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Microsoft ditch mandatory Kinect policy

Microsoft have told gamers that they will no longer need to have an always online, all seeing online camera attached to their Xbox One. Just another in the latest line of 180 degree changes for the company who have been facing a lot of negative press for a series of stupid decisions regarding their upcoming Xbox One console.

Microsoft's Xbox Live Marc Whitten spoke to IGN yesterday explaining that the Xbox One console will not need the Kinect attached all the time for it to operate properly. This will be a relief for many people, especially with the news that the NSA have been compiling information on email and social habits across the globe. Microsoft were alleged to be participating in the agencies PRISM data hording program.

Whitten told IGN “he 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.”
xbox-one-kinect-sensor_1280.0_cinema_640.0

Microsoft have already reversed their ‘always online policy' and now the same for the Kinect. We aren't sure if they are trying to confuse the public intentionally, but they are certainly succeeding.

Whitten added “You have the ability to completely turn the sensor off in your settings. When in this mode, the sensor is not collecting any information. Any functionality that relies on voice, video, gesture or more won't work.”

Kitguru says: What next for the Xbox One? the details seem to change on a weekly basis.

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3 comments

  1. One argument less for the PS4 fankids.

  2. “You have the ability to completely turn the sensor off in your settings. When in this mode, the sensor is not collecting any information”

    So says Microsoft, but how can a consumer really know that? How can you trust Microsoft when they’re part of the PRISM project? I’d much prefer to be able to completely unplug the device and make sure it’s not operating/can’t be hacked to continue observing whilst reporting itself as offline to the console

    Literally all MS had to do was keep it USB as it did in the first place and they would have avoided a large chunk of their well deserved negative press

  3. from my point of view, hell no.I will NEVER EVER EVER buy ANYTHING from microsoft again.I wont get an upgrade for windows 8.1 as i wanted . I will recommend to everybody to pirate any kind of windows they want.Yes, payback is a *****.Reversing rules because people wont buy that? . I wont get a ps4 either, i`m a pc gamer, from where i stand it`s clear a giant fiasco, Peace.