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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.
Xbox One launches this November for £429.
With Kinect no longer a requirement, could Microsoft be readying itself to announce an Kinect-less Xbox One SKU designed to undercut PlayStation 4’s £349 RRP?
Source: ign.com
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