New Xbox One Experience update drops Kinect gestures

This week's New Xbox One Experience update will remove the option to navigate the dashboard using Kinect-based gestures, Microsoft has revealed.

The feature, which has been present in Xbox One since the console's launch, allowed Kinect owners to operate the dashboard by using their hands, physically swiping through menus and selecting options by raising their hand.

But its usage was "very, very low", Microsoft's Mike Ybarra admits, leading to the platform holder's decision to drop it in the next update.

"On gestures, when we looked at the New Xbox One Experience we wanted to prioritize features that customers were asking for, plus areas of improvement from the existing Xbox One UI," Ybarra told Windows Central. "Then, we wanted to look at the use-case model of features that take a lot of investment and say, 'is it worth continuing to invest in that area?'

"With gestures, the reality was the usage was very, very low. So for now, we've cut that from the New Xbox One Experience. So when we launch on the 12th, they won't be in the product. We'll continue to monitor and listen to feedback to see if people want them in."

Gestures can still be used in software that supports it, of course, and users will continue to be able to search for content on the dashboard using their voice.

Kinect initially came bundled with all Xbox One consoles, but was removed from the box in May 2014 to provide "more choices for fans". The majority of the console's latest official bundles have not included Kinect.

The New Xbox One Experience rolls out this Thursday, November 12, introducing a brand new dashboard that promises to be up to 50% faster than the current interface, and backwards compatibility, allowing users to play a selection of Xbox 360 games on their Xbox One.

Source: windowscentral.com (via gamespot.com)