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Report: Next Xbox requires always-on Kinect
by Andrew Yoon, Feb 11, 2013 12:15pm PSTThe next Xbox, codenamed Durango, will not only include an updated version of Kinect--it will require it. "It must be plugged in and calibrated for the console to even function," a new report on Kotaku reveals.
According to the site, Microsoft will include both Kinect and a hard drive in their next-gen console (both were optional accessories on Xbox 360). By making their use mandatory, developers will be able to make games with both peripherals in mind.
The camera has been greatly improved, being able to track up to six skeletons at once, versus two in the current-gen model. In addition, the new Kinect can keep track of five additional joints per person. According to Kotaku, the improved resolution of the camera will allow it to "instantly identify a person," making "automatic player identification" a part of the Xbox experience. While the convenience of not having to log-in will be nice, it could also lead to restricting content based on who Kinect identifies--something Redmond had patented many months ago. Using this tech could restrict the "number of user views, a number of user views over time, a number of simultaneous user views, views tied to user identities, views limited to user age or any variation or combination thereof."
In terms of hardware spec, Durango has been rumored to be largely identical with Orbis, the next PlayStation. Digital Foundry offers a comparison, detailing the slight differences in approach the two companies are taking with their next consoles.
Comments
The next Xbox, codenamed Durango, will not only include an updated version of Kinect--it will require it. "It must be plugged in and calibrated for the console to even function."
The next Xbox, codenamed Durango, will not only include an updated version of Kinect--it will require it. "It must be plugged in and calibrated for the console to even function." : Shacknews
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I think geeks would notice such cute little additions, but a) as is evidenced here, geeks are completely willing to look the other way, assuming that the gamer gods have some totally-not-creepy reason for including those components; and b) the vast majority of non-geeks (as evidenced here) will either not listen, or will not understand, which will make them ignore the warnings even more vehemently.
I want to make it clear right now, because most are completely missing this subtle point, I'm not saying they will include these nefarious additions, but that they easily could. And the greatest danger is not that this system will come out and totally be stalking you and hacking your Friendface, but that the ubiquity of such devices is slowly eroding peoples sense of self preservation, freedom and privacy, at a rate that we don't even notice. Let me state that again: location tracking, voice recognition, optical recording devices are becoming so ubiquitous that we don't care about a new technology is being released that actually identifies users passively, and cane monitor them almost continuously. The tech is there, and if you want an Xbox you must have that tech present. Regardless of their intent, you are becoming docile and willing to give up the next chunk of yourself by being okay with this sort of thing.
Perhaps my wingsuit is keeping me safely aloft as the droves plummet to their deaths in el Cañon de los Locos.
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