Microsoft Removes Mandatory Kinect Connection

[Psionic Roshambo]

Is there any group of people that was not offended by the Xbox One at some point? lol

The only thing missing is if the Kinect doesn't work with certain races like the original Kinect so we can call it racist.

 

[JulietStMoon]

This is how I see it: Whether you view it as good or not, Microsoft tried to force a ton of unnecessary features (and "features") down consumers' throats: draconian DRM policies, always online, and required Kinect. Yes, they did backpedal on these awful policies thanks to consumer backlash, which is a good thing.

However, it does still show something kind of unpleasant about Microsoft's attitude towards consumers. It basically looks like they went, "hey, let's put all these controlling, anti-consumer, risky, required features into the Xbox One, and if they whine loudly enough, we'll just change our minds and they'll forgive us."

So what now? Is this going to be a precedent? Is Microsoft going to pull this kind of crap every generation? It's kind of like kicking a dog until he bites you, just to see how long you can get away with it, and I just don't think that's right. Consumers shouldn't HAVE to collectively "rage against the system" to let Microsoft know that they dislike things that should be painfully obvious common sense, like always-online DRM and the required use of a peripheral that's secondary to the system's main use (especially when such functions could be easily accomplished through more traditional means).

I'm not going to actively boycott Xbox One, the way I intended when news first came of the draconian DRM. But that said, I still have no great desire to support a company that even tried to treat its customers that way. I probably will get an Xbox One... eventually, maybe 6 years from now, when I can find it for $100 or so used on Craig's List or in a pawn shop.

"Th-thanks guys for showing us the error of our ways."
Everyone runs back to Microsoft. Once they have their consumers by the balls the flip the DRM right back on just like that.

Alright, I'm quoting your post here, but I'm directing this at every post that says this: This is just flat out stupid. If you honestly think Microsoft is going to just put DRM back on the machine after tons of people buy it, it's clear that you're just purposely groping for negative things to say and aren't even TRYING to think about the billions of reasons they would never do that.

 

[Ethevion]

They won't.

Remember when they said DRM is the only way and sharing games in any way is stupid. Or at least among those lines
Well look at them now.

 

[Hells Malice]

Ohey people bitching for the sake of bitching.

What's new.

Nice to hear. My biggest concern with the Xbone was mandatory kinect. I may actually get one sooner than planned, but I'll wait for the xbone to bundle with a game or something. Launch game prices still make me want to slit my wrists.
But with the amazon credit card you can do a 6 / 12 month payment plan which turns the cost into something quite simple to handle. I could probably afford a PS4 too, but I'll likely just decide at that point in time which is more appealing based on current games and soon-to-be-released ones. I don't need two launch consoles, especially as a PC gamer.

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Alright, I'm quoting your post here, but I'm directing this at every post that says this: This is just flat out stupid. If you honestly think Microsoft is going to just put DRM back on the machine after tons of people buy it, it's clear that you're just purposely groping for negative things to say and aren't even TRYING to think about the billions of reasons they would never do that.

It isn't with out prior examples though.

Not really so stupid when you realize that the PS3 didn't launch with Cinavia protection in the firmware, that cool feature was added in 3.41.

Of course this DRM only affected your playing movies streamed or played from local storage, but games are considered a media these days as well so I would call it naive to think that DRM cannot be added in down the road to any system.

 

[ShadowSoldier]

PS4WiiU master race!

Price still makes a difference.

 

[Dork]

Alright, I'm quoting your post here, but I'm directing this at every post that says this: This is just flat out stupid. If you honestly think Microsoft is going to just put DRM back on the machine after tons of people buy it, it's clear that you're just purposely groping for negative things to say and aren't even TRYING to think about the billions of reasons they would never do that.

But they would do that.

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Price still makes a difference.

Always seems to be one of the strongest selling points when the kids want a new game system for Christmas.

 

[Taleweaver]

Awesome news!

Of course I'll still wait for an announcement of a version without the kinect (which I don't doubt will be available before launch), but then I might actually be tempted to give a fuck.

 

[shakirmoledina]

Now all that's left is

Microsoft Removes Mandatory Price Tag

 

[ShadowSoldier]

Alright, I'm quoting your post here, but I'm directing this at every post that says this: This is just flat out stupid. If you honestly think Microsoft is going to just put DRM back on the machine after tons of people buy it, it's clear that you're just purposely groping for negative things to say and aren't even TRYING to think about the billions of reasons they would never do that.

See, the thing I don't understand, is Major Nelson and others have said, that it's too late to change the console, what we're getting, is what we're going to get. It's not something that changes at the push of a button, but that's what it seems like.

Even then, I'm not saying Microsoft would do it like 3-4 years after launch, but 5,6? There's nothing to stop them from doing it, as they already have their money.

 

[grossaffe]

That's worse then. So now we don't need the kinect but we have to pay for it regardless? so those who don't want it are getting the middle finger still but now in a more insulting way...

As much as I enjoy hating on Microsoft, I have to agree with the strategy of packaging in the Kinect with the system. In doing so, they're telling developers that every Xbone owner out there has a kinect, so they can add embed kinect features into their game without alienating the people who didn't buy it. This is the only way to get it taken seriously. Look at the Wii and it's motion controllers in the Wiimote/Nunchuk. They made it an integral part of the console and it was successful as a result. Then look at Sony with the Playstation Move, and it flopped. The move was not necessary to the PS3, so people didn't adopt it.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

I didn't even know that was a requirement, but now that I know I have to say that was a retarded decision in the first place. It just makes no sense. It's not like anyone benefits from it.

 

[JulietStMoon]

It isn't with out prior examples though.

Not really so stupid when you realize that the PS3 didn't launch with Cinavia protection in the firmware, that cool feature was added in 3.41.

Of course this DRM only affected your playing movies streamed or played from local storage, but games are considered a media these days as well so I would call it naive to think that DRM cannot be added in down the road to any system.

There's a huge difference between changes that affect the use of digital media and changes that essentially make all your used games obsolete. Not to mention that steaming digital movies isn't a core feature of any game console, but playing games is.

But they would do that.

Yes, because simply repeating yourself makes your point more valid, right? Perhaps respond with reasons?

See, the thing I don't understand, is Major Nelson and others have said, that it's too late to change the console, what we're getting, is what we're going to get. It's not something that changes at the push of a button, but that's what it seems like.

Even then, I'm not saying Microsoft would do it like 3-4 years after launch, but 5,6? There's nothing to stop them from doing it, as they already have their money.

But to do that would be completed suicide for them. Not only would it mean little difference in their profits six years down the line, but the consumers' trust in them would be shattered forever, and their next console would surely bomb.

 

[Black-Ice]

Wait, so listening to consumer feedback is "copping out" now? How is this in any way, shape, or form a bad thing? Are we really prioritizing keeping face over doing what's best for the console here?

There are really no downsides to this decision. You don't have to go about inventing your own.

Microsoft at present have showed me they have poor decision making and aren't entirely sure what they are doing with their console.
They took a really douchebag stance, expected it to work and now are trying quietly slip back like nothing happened.
What's to stop them re-introducing all these crap features once people actually buy it?
Listening to customer feedback is one thing, what the xbox one has been doing so far is another

 

[kristianity77]

Now they've come out and said the Kinect isn't required, all thats left to do is sell a version without it for the roughly the same price as a PS4 and I think M$ might just come out of this OK.

 

[tbgtbg]

MS should really just delay the launch a year, send the already mfg'd units to visit ET carts, then redo the whole thing next year with more power (apologies to Tim Taylor) and no need to backpeddle, since it's a new system so it never had the DRM mandatory Kinect yadda yadda whatever STICKERS!


Yes, I know this is not a realistic option. But can you imagine? Would be worth it just to see people's heads asplode.

 

[Gahars]

Microsoft at present have showed me they have poor decision making and aren't entirely sure what they are doing with their console.

It's pretty evident they know what they're doing - they're trying to make a console that people want to buy. You could say they're only doing it for profit, but at the end of the day, it's a win for consumers.

They took a really douchebag stance, expected it to work and now are trying quietly slip back like nothing happened.

They've never denied the previous policies and features, and in fact have addressed the backlash multiple times, so it's hardly like they're trying to act as if "nothing happened."

They're addressing the reality of the market rather than denying it. Whether or not you liked the original policies (I sure as hell didn't), that's great news for everyone.

What's to stop them re-introducing all these crap features once people actually buy it?

Logistics and the fact that they want people to continue to buy their consoles. Microsoft is not a cartoon villain luring the heroes into a trap; they'd gain nothing from such a move (well, nothing but a drop in sales, angry customers, and even more shitty press).

Listening to customer feedback is one thing, what the xbox one has been doing so far is another

I agree. Microsoft has done more than just listen to customer feedback - they've acted on it.

 

[fafaffy]

What if (JUST speculation):
What if Microsoft never changed anything? What if they said at first that all this shit is mandatory and you'll need to do daily check ins. This left a VERY strong bad impression of the Xbone, but because they "listened" to feedback, they "took" everything we hated away. That way, we get the impression that Microsoft is listening to their customers, and because the customers feel like they're actually being heard, leaves an everlasting GOOD impression of the Xbone.

If this is what they plan, than my god their marketing team is absolutely retarded, or absolute geniuses.

 

[emigre]

What if (JUST speculation):
What if Microsoft never changed anything? What if they said at first that all this shit is mandatory and you'll need to do daily check ins. This left a VERY strong bad impression of the Xbone, but because they "listened" to feedback, they "took" everything we hated away. That way, we get the impression that Microsoft is listening to their customers, and because the customers feel like they're actually being heard, leaves an everlasting GOOD impression of the Xbone.

If this is what they plan, than my god their marketing team is absolutely retarded, or absolute geniuses.

Do you perchance have a hat made out of tin foil?