One interesting development in the last year or so has been that Microsoft started supporting Kinect applications with more enthusiasm. One of the programs that Microsoft has started is the Kinect Incubator: http://www.gamespot.com/news/microsoft-announces-kinect-incubator-6346437
It’s an awesome initiative, and I’m waiting to see the kind of products that come out from there. The Kinect is one example of industry driven technology making awesome research projects affordable for researchers.