Xbox One No Longer Requires Kinect to Function

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Another change in Microsoft’s policies, Microsoft has just announced that the Kinect will no longer need to be connected in order for the Xbox One to work. In a recent Ask Microsoft Anything, Xbox Corporate Vice President Marc Whitten revealed that Xbox One owners will be able to use all of the console's core functions regardless of whether the new Kinect sensor is connected. (Reported by IGN)

 

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Damn it Star Wars, I Don't Have That Kinda Money!

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What the hell Star Wars? In one day you single handily destroy my future budget and don't even bat an eye! First thing this morning I find that Star Wars: The Old Republic is officially up for pre-order, and with three editions. First there is the Standard edition that comes with a color stone to change lightsaber and blaster colors for $59.99. Then you have the Origin only Digital Deluxe edition for $79.99 that has the stone, a flare gun, training droid for combat, HoloDancer, HoloCam and a STAP (vehicle). But you had to have a Collector's Edition that has all that, a Mouse Droid and a Store that only CE owners get access to. And that's only the digital goods, it also comes with all this:

Click for a full size image

It would be a no brainier for me to buy this, hell it would have already been pre-ordered if it were not for the price of $150!  Then after finally wrapping my head around this Microsoft adds fuel to the fire at the San Diego Comic-Con.  To sell more Star Wars Kinect games when they come out they created a special Star Wars themed XBOX 360.  The system itself is painted to look like RD-D2, complete with sounds and lights to differentiate it from its console brothers.  Follow this up with a C-3PO gold controller, a white Kinect and a 320 GB Hard Drive. I want this, but it is $449!

 

So thanks Star Wars, EA, and Microsoft.  In one day, ONE DAY, you have deprived me of $600!!!  I hope you are happy with yourselves.

10 Million Kinect, Crap Thats A Lot

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So Kinect came out on what, November 4th?  That was only 4 months ago, and in that time Microsoft has managed to go and sell not only 10 million Kinect units but 10 million stand alone games (assuming this does not count Kinect Adventures).  Now this is world wide but that is still an impressive number, and Guinness agrees.  Microsoft now holds the record for Kinect being the fastest-selling consumer electronics device.  To get this they sold 8 Million units in the first 2 months.  Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records, had not seen any faster sales according to their independent researchers.

So 4 months down and sales look like they are going to stay strong, but now here is the question I have for Microsoft.  We have seen the rumors that a new console is in the works over at Redmond, will Kinect work with this new console.  Since I do plan to buy one soon I sure hope so.