150°

Stalled Momentum: The Status Of The Kinect Within The Next Generation

Ian Fisher writes: Based on the small tech demos that Microsoft showed the press back in May, the new Kinect has some pretty impressive horsepower to it that ought to make for some cool games – the only issue is that there are hardly any to begin with.

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shogungamer.com
allformats3897d ago (Edited 3897d ago )

Like I've said elsewhere, Microsoft should have taken notice to the stalled momentum of Kinect on Xbox 360, which saw the same fate as Ninendo's Wii....

It's a gimmick - it lasts for a while and then fades. That Kinect gimmick, along with motion controls, has died - it's not as intriguing as it once was.

So in this vein, I'll say Kinect simply is stalled with nowhere to go, plus Microsoft is forcing it upon gamers, making Xbox One $100 more than PS4.....

PS4 being the console with better specs, etc.

Why spend $500 million on something gamers never asked for, and build your next-gen console around it, is beyond me. The leadership at Microsoft has been pretty lost on all this. It's a shame.

darthv723897d ago

sometimes things get presented without the gamers asking for them. i never asked for a touchpad in my controller or a light bar but i can understand their intention and sony thinking people will be receptive to the idea if given the right motivation to use them.

Its all perspective and everyone has their own variation of that. What may not appeal to one can certainly appeal to another. i wouldnt expect someone with an a sense of traditionalism to be convinced in any way when it comes to trying something different.

i guess i have the benefit of being older and more open to ideas that change things up now and then. i've seen the birth of gaming and watched it grow to something bigger and be accepted in some societies and shunned in others but it needed time to grow.

All the spin offs to gaming/entertainment that have succeeded had to start somewhere with those willing to be open to new ideas and from that is where all the different genres of gaming came from. were it not for a company to take a chance on something different we would not be presented with the RPG or the shmup or the games that make you get up and dance.

there is much potential from both the new kinect as well as the ps4 eye that will go beyond just the surface but to see those ideas realized.....it takes someone to give them a chance.

Ashlen3897d ago (Edited 3897d ago )

I don't think that age or traditionalism have anything to do with wanting or not wanting Kinect.

just because something is created doesn't mean that it is good, useful, needed or wanted. Virtual Boy, failed simply because it was completely impractical.

For every good gaming innovation there have been 10 ideas that have failed because they were just bad ideas. Kinect will in my opinion fall into that category.

Kinect was made to improve games but the fact is your asking a computer to interpret human actions which are going to be wildly varied from person to person. It's never going to have the type of accuracy needed for the fast paced response most games require.

There is a reason why none of the third parties are making games for it, and why Ryse which was going to be a Kinect game dropped the Kinect part. It's because Kinect is simply not capable of performing the the job of controlling game play as good as existing technology aka the controller.

Bigpappy3897d ago

@darthv72: very well stated.

This "allformats" guy is on a heavy trolling roll. He is usually first in Xbox article and pushing his and making no sense what so ever.

Gamers never asked for any of the advances we have in gaming to day. They were all forced upon us. From CD's Turbo Grafx to Bluray by SOny; from dial online play by Sega to broadband only by M$. All forced in there words. I still think those of you who keep harping on the "Forced" key word have no idea what the definition of the word is. You just heard some one you idolize use it and decided you should use it too. Xbox One is far from being the only console on the market, and is the only one that come with Kinect. So I would say at this point: "Stop feeding the trolls".

thekhurg3897d ago

Let me know when that light bar and touchpad on the DS4 controller bump the price of the PS4 by $100.

Until then, your analogy is absurdly stupid.

Rhaigun3897d ago

@darth

People were up to the idea when Kinect initially released. Myself among them. A lot of us bought one. Problem is, it was a waste of my money. I might have gotten a good 20 hrs of play out of it. I bought Kinect sports, Kinect Adventures, Child of Eden and Disneyland. I even tried the commands in Mass Effect 3 and Skyrim. It was all repetitive and cumbersome, and that's when it worked.

The reason a lot of people are complaining about it, is because they don't want it. Even if its improved, its still not that fun.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3897d ago
YNWA963897d ago

But in an article about Sony & VR, a gimmick that died long before kinect, its great? I thought you people only wanted a controller and a great system, which PS4 is, and I cannot wait to get mine, but please, if you hate MS, fine, but the BS.... Jeez...

SilentGuard3897d ago

Bad timing. MS started development on the One in 2010 around the same time Kinect was breaking sales records. By the time Kinect sales and software plunged they were already heavily invested in Kinect. They should cut there losses on Kinect and introduce an sku without it. There will still be support for Kinect...for those that actually want it and are willing to spend money on Kinect software. The ones that want it are the ones developers are going to care about anyway.

3897d ago
Shadonic3897d ago

"Like I've said elsewhere, Microsoft should have taken notice to the stalled momentum of Kinect on Xbox 360, which saw the same fate as Ninendo's Wii.... "

So you want it to become one of the highest selling peripheral ( since its coming with all Xbox's that goes for Xbox one becoming the highest selling console as well) and then you want it to basically die out not due to issues with the device but just not much support for it ?

I mean MS already has it set for the graphical wants ppl wanted with the Wii and considering Mod supports coming to the One it would boost up the popularity of the device if it brought in interesting Mods like the bulletstorm kinect mod or something.

Really I'ts been proven that everything that most gamers have been having concerns about can actually work it just depends upon how its done.

BallsEye3896d ago

As I said on different article...in Project Spark you can mo-cap and record your full body animations,facial expressions + voice and put it into the game you're making on any character in realtime world or cutscenes, you can also share your animations and voice ocer to the community. It looks awesome, check out project spark youtube channel. It is not a gimmick.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3896d ago
Axonometri3897d ago (Edited 3897d ago )

I'm taking the scenic park and watch route. I have to say I am really not keen on the whole Kinect 2, Kinect new, Kinect one... What ever the frick you call the damn thing. Designing everything around it and giving no option to it and at the same time basically not having squat in software for it is just dumb.

Having said that... There are a lot of smart talented people at Microsoft and Xbox. Why the hell did no one speak out? Not just on one thing... but it is like everyone feared for their lives to say a word.

GiantEnemyCrab3897d ago

If developers want to take their time with the new sensor I am okay with that. I do not want a ton of shovel ware.

GodGinrai3897d ago

Agreed. I would rather see it play a support role to the controller to enhance my interaction with the game (project spark and forzas autovista mode for eg)along with smart glass where applicable. But the controller should always be the main input..atleast until we get to that holodeck tech!

RiPPn3897d ago

It is very interesting that games like Ryse and Crimson Dragoon which were Kinect only games on a system that didn't have a 100% Kinect installed base are now not Kinect games on a system that has a 100% installed base. I think this alone invalidates any argument that because Kinect is available with every system devs will take better advantage of it.

Bigpappy3897d ago

New Kinect will need a new approach. i.e. have to start all over and uses different techniques that are unfamiliar. Hence scrap it and come with something at a later date

SilentGuard3897d ago

An old argument, but I still believe MS in its arrogance and greed wanted/wants to use Kinect for data ming and smart ad targeting. The true power and use of Kinect is its ability to capture data to sell to third parties and target ads to particular users making it a potential cash cow for MS. This is why they push it so hard without actually having any compelling software or uses to justify its inclusion with every console.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy5d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7210d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

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