Xbox One no longer requires plugged-in Kinect, Whitten says

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Xbox One does not need the Kinect sensor in order to function normally, Xbox Corporate VP Marc Whitten tells IGN. This runs contrary to previous statements: In May, Microsoft Studios Corporate VP Phil Spencer said the Xbox One would require the Kinect to be plugged in.

It's unclear whether this is a shift in policy or phrasing, but Whitten says that while ditching Kinect may limit the console's capabilities, the sensor isn't a necessary piece of equipment at all times. Instead, you'll only need it for voice- and motion-based navigation features, or to play games like Fantasia: Music Evolved, which rely on the sensor.

"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," he says. "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."

Clean out some extra space on the entertainment center or in the closet: it depends on what you play.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/xbox-one-wont-require-plugged-in-kinect-whitten-says/

Comments

"Xbox One no longer requires plugged-in Kinect, Whitten says" :: Login/Create an Account :: 165 comments

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-Ben-Posted:

If you have to buy it what's the point in not having it plugged in!

KatsumiPosted:

Now it's kind of obvious... I really do believe that the "We talked, you listened" thing that Microsoft is doing is completely pre-planned. The DRM, The Kinect, they where planning to remove it in the first place. They only put it in to drop peoples hopes with the console, and when they take it out have them skyrocket, thinking "Oh wow, Microsoft does really care about the customer".

If i am correct in this assumption Microsoft are complete geniuses of business, because it worked.

NodusPosted:

This is good now there only 1 reason why the Sony fanboys can bs about towards the Xbox One.

Dr-JPosted:

+1 even though I will still use It

SteeenPosted:

Ranzee Glad that it doesn't because if it broke than it'd cost a lot to pay for another just to use your Xbox


Thats the main reason i didnt want it.

LWRPosted:

var Then why would your sell it bundled with the Xbox One :facepalm:


They want more people to use Kinect and buy more games because at the min Kinect is failing. I guess throwing it in may make more people buy it (I won't but some people might)

Trans_AmPosted:

Cool now u don't need kinect in 24/7 stalking you

IlIuminatiPosted:

Then why would your sell it bundled with the Xbox One :facepalm:

iiExaMplezZzPosted:

Microsoft looks like they're going back on almost every big decision made for the Xbox One. If they keep going like this, they'll need another press conference to show off what features the console doesnt have anymore!

bingbing10Posted:

I guess this is good for some users but I just feel like this is no longer a Microsoft console and all the years they took to make it and add new features they are all just un doing them ? It's basically just going to be a 360 with better graphics and I would of liked to of seen bigger changes , to much 180s on decisions . But then now why don't they ship the console separately without kinetic and make it cheaper but make it a competitive pric for the the kinetic bundle