Xbox One Kinect 'can be turned completely off', confirms Microsoft rep

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In response to concerns over privacy with its next-gen console, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One and it's all-seeing Kinect sensor can be turned "completely off".

Concerns have arisen over the implications for potential breach of privacy with an always-on device that's equipped with an advanced camera and microphone array and a constant connection to the internet.
That you can turn on the console with a voice command - therefore suggesting that the Kinect sensor is 'always listening' even when in standby mode - has proven particularly unsettling for some.

Concerns have even been shared by the German federal commissioner for data protection and freedom of information Peter Schaar, who highlighted "Kinect's ability to monitor users even when the console is switched off".

Seeking to allay fears, Microsoft has confirmed that both the Xbox One and its Kinect - which is required for the console to function - can be shut down completely.

"Yes, you can turn the system completely off," a Microsoft rep told Kotaku. "This would use no power and turn everything off.

"We are designing the new Kinect with simple, easy methods to customize privacy settings, provide clear notifications and meaningful privacy choices for how data will be used, stored and shared.

The rep went on to assure that privacy protection will be a key focus for the new console.

"We know our customers want and expect strong privacy protections to be built into our products, devices and services, and for companies to be responsible stewards of their data. Microsoft has more than ten years of experience making privacy a top priority. Kinect for Xbox 360 was designed and built with strong privacy protections in place and the new Kinect will continue this commitment. We'll share more details later," they said.

Xbox One was revealed at an event on May 21, when Microsoft confirmed a launch for 'later this year'.

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Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/409396/xbox-one-kinect-can-be-turned-completely-off-confirms-microsoft-rep/

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"Xbox One Kinect 'can be turned completely off', confirms Microsoft rep" :: Login/Create an Account :: 74 comments

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slapshot101Posted:

It has to always be listening, if it is listing for the command Xbox On, and I am sure that people can hack into the system and gain control of the video and audio feeds. It would intrigue a lot of people if Microsoft didn't include this then they will be able to also lower the price.

MentalistPosted:

ShadowBoltDashie "This would use no power and turn everything off."

But yet it still has to be plugged in and it will still be using some power, makes sense Microsoft ;D


Microsoft logic, nobody will ever understand those crazies!

MentalistPosted:

ShadowBoltDashie
BDB Why does it need to be plugged in all the time then? Spy's :D


NSA, nuff said about it .-. In all reality it could very well have to do something with NSA, I'm not going to try and put fear in everyone but it could be a possibility.


I know, couldn't agree with you more!

TaigaAisakaPosted:

"This would use no power and turn everything off."

But yet it still has to be plugged in and it will still be using some power, makes sense Microsoft ;D

TaigaAisakaPosted:

BDB Why does it need to be plugged in all the time then? Spy's :D


NSA, nuff said about it .-. In all reality it could very well have to do something with NSA, I'm not going to try and put fear in everyone but it could be a possibility.

MentalistPosted:

YIGLobbies I am glad to hear this as I was told it was on like 24/7


It still needs to be plugged in though, I dont get Microsoft :s

MentalistPosted:

Why does it need to be plugged in all the time then? Spy's :D

FrogPosted:

slapshot101 This seems very stupid, we have to have it always pluged in to play it but we can just turn it completely off.


Yeah I agree, what's the point? We might as well have the option just to not get it with the console to save money.

PlusnetPosted:

slapshot101 This seems very stupid, we have to have it always pluged in to play it but we can just turn it completely off.


Yeah, maybe it will change by the time it's released.

slapshot101Posted:

This seems very stupid, we have to have it always pluged in to play it but we can just turn it completely off.