Xbox One: Kinect is connected and always listening
The newly unveiled Xbox One will require a new, second-generation Kinect peripheral to be connected at all times in order to function, Microsoft has confirmed.
A rumoured quirk of the latest generation Xbox that has come to fruition, Microsoft, speaking after the Xbox One unveiling, has revealed that a Kinect add-on will need to be attached to the console at all times for any aspect of the device to work. What’s more, those concern about their privacy will not be impressed to find out that the internet enabled Kinect will have its microphones activated at all times.
Asked 'does Kinect always have to be connected for the Xbox One to function', Harvey Eagle, Microsoft's Marketing Director of Xbox UK stated simply: "yes it does, in all cases."
With a new, second-generation Kinect set to come boxed with every Xbox One from launch, Microsoft has showcased how integral the peripheral is to many of the PS4 rival's new features, with the Xbox One set to boast a bevy of gesture and voice based commands.
Capable of being turned on simply by saying "Xbox on," the newly confirmed Xbox One, will see gamers able to seamlessly switch between gaming and multimedia content, simply by making pinch-to-close gestures or using voice prompts.
Featuring always active microphones, there is sure to be concerns from some gamers that their internet tethered console could potentially be used for snooping purposes.
While the Xbox One console has been confirmed to feature an eight-core processor, 8GB of RAM and an integrated 500GB HDD, Microsoft has revealed the new Kinect will sport a 1080p Full HD wide-angle camera, 30 frames-per-second recording capabilities and an array of inbuilt microphones.
Built around 64bit PC architecture, the Xbox One, like the PS4 will touch down before the Christmas festivities, with Microsoft confirming and Xbox One release date will be held 'around the world later this year." There is still currently no word on Xbox One pricing.
Further Reading: Xbox One vs. PS4.
