Hasta La Gadget!

When Microsoft made the decision to remove the Kinect from the Xbox One bundle, making it an optional purchase for gamers, we’re sure some were worried that this was limiting to developers. After all if the Kinect is an optional accessory, why bother developing for it if not many gamers have a Kinect in the first place, right?

Well Microsoft begs to differ, and in a recent interview with OXM, Microsoft’s European Studios boss Phil Harrison revealed that the opposite was true. In fact he believes that by removing the Kinect, it could lead to even more games being created for the Xbox One. Basically the idea is that with the Xbox One now cheaper, it could lead to more gamers purchasing the console, which would then encourage developers to create more games for the platform.

“And fundamentally that is good for opening up the Xbox One ecosystem – the more consumers who buy Xbox One, it’s a virtuous cycle for more developers to make and more consumers to play games, and that is what we’re committed to achieving and continuing.” So far there has been evidence to suggest that there is an increased demand for the console.

This is according to video games retailer, GameStop who revealed that they have been receiving a greater amount of interest for the Xbox One after Microsoft decided to remove the Kinect and reduce the price. Harrison goes on to reassure gamers that they will not be abandoning the Kinect and that there are still big plans for the accessory.

Optional Kinect Could Lead To More Xbox One Games, Microsoft Claims

, original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gaming, Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox One,

The latest update for the Xbox One game console began rolling out this week. The update is bringing with it several new features that will improve the console and make it better for owners. The update includes changes to game and app saves with a new progress bar. That progress bar shows you the status of game saved and makes it easy to tell what games and apps are being updated.

Friends’ notifications were improved with new indications that let you see when favorites and friends sign in to Xbox Live. Friends who are in multiplayer will also be identified on the list with the new update. Another important update is the addition of Kinect voice and motion tracking. Microsoft has tweaked the functionality of Kinect to have fewer false positives with non-hand objects triggering gesture commands.

New compression algorithms for the GameDVR are included and the controller and headset firmware has been updated for better communications. Xbox One consoles now also have silent reboots after updates so the system returns to standby automatically after the update is applied.

[via Major Nelson]

When you have a product like Kinect, so closely associated with gaming, how do you convince everybody else that they should be installing a motion-tracking camera in the home? Microsoft … Continue reading

At BUILD 2014, Microsoft has laid the groundwork for some future products and services, most of which are coming relatively soon. One that may not be hitting us in the … Continue reading

Pool tables come in hundreds of different styles, but if you really want to make your setup unique, check out OpenPool. It’s an augmented reality system that lets you project visual effects on the bed that react to the motion of the balls.

OpenPool is an open source program that uses a Kinect sensor to track the balls on the table, then feeds the visual effects to a projector mounted above the table. OpenPool also has an optional complementary device that triggers additional visual effects when a ball sinks into a pocket.

OpenPool isn’t for small time players though. You have to pledge at least $5,000 (USD) on Kickstarter to get a full OpenPool kit, which includes a PC, a Kinect and a projector – and that doesn’t include the pool table. You can also get a DIY kit – basically just the software and a mount for the projector – by pledging at least $1,000. Masse your browser to the OpenPool website to see additional information as well as more demo videos.

[via Gadgetify]