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Microsoft Runs Down Xbox One's Connectivity, Licensing, Privacy Features
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Microsoft released detailed reports on connectivity, licensing, and privacy features for the Xbox One console on Thursday.
The Xbox One routinely checks for an internet connection to ensure that applications are up-to-date and games requiring cloud access can be played. The user's console can be played offline for 24 hours before re-establishing an internet connection is required. Since games are also stored via cloud services, an Xbox One owner can log on to a friend's console and access their own games. When playing on a friend's console, guest users can only play offline for one hour.
After purchasing a game digitally or on a disc, it is installed on the owner's Xbox One and can be played by any user. Users will have a "shared game library" that allows up to ten family members to have unlimited access at any time. If a player decides to sell or trade in their game discs, they can do so based on guidelines set by the game's publisher, not necessarily Microsoft. Microsoft does not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers, or consumers for enabling transfer of these games.
Players can let friends borrow their games if the borrower has been on their friends list for at least 30 days. Games can only be lent out one time, and there are no fees for lending games. Loaning or renting games won't be available at launch.
The Xbox One Kinect will have a privacy setup for users to determine the responsiveness of the camera and audio devices. Microsoft clarified that the Kinect will not record and upload conversations. The Kinect can be paused during game play. If the Xbox One is powered off, the Kinect will only respond to the voice command "Xbox On," but this feature can also be turned off.
Any personal information stored on the Xbox One will not be shared without explicit user permission.
Microsoft vice president Phil Harrison stated last month that the console will have games from developers worldwide.
