Microsoft will be releasing an update to the Kinect for Windows runtime and software development kit just a few weeks before Windows 8 drops. The October 8 update will provide further access to sensor data in order to inspire developers to use Kinect for Windows technology in new and innovative ways, Microsoft said on their official blog.

The blog post also outlines the fact that the runtime and SDK will include more tools and samples that should improve developer efficiency. We are also told that the update will include support for Windows 8 desktop applications, Microsoft .NET 4.5 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2012.

Microsoft will be expanding the reach of Kinect for Windows hardware in seven new markets this fall as well. China, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary and Poland will soon have access to the device. Redmond hopes that developers and businesses in these regions will be able to put the hardware to good use and create great touch-free solutions.

Kinect for Windows hardware and SDK version 1.0 was released in 12 countries (United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom) just over seven months ago. By the end of 2012, the kit will be available in 38 markets with two significant updates since the initial release.

Kinect for Windows starts at $249 but we were able to find it online for as low as $215 without too much effort.