xbox one Xbox One no longer requires Kinect to function

[Soundwave]

Xbox One will no longer require Kinect to be plugged in to the console in order to operate, Microsoft has confirmed.

 

 

The decision marks another major U-turn from the platform holder, following earlier decisions to remove DRM, support indie self-publishing, and include a headset in the box.

 

Nevertheless, Microsoft maintains that Xbox One has been "designed to work with Kinect plugged in" and encourages users to keep the device connected to make use of voice command features.

 

"It makes gaming better in many ways," Xbox corporate VP Marc Whitten told IGN, "from the ability to say 'Xbox On' and get right to your personalized homescreen, to the ability to control your TV through voice, Smartglass and more.

 

"Kinect allows you to search for your content, instantly move between games and your personalized dash and more with just your voice. Kinect helps you pick up and play by automatically knowing which controller you have in your hands. No more need to interrupt your friends game or navigate through multiple UI screens to sign in and tell the system which controller you are holding. It will even bind the controller to the console if its currently unbound – no searching for special buttons!

 

"Of course – these are just a few of the system wide benefits of having Kinect. Games use Kinect in a variety of amazing ways from adding voice to control your squad mates to adding lean and other simple controls beyond the controller to full immersive gameplay.

 

"That said, like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn’t plugged in, although you won’t be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor."

 

Microsoft has faced heavy scrutiny over its prior decision for Xbox One to require Kinect and the potential privacy issues associated with the device, prompting the firm to issue a statement clarifying that users "are in control of what Kinect can see and hear" and the personal data it collects.

 

http://www.videogamer.com/news/xbox_one_no_longer_requires_kinect_to_function.html

[Ryzza5]

Nice - although I suspect that just means you can just turn the system on and use the dashboard, before being coerced into connecting it when a game looks for it. If anything I'd rather connect it to my PC.

 

Also:

 

 

And of course:

Microsoft Boxes Its New Xbox... | turboduck

[superhyper]

Doesn't bother me if the console comes with it anyways :lol:

[Soundwave]

If they will announce a bundle without the Kinect sensor at Gamescon for 100 less, I might buy one after I bought the PS4.

[Ozzmcom]

wish they changed their third party tools policy as well.

I'll still get the ps4 JUST because it supports my wheel.

[Ryzza5]

Well keep shouting at them, you never know. ;)

[Ozzmcom]

Well keep shouting at them, you never know. ;)

I feel like we're a very small group of people who likes to enjoy playing racing games with quality wheels.

I bet they make a lot of money through those cheap microsoft wheels.

[Ryzza5]

What about the Forza branded Fanatec wheels

[Ozzmcom]

I already have a wheel.

Don't want to spend another $500 just to fit another console.

[Ryzza5]

I meant there's no guarantee that they'll even work yet - waiting for MS to reveal more on the subject.

 

Nice to see a standard USB port on the gamepad at least.

[Ozzmcom]

I meant there's no guarantee that they'll even work yet - waiting for MS to reveal more on the subject.

 

Nice to see a standard USB port on the gamepad at least.

true that, I'd be so pissed if they didn't work :cheeky:

[calster17]

It's getting to the point where if you Google 'U turn' it'll just show the Xbox 1...

 

Next they'll say there changing the name to the Xbox 720.

[T1M]

Great... PS4 still winning :lol:

[Eudemon]

Four 180's equals a 720 so they have done that well. There's a lot of scepticism about how it will work though and if MS will somewhat coerce devs to make Kinect required in some way in most of the games so that there is no point in having it disconnected. I imagine Forza 5 might be adamant about using it for head-tracking or something.