Kinect for Xbox One is against consumer choice, says Sony

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While Microsoft has reversed almost every policy they initially announced with the Xbox One, including DRM, self-publishing and always-on Kinect, one area where the company has remained steadfast is on the inclusion of Kinect with the Xbox One.

According to Sony's Fergal Gera, forcing a console bundle that includes a camera on your customers in such a way is "against consumer choice".

Many had hoped that Microsoft would decide to release a more competitively priced version of the Xbox One that does not include Kinect, especially after Microsoft announced that always-on Kinect would no longer be a requirement, but that has not been the case.

In contrast, Sony has made their PS4 camera optional and no doubt that has been a factor in allowing them to undercut the price of the Xbox One with the PS4.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Gara said, "a decision was taken - and I think it was absolutely the right decision - which is, to force bundle a camera is probably against consumer choice.

"It does not offer the gamer the choice, and therefore the most sensible thing to do as a gamer friendly brand is give them the choice. And I'm absolutely delighted we've done that," Gera continued.

"There is an an advanced, sophisticated camera-based technology there as an option for PS4, but it's not a requirement," Gera explained. "I'm really pleased with that decision."

Gera believes that the fact that the PS4 and Xbox One are releasing so close together will be an advantage to Sony, given that the company were playing catch-up with the PS3.

"To have a 16 month disadvantage and actually get any market share in the current generation, which is a very connected generation where friends get friends, took a lot of hard graft," Gera explained.

"You've got to start good and keep on your toes. PS4 is a platform that can and will evolve. It will be great on day one but it will be far better in year two and year three as expectations rise and ideas are generated and these new tools are executed, " Gera continued.

"That's the way to win. And obviously the gameplay and the core experiences are hugely pivotal to that. They are going to start really strong, but they have to continue to grow and continue to improve."

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.nowgamer.com/news/2100041/forced_camera_anticonsumer_says_sony.html

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"Kinect for Xbox One is against consumer choice, says Sony" :: Login/Create an Account :: 82 comments

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Corn_DogPosted:

Kinect is ok when you first get it, but a lot of people stop caring about it (if they ever cared about it) after like a week or so when the novelty factor wears off. Mine became the best dust collector I have ever had

Rocky5Posted:

Kinect isn't required for the console or games to function, so that makes in not a requirement, I guess you could get nitpicky & say it is, since you have to pay for it, but what if the Console is 429 & kinect is free? either way I will use it for Project Spark :-D

Dr-JPosted:

xXxMcIvoRxXx bet 10 a majority of those arguing on TTG over consoles are still or where once hardcore call of duty fans that threw tantrums over missing this pooey 360 no scope accross the map on their friend. Grow up a console is a console, someday when your on your own when your parents/guardians have gone on you'll all just look back at what a waste its was playing it, from 4 after school to 12 at midnight until you could barely open your eyes. its bout time you all woke up from being brainwashed by consoles. Use your PC find a part time job and spent it on a Volkswagen Jetta, Clothes, House and Magners

You make no sense lmfao.
I live alone and pay my own bills and still don't think it's a waste lol

Dr-JPosted:

AGR I totally agree, I know alot of people that are annoyed that the Kinect comes with the Xbone, It just puts the cost up.


Yeah I mean I like the kinect but I don't really want it. But it does allow awesome features to happen

GossipPosted:

I agree with some things but then some I don't.

AGRPosted:

I totally agree, I know alot of people that are annoyed that the Kinect comes with the Xbone, It just puts the cost up.

MSXPosted:

I totally agree i have orderd the xbox one and will not be using kinect as my bed room is small and i have never liked kinect anyway.

raefonPosted:

im one that can see the potential of Kinect for games, and would love it to be implemented properly.

But never use the voice commands or hand movement to open any games or watch movies when they advertise along these lines I think really what a waste.

But fingers crossed it has improved in leaps and bounds over the current one.

JesusChristPosted:

coDyDaTallGuy
Dr-J
Pashtun
Dr-J
III_XBOI_III
DuhTigersBlood
Cyimking
Dr-J
Pashtun So true. No company should force something down their consumer's throat. Whether it is good or bad. This is why Sony is the best. They care for the consumer. This is also one of the reasons why I and many others are jumping ship to Sony. Such a good future ahead. Can not wait.

Personally I don't think PS4 will be included in the "future" of gaming.
It's basically a ps3 with extra features. No hate intended.
When X1 brings the DRM back then the future of console gaming will begin


What? Lol PS4 is the future of gaming. If it wasn't for Playstation then gaming would be non existence right now. The only true reason on why xbox consumers haven't left are due to them being a long term xbox user.


I hope you are joking and aren't really that dumb. What's funny is no one remembered that the ps4 was originally going to come with the camera but was removed to beat the xbox one price. And what about all of the gaming systems that came before ps3? None of those apparently existed? So when i was young i never played a dreamcast or super nintendo, or anything like that?


ps2 is/was the highest selling console in the world... Ps2 revolutionized gaming. Go take a nap kids, its a school night. Arguing over consoles.


It didn't "revolutionize" gaming, lol it made gaming better but definitely didn't revolutionize the scene of gaming. N64 did that IMO
Actually the PLAYSTATION 1 revolutionized gaming. It was the first to bring in games on a disc. Sorry to school you little kids. And as what III_XBOI_III said, go take a nap. It is a school night.


Well he said PLAYSTATION 2, also you should take a nap I'm older than you and my classes are set up differently.


Everyone has their own opinions. Arguing over "what consoles revolutionized gaming" is pointless. An argument can be made for any successful gaming console on how it "revolutionized gaming." All that matters now is what the future holds in store for gaming. Both the PS4 and the Xbox One will be a great step forward for gaming consoles. I hope.


The idea of a revolution is subjective and will be viewed differently by individuals. The problem arises when people like Pashtun misrepresent facts and try to force their opinions on others by passing it off as fact. His/her argument is the internet equivalent of talking loudly over someone in a conversation then sticking fingers in ears and yelling "Lalala I can't hear you" when someone provides a valid counter argument.

Evo8Posted:

I agree. I will probably not even use the kinect. Not even for the voice control.


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