Microsoft Xbox One: Kinect On/Off Switch

We all worry about privacy, and Microsoft has addressed our issue with the Xbox One monitoring our every movement and sound with Kinect. I think it is nice that you would be able to completely control your console with your voice. When I was an Apple user, I used the MacOS feature for voice command, which was really a nice feature. Though some people might be worried about Big Brother monitoring their conversations, or even watching them with the built in webcam. How many of us actually have conversations that we feel the need to have censored from prying eyes, I post most of my innermost thoughts directly to facebook.

Microsoft responded to an email sent to kotaku.com about the concerns of the users about Kinect constant monitoring.

“It does not have to be always connected, but Xbox One does require a connection to the Internet. We’re designing Xbox One to be your all-in-one entertainment system that is connected to the cloud and always ready. We are also designing it so you can play games and watch Blu-ray movies and live TV if you lose your connection.”

For those of you who already own a Xbox 360 paired up with the current Kinect model, you know that it has sensors and a microphone built-in. You might also be aware that you are able to turn on/off sensors and the microphone by entering the settings for the device.

Microsoft has also informed us that

“We are designing the new Kinect with simple, easy methods to customize privacy settings.”

If you were worried about the new Xbox One monitoring you, perhaps this will put your mind at ease. Now all you need to worry about is a hacker accessing your Xbox and turning your Kinect on and monitoring you.

Source