Kinect for Xbox One is against consumer choice, says Sony

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While Microsoft has reversed almost every policy they initially announced with the Xbox One, including DRM, self-publishing and always-on Kinect, one area where the company has remained steadfast is on the inclusion of Kinect with the Xbox One.

According to Sony's Fergal Gera, forcing a console bundle that includes a camera on your customers in such a way is "against consumer choice".

Many had hoped that Microsoft would decide to release a more competitively priced version of the Xbox One that does not include Kinect, especially after Microsoft announced that always-on Kinect would no longer be a requirement, but that has not been the case.

In contrast, Sony has made their PS4 camera optional and no doubt that has been a factor in allowing them to undercut the price of the Xbox One with the PS4.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Gara said, "a decision was taken - and I think it was absolutely the right decision - which is, to force bundle a camera is probably against consumer choice.

"It does not offer the gamer the choice, and therefore the most sensible thing to do as a gamer friendly brand is give them the choice. And I'm absolutely delighted we've done that," Gera continued.

"There is an an advanced, sophisticated camera-based technology there as an option for PS4, but it's not a requirement," Gera explained. "I'm really pleased with that decision."

Gera believes that the fact that the PS4 and Xbox One are releasing so close together will be an advantage to Sony, given that the company were playing catch-up with the PS3.

"To have a 16 month disadvantage and actually get any market share in the current generation, which is a very connected generation where friends get friends, took a lot of hard graft," Gera explained.

"You've got to start good and keep on your toes. PS4 is a platform that can and will evolve. It will be great on day one but it will be far better in year two and year three as expectations rise and ideas are generated and these new tools are executed, " Gera continued.

"That's the way to win. And obviously the gameplay and the core experiences are hugely pivotal to that. They are going to start really strong, but they have to continue to grow and continue to improve."

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.nowgamer.com/news/2100041/forced_camera_anticonsumer_says_sony.html

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"Kinect for Xbox One is against consumer choice, says Sony" :: Login/Create an Account :: 82 comments

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PlusnetPosted:

Ortho And it's still catching up in sales. Sony should give up. They're behind on everything.


I'm sure that they will come out with something that Microsoft wouldn't think of.

PlusnetPosted:

Lavish I will never understand why Microsoft is forcing a bundle with the Kinect. Hardly 50% of the users will even use it in the first place.

I'm sure if they didn't include it, it would cut down the $500 price tag.


I see what you mean, but I'm sure that they will have a lot of kinect games, that may be why.

OrthoPosted:

And it's still catching up in sales. Sony should give up. They're behind on everything.

FalsifiedPosted:

Lavish I will never understand why Microsoft is forcing a bundle with the Kinect. Hardly 50% of the users will even use it in the first place.


I won't be using the Kinect for sure. Unless you have to use it for Skype...

TywinPosted:

I will never understand why Microsoft is forcing a bundle with the Kinect. Hardly 50% of the users will even use it in the first place.

I'm sure if they didn't include it, it would cut down the $500 price tag.

TywinPosted:

Lia I agree with Sony here, I don't see why they can't make the Xbox One with or without the Kinect. Personally I do not want it, and will most likely never use it's features.


Sony is going to say anything to try and piss off current Microsoft consumers. Although I do agree that you shouldn't be forced to bundle with something you don't want in the first place.

NeuroPosted:

I'm getting the Xbox one day one but I would love not to have it

Corn_DogPosted:

Dr-J
PawnStars
Lia
-Hardwell Yep not many people want this :/ who want's to be recorded and then it could be put out on the internet without your permission yes you can turn it off but still :/ x


You won't be put on the internet. If anything your details will be sold/given to NSA or other companies, which I don't see happening but it is always there.


yeah, if you use a smart phone you should be more worried about that


Besides your smart phone, your laptop/pc too. The NSA are everywhere.


honestly the xbone should be one of the last things ppl should worry about

Dr-JPosted:

PawnStars
Lia
-Hardwell Yep not many people want this :/ who want's to be recorded and then it could be put out on the internet without your permission yes you can turn it off but still :/ x


You won't be put on the internet. If anything your details will be sold/given to NSA or other companies, which I don't see happening but it is always there.


yeah, if you use a smart phone you should be more worried about that


Besides your smart phone, your laptop/pc too. The NSA are everywhere.

Corn_DogPosted:

Lia
-Hardwell Yep not many people want this :/ who want's to be recorded and then it could be put out on the internet without your permission yes you can turn it off but still :/ x


You won't be put on the internet. If anything your details will be sold/given to NSA or other companies, which I don't see happening but it is always there.


yeah, if you use a smart phone you should be more worried about that


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