Xbox One Kinect 'can be turned completely off', confirms Microsoft rep
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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Comments
ExoticWolfsPosted:
I-DA-KING This is't that big of a deal for me, Don't see why people can't just unplug it, Anyway glad that there putting this feature in
Lol, unplug it? I am pretty sure you have to have it in at all times.
This is good that they have this though...
I-DA-KINGPosted:
This is't that big of a deal for me, Don't see why people can't just unplug it, Anyway glad that there putting this feature in
bdgrPosted:
Glad they done this because my electricity bill would have been sky high, i mean sky high :P but yet again you just unplug it?
BioPosted:
This would have been bad if they didn't have an "on, off" feature thank god they finally cleared that up would have been a huge deal for most and me...
FrogPosted:
It would be really bad if it couldn't be completely turned off... I'm not going to buy it anyways...
SynybunPosted:
Snowfl4k3z "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."
Why is there no response to this question? Can they still see people while it's turned off?
Probably not, or there would be no point to.
Snowfl4k3zPosted:
"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."
Why is there no response to this question? Can they still see people while it's turned off?
Why is there no response to this question? Can they still see people while it's turned off?
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