Microsoft makes one more policy change with Xbox One, now gamers will be able to use the game console without a Kinect sensor. In the original Microsoft’s plan, Kinect was going to be a required peripheral to use the game console. But once again things are changing, in a new interview Marc Whitten, Xbox chief product officer, has told IGN that the sensor will not longer be mandatory.
But of course, this will cut-off some of Xbox One features, you won’t be able to use speech or use hands gestures to control the console, neither you will be able play games that explicitly uses the sensor.
SEE ALSO: Microsoft officially unboxes Xbox One (video)
Still a big question mark to why the new policy change, many tech news outlets has credit the new reversal to current privacy concerns. Furthermore, Microsoft repeatedly told game developers that they could count with a sensor on every Xbox One. This is no longer true and it could become a problem for game designers to target their audience with new games.
SEE ALSO: Microsoft details new Xbox One Home Gold benefits and digital game sharing
Now that Kinect is no longer a requirement to use the game console opens the door to new questions, such as: will Microsoft offer a Xbox One bundled without Kinect? In the past Microsoft said no but now this could be a reality. And this also brings us to the next logical question: will Microsoft offer a cheaper version of Xbox One? Nothing hasn’t been announced, but it could be that the company is thinking on playing at the same level as Sony’s PlayStation 4, which offers the console without a sensor for $399.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].