When the research project is funded and produced by Microsoft it can be assumed that it will eventually ascertain a pragmatic and commercial product. These projects are funded in the hope that they will one day lead to profit, much like the kinect. That's just not going to happen with this.Failed PhD project? It would be a great success. The proof of concept seems to work very well.
The goal of this research is not to create a commercially viable product and that is something everyone should be aware of.