Dean Takahashi wrote two books on Microsoft’s Xbox console launches, Opening the Xbox and Xbox 360 Uncloaked. Both followed a path from the earliest glimmers of development to launch success.
One can only hope Takahashi is currently gathering data for a book on Xbox One.
Microsoft has now stated a controversial Kinect requirement, which ill-timed into controversy surrounding NSA spying programs and Microsoft connections, is no longer the case. IGN’s “Ask Microsoft” series brought in Chief Platform Architect Mark Whitten to take Kinect questions head on. Between lines of marketing, Whitten produced this line:
“That said, like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn’t plugged in, although you won’t be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor.”
Whitten further elaborates Xbox One’s Kinect has full “off” modes for those who don’t wish to consistently disconnect the device.
This is the latest in an incredible turn-around response for Xbox One, beginning with always online requirements, moving into the indie scene by making each console a development unit.
Is there anything left for them to “fix?”
