Intel issues $1m challenge for devs to make RealSense apps

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Intel first revealed its RealSense 3D camera back at CES at the start of the year. Calling it the first of its "perceptual computing" products, Intel's Mooly Eden talked about how the RealSense camera could use technologies such as facial and voice recognition along with gesture control to give devices a more intuitive interface.

More than that, Intel said the technology could have a wide range of applications: for 3D scanning of objects to help with 3D printing, or it could even be used to create a greenscreen style effect in video conferencing.

Now Intel is kicking off the RealSense App Challenge in the hopes of getting devs excited about working with the technology, as well -- one presumes -- as getting some impressive app demos out in the world to get users equally excited.

The challenge has five development categories: gaming and play; learning and edutainment; interact naturally; immersive collaboration and creation; and open innovation. These categories seem to translate as games, education, UI, chat, and any old thing.

It's open to both student and professional developers and it kicks off with the "ideation" phase in the third quarter of this year. According to Intel, finalists 'may' receive the RealSense camera, SDK and access to Intel Developer resources.

The US$1 million prize is for "cash, marketing opportunities and more" but beyond that the details are still a little sketchy.

Intel has been demoing the RealSense camera at its booth at Computex, converting a toy-filled Claw Machine so it can be controlled by gestures. It's proven to be, unsurprisingly, very popular.

Update, 5:30PM CST: At Intel's satellite event on Wednesday, Intel also confirmed RealSense cameras will start appearing in laptops later this year and in tablets and detachable convertibles in 2015.