Kinect, Kinect, Hello Kinect? Just use the button.

[Tholian_Avenger]

I've watched Star Trek for a long time and have often thought about how nice it would be to have a supercomputer at my beckon call, until it happened.

The Xbox One apparently requires an internet connection at least once every 24 hours, and a Kinect to be plugged in at all times. It is factory default that the Kinect will always be on, even when the Xbox One is "turned off". In the "off" state the Kinect is only listening, and it listens only for one single command "Xbox On". The Kinect can be adjusted so that it does not listen for the "Xbox On" command but still, it is plugged in to the Xbox and the Xbox is never really off unless it is removed from a power source.

For information and entertainment, a quick voice activated computer connected to a powerful search engine would be great. I am paranoid though and would like to have little slide switches to interrupt the power to the camera, microphone, and speakers. Picard has to walk in front of the Replicator to get his tea, perhaps there should be some other input that has to be activated before the Kinect starts listening.

What about you guys, do you like this amount of information power, or do you hate the digital intrusion?

[Teaos]

I like it if its optional, if I have no choice in it they can go pleasure a cheese grater.

[Tholian_Avenger]

Very interesting experience that, the trick is you have to whisper in low husky tones to set the cheese grater's mood off right.

[McAvoy]

I like it if its optional, if I have no choice in it they can go pleasure a cheese grater.

I will not be part of humanity's downfall by contributing to Skynet's education.

[Tyyr]

I don't mind the idea of voice control. For somethings it has a place. For instance quickly inputting data into search fields or even quickly categorizing programming with a cable box.

My problem with the XBone is that Microsoft's history with privacy is shit. Skype spying, hopping on the PRISM train front and center, is this the company you want putting a HD webcam in your living with a microphone and then telling you that you can't unplug it and you have to let it call home once every 24 hours? There is no logical reason for the Kinect to have to be permanently plugged in. None.

[McAvoy]

I hate voice control. It has never been that accurate or saves time as been advertised. Then again I am a fast typer on a keyboard, computer or cell phone. Though cell phones are trickier because the keyboards just suck.

[Tyyr]

On something with an easily accessed keyboard I'd agree with you. I'm thinking more like my TV but then again, I have four screaming kids. I might be better off with one of those small keyboard style remotes.

[Mikey]

On something with an easily accessed keyboard I'd agree with you. I'm thinking more like my TV but then again, I have four screaming kids. I might be better off with one of those small keyboard style remotes.

In my experience, the type of interface is irrelevant. If you want to proof something from the kids, it needs to come with its own panic room.

[IanKennedy]

My problem with the XBone is that Microsoft's history with privacy is shit.

Sony's is no better either.

[Tyyr]

Sony isn't making having a webcam permanently attached a requirement or letting it phone home daily.

[IanKennedy]

Sony isn't making having a webcam permanently attached a requirement or letting it phone home daily.

yet

[Teaos]

Ever if the shit storm MS is getting pans out.

[Captain Picard's Hair]

Ever if the shit storm MS is getting pans out.

Well it didn't take long.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57590 ... quirement/

[Teaos]

That's a hell of a suprise.

[Mikey]

That's a hell of a suprise.

I'm not surprised that they reacted to the court of public opinion; but I'm very surprised that they thought there wouldn't be the sort of outrage that has surfaced.