Kinect for Xbox One: Is It Worth Buying?

The Evolution of the Xbox One and Kinect

Initially, upon the unveiling of the Xbox One by Microsoft, the Kinect sensor was positioned as a fundamental component of the console experience.

The system was designed such that the Xbox One would not operate without a connected and functioning Kinect device.

A Shift in Strategy

This requirement has since been altered; currently, the most frequently purchased Xbox One packages do not even feature the Kinect as part of the standard offering.

The change reflects a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to the peripheral.

Kinect Availability Today

Despite the decreased prominence, Microsoft continues to offer Xbox One bundles that incorporate a Kinect.

Furthermore, the Kinect remains available for individual purchase, allowing users who initially opted not to include it to add it to their existing Xbox One setup.

Understanding Kinect’s Capabilities

To assist in informed decision-making, the following details outline the functionalities provided by the Kinect.

This information will enable potential buyers to evaluate whether the device aligns with their gaming and entertainment preferences.

• The Kinect enables voice control for navigating the Xbox One interface.
• It facilitates gesture-based interaction with games and applications.
• The device offers video chat capabilities through Skype.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to utilize a Kinect with the Xbox One rests with the individual user.

Consideration of these features will help determine its value within your specific entertainment setup.

Understanding Kinect Pricing

Let's begin by examining the cost of the Kinect sensor. The Xbox One is available for purchase through various bundles, offering different options for consumers.

Currently, an Xbox One bundle, including a game or several games, can be acquired for approximately $300. Alternatively, a bundle featuring the Kinect sensor alongside a selection of basic Kinect-compatible games is priced around $350.

Bundle vs. Separate Purchase

The price difference between these bundles is $50. However, if a desired game is included in the standard Xbox One bundle at its full retail price, the actual cost difference could be closer to $100.

This is because the Kinect can also be purchased as a standalone accessory for $100. Therefore, the decision to acquire a Kinect doesn't necessarily need to be made at the time of console purchase.

Consumers have the flexibility to purchase the Kinect separately at a later date and connect it to their Xbox One to unlock its associated features. This provides a convenient and cost-effective approach.

Key takeaway: The Kinect's price is either included in a $350 bundle or available for $100 as a separate purchase, offering consumers choice and control over their spending.

Kinect Game Availability: A Limited Selection

A primary draw for many considering the Kinect is its capability for motion-controlled gaming experiences across various applications. However, the number of titles actively utilizing this functionality remains relatively small.

This scarcity isn't unexpected, as developers are hesitant to restrict their audience to those possessing a Kinect sensor. To maximize reach, game creation often prioritizes compatibility without requiring the peripheral.

Notable Kinect-Enabled Titles

Several games do leverage the Kinect’s motion-sensing technology. Titles such as Dance Central Spotlight, Kinect Sports Rivals, and Zoo Tycoon enable interaction through physical movement and gestures.

These experiences offer a similar style of gameplay to the Nintendo Wii, but with enhanced precision. Furthermore, the Xbox Fitness application utilizes the Kinect camera to monitor and track user workouts.

Optimal Play Space Considerations

Microsoft recommends maintaining a distance of at least four feet and seven inches from the Kinect sensor during solo gameplay. When playing with others, a minimum distance of six feet is advised.

These spatial requirements are important to consider. Individuals with limited play areas may find the Kinect’s functionality restricted.

Kinect’s Current Role in Gaming

While not entirely without purpose, the Kinect’s integration into modern gaming is limited. A selection of games are playable with the device, but substantial, high-profile titles rarely fully exploit its capabilities.

For instance, Ryse initially mandated a Kinect, but now only utilizes it for optional voice commands, which can also be executed using standard controller buttons.

Voice Control on Xbox One: The Kinect Requirement

Currently, utilizing voice commands on your Xbox One necessitates the presence of a Kinect sensor.

Activating Your Console with Voice

For instance, the command "Xbox, On" can be used to power on your console when it is in Instant-On mode.

A diverse range of voice instructions can then be issued to the Xbox One, allowing for app launching and interface navigation.

Functionality Beyond Navigation

With appropriate configuration, voice commands can even facilitate switching between television channels.

Kinect as the Sole Voice Input Method

Unlike the PlayStation 4, voice control is not supported through the use of a headset on the Xbox One.

The Kinect’s built-in microphone is essential for providing voice input.

Future Voice Command Capabilities

Microsoft is actively developing the integration of Cortana into the Xbox One ecosystem.

Once implemented, Cortana will be compatible with headsets, potentially expanding the scope of voice commands usable with these devices.

This development may lead to a future where more Xbox One voice commands can be executed using headsets.

The Discontinuation of Gesture Controls on the Xbox One Dashboard

Initially, the Xbox One console featured a dashboard interface navigable through hand gestures. Users were able to utilize waving motions, moving their hand either left or right, to traverse the system menus.

However, this functionality was ultimately phased out following Microsoft’s transition to a redesigned dashboard layout.

Reasons for Removal

According to Mike Ybarra, a representative from Microsoft, the decision to remove gesture controls stemmed from extremely limited user adoption. He stated that “usage was very, very low,” indicating a lack of practical application for the majority of Xbox One owners.

The infrequent use of the feature likely contributed to its removal, allowing Microsoft to streamline the dashboard experience and focus on more popular navigation methods.

This change reflects Microsoft’s commitment to optimizing the user interface based on actual usage patterns and prioritizing features that provide the greatest benefit to the Xbox community.

Utilizing TV Features Necessitates a Kinect Sensor

For users intending to leverage the television functionalities of their Xbox One – encompassing cable, satellite, or over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts via antenna – the Kinect sensor is a potentially valuable accessory.

The Kinect device operates by transmitting infrared (IR) signals to compatible devices such as cable boxes, satellite receivers, televisions, and audio systems.

This capability enables the Xbox One to perform actions like channel changing, power control for connected hardware, and volume adjustment.

Effectively, the console assumes the role of an advanced universal remote, replicating the IR signals emitted by conventional remote controls.

Furthermore, these functions can be managed through voice commands, adding a layer of convenience.

Kinect's Role is Optional

However, if utilizing the Xbox One for live television viewing is not a priority, the Kinect sensor’s functionality becomes largely irrelevant.

Individuals solely focused on gaming or other media consumption features of the console will not require this particular accessory.

The Convenience of Automatic Sign-In

A beneficial aspect of the Kinect is its automatic sign-in capability. Upon powering on your Xbox One, the camera can identify the user and automatically log in to their corresponding Xbox profile.

This functionality proves particularly useful in households with multiple Xbox One users, streamlining the login process.

Setup is requested each time a new user account is added to the console.

A Minor Time-Saving Function

While convenient, this feature represents a relatively small time saving. Users can still manually select their profile via the Xbox One controller upon startup.

The manual selection process is quick, requiring only a few seconds to complete.

Kinect’s Declining Importance

The value proposition of the Kinect is ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, the Kinect is no longer considered a vital component of the Xbox One experience.

Indeed, it is probable that a limited number of future games will offer compatibility with the Kinect peripheral.

Furthermore, features such as Cortana are being separated from Kinect dependency, broadening their accessibility to a wider range of Xbox One owners.

Given Microsoft’s current focus on the Xbox One user base that does not utilize a Kinect, substantial new features leveraging the device are unlikely to emerge.

Image Credit: Microsoft