more of an overarching participation document.

When one was ready for the activity, the person recording the data also asked for age (although it wasn’t mandatory) and I’m assuming he also noted the gender without asking explicitly.

To allow them to record the user data, one had to stand at a marked position and move left and right which was captured by 3D camera equipment set up. And also smile and frown to probably catch facial expressions. The exercise was repeated from three marked positions farther away from each other, and that’s that.

The combined user data of thousands of individuals via this and similar activities help Microsoft in its mixed reality as well as NUI (natural user interface) efforts.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Here’s how Microsoft collects motion data to improve its mixed-reality products#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Here’s how Microsoft collects motion data to improve its mixed-reality products