Xbox One voice commands still work in games using freed-up Kinect power

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When Microsoft announced it would give Xbox One developers more GPU power in an upcoming software kit update by freeing up resources dedicated to the console's Kinect sensor, there was some confusion as to the extent of Kinect features that would be lost for games that choose the option. In two recent interviews, Microsoft has clarified that system voice controls will still work in games that opt to use the Kinect reserves.

Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox unit, confirmed to Kotaku that all gestures – including system gestures – will be unavailable when developers choose to make their games using the additional horsepower previously reserved for Kinect. System voice commands (such as "Xbox, record that") will still work, however. Additionally, when a gamer suspends the game by going back to the Xbox One home screen, gestures will be available for use in the console interface.

Spencer's comments were expounded upon by Microsoft Studios executive Phil Harrison who told Eurogamer that developers are already using the additional resources to improve frame rates and resolutions of Xbox One games.

"Many developers will use that performance benefit to enhance and improve the graphical look or resolution or frame rate of a game," he said. "We've already seen news that Bungie will increase the graphics performance of 'Destiny.' And as other developers get their hands on the libraries in the next days and weeks, that will become tangible and impactful in games that ship this holiday."

Regardless of whether Xbox One owners have a version of the console with Kinect or the new console version without the sensor, games that make use of Kinect reserves will work the same. Simply unplugging the sensor won't provide any performance improvements, as developers have to program their games for the new option and the games themselves will simply tell the console not to use the sensor.

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Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/xbox-one-voice-commands-still-work-in-games-using-freed-up-kinect-power

Comments

"Xbox One voice commands still work in games using freed-up Kinect power" :: Login/Create an Account :: 29 comments

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GaryPosted:

The voice commands are a cool thing but they should really not be used in games, unless it is optional and not required.

AR15Posted:

I haven't gotten to use the Kinect or Voice commands as much as I would like since I don't own an Xbox One and have only ever played on a friend's, but, I have Kinect for my 360 and even though it doesn't always work I still like it. I think voice options should be pretty helpful and cool! Also, the fact they have updated and refined Kinect since the original helps too.

vWatsoncPosted:

I'm not sure if I would like voice command because in the past voice commands havent been very good with Scottish accents :D but i suppose I would need to try it !

KixaPosted:

I really like the voice commands on the kinect but it can be annoying sometimes.

-Zippo-Posted:

Sometimes my Kinect doesn't even respond when I give it a command, I have to repeat my self, as this is very annoying.

KifeshPosted:

Medion
AnimeDesu We don't want graphics we want 60 fps!


Well done, you just made yourself look stupid.


Hahaha he is really stupid

1993Posted:

Looks better compered to the PS4. My Opinion:)

MedionPosted:

AnimeDesu We don't want graphics we want 60 fps!


Well done, you just made yourself look stupid.

PryzelPosted:

I really like the voice commands very useful at times and all this freed up power sounds all good to me !

DivePosted:

I'd have the voice commands on all the time I really like the idea and would be much easier than using the controller.