Remember when the Xbox One was first revealed? It was a console that required a constant internet connection, had a restrictive system for used games, and needed Kinect to be connected at all times to play. Since that reveal Microsoft have done quite a bit of backpedaling and reversals.
The always online aspect and used game DRM were removed, and now it has been confirmed by Marc Whitten, Xbox Corporate Vice President, that the Xbox One will not need the Kinect to be plugged in for users to use the console. This revelation came through IGN’s Ask Microsoft Anything feature.
It makes you wonder why Microsoft said all of these things were necessary in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing. A less restrictive console offers much more competition, but why didn’t Microsoft say this before? It may have been because the company needed to justify the price, which will stick as the Kinect will still be bundled with the One, but Microsoft could have just said that.
However, now that we know that the Kinect is not a necessity it may be possible that Microsoft release a Kinectless One, which could price match the PS4. I doubt it would happen anytime soon, but maybe a year or so after launch Microsoft could consider it, depending on sales figures.
Source: IGN
hazelam
this flip flopping is almost comical.
but at least they’re making changes in the right direction.
a kinectless x1 is a much more attractive prospect to me, mostly for price, but an always on, always online camera that can understand what i’m saying, and can even read my heartbeat is a concern as well.
i mean, how am i going to plan that bank raid with that there.
O_O
uhm, i mean i don’t want some hacker knowing what i’m having for breakfast.
yeah, that sounds better. >_>
steverouse1234
Next they will rename it the Xbox-u.
a inferior race
I can now seriously consider getting an Xbox One.
Sad Panda
Agreed, though I will most likely wait for the £299 Kinectless SKU.
If they could just release that model around Easter I could justify myself a birthday present.
Germanos
People are so funnny…
Sad Panda
Just a creature of habit. Have owned every console each gen since I’ve been old enough to work 2 jobs to buy them.
All of my issues with the X1 have been pretty much resolved, so I’ll end up with one eventually.
bunimomike
It’s all very well saying that but the Xbox One is bound to have some cracking games on it. It’s just that most of us here can’t justify a new purchase so many will pick it up when it comes down £299 (or less) and the library of games is bursting at the seams (or at least, not crap!). :-)
Germanos
I bet the next X1 news will be: “XboX One changed it’s name to XboX 4” :P
leeroye
Lol, another day, another Xbox One u turn.
Kennykazey
How about backpeddaling on those three layers of OS while you’re at it?
Ole_Gunner
So the X1 is practically a 360. Just gone round in a complete circle.
double-o-dave
You beat me to it.
blarty
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/418787/train-wreck-o.gif
Nothing more needs to be said
double-o-dave
The whole things a joke for a company that big. I can see trust being a major issue. My sock draw is more organised than Microsoft & I haven’t even got one. (a sock ‘draw’, not a sock, I have several, 2 of which I’m wearing right now).
Microsoft are like most women I know… they say one thing and mean another and manage to confuse the crap out of you!
E8_BALL_
U-turn of the week.