Not only will Microsoft launch a new Xbox One game console later this year, it will also include a new hardware version of its Kinect motion and voice capture sensor device. However, there have been concerns issued from some quarters about what kind of information Microsoft would gather from the use of the Kinect sensor, which is required to be plugged into the Xbox One in order for the console to work.
Today, Microsoft used its Xbox Wire website to explain at least some of their privacy controls that will be put into the Xbox One and the Kinect sensor. The blog states:
The system will navigate you through key privacy options, like automatic or manual sign in, privacy settings, and clear notifications about how data is used. When Xbox One is on and you’re simply having a conversation in your living room, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded.
The Kinect can be paused when an Xbox One user is playing games or watching videos. Even the "Xbox On" voice command that can be used to turn on the console can be disabled. Microsoft added that games and apps that collect data such as videos, photos, facial expressions, and more are not transmitted to Microsoft unless a user gives his or her permission to do so. Finally, Microsoft says that other input devices such as the Xbox One controller and remote controllers can be used on the console instead of the Kinect.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft