Xbox announces landmark deal with time warner cable to bring more live TV to Xbox 360
In a landmark deal announcement for Xbox 360 and Time Warner Cable customers, we’re excited to share a new partnership that will deliver up to 300 of the most popular live TV channels to Xbox 360 for Xbox Live Gold members. This deal, which will bring more live channels than any other experience on Xbox 360, will offer Time Warner Cable subscribers with an Xbox Live Gold membership the ability to watch their favorite shows from right from their Xbox 360 — including favorites like AMC, BBC World News, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV and more. And unlike any other platform, you’ll be able to control your entertainment using your voice via Kinect for Xbox 360.
“TWC TV is a significant addition to Xbox 360, bringing our customers their favorite entertainment in one place—enhanced TV experience, games, movies, music, sports and entertainment apps,” said Blair Westlake, corporate vice president, Media & Entertainment Group at Microsoft. “Our partnership with TWC enhances all that is available on Xbox 360 today, which will we continue expand. We’re thrilled to offer TWC TV to U.S. Xbox Live members and Time Warner Cable subscribers.”
When the TWC TV app launches later this summer, you’ll be able to download it right from the Xbox Live Marketplace, log-in with your Time Warner Cable credentials and start watching your favorite channels and programs instantly.
Mike Angus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video for Time Warner Cable said, “We look forward to introducing TWC TV to Xbox 360 and providing customers with this new viewing experience within the home. We are very excited about Microsoft’s vision for entertainment and the vast possibilities Xbox offers.”
At Xbox our vision has always been to provide all the entertainment people want in one place. With Xbox 360 we have a growing entertainment app portfolio of more than 120 voice-controlled apps, and we are happy to expand with the addition of TWC TV. We are equally excited to deliver new entertainment experiences with Xbox One launching later this year, which will allow you to instantly switch from watching live TV to playing a game with the sound of your voice. We will have more details to share about Xbox One entertainment in the coming months.
“TWC TV is a significant addition to Xbox 360, bringing our customers their favorite entertainment in one place—enhanced TV experience, games, movies, music, sports and entertainment apps,” said Blair Westlake, corporate vice president, Media & Entertainment Group at Microsoft. “Our partnership with TWC enhances all that is available on Xbox 360 today, which will we continue expand. We’re thrilled to offer TWC TV to U.S. Xbox Live members and Time Warner Cable subscribers.”
When the TWC TV app launches later this summer, you’ll be able to download it right from the Xbox Live Marketplace, log-in with your Time Warner Cable credentials and start watching your favorite channels and programs instantly.
Mike Angus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video for Time Warner Cable said, “We look forward to introducing TWC TV to Xbox 360 and providing customers with this new viewing experience within the home. We are very excited about Microsoft’s vision for entertainment and the vast possibilities Xbox offers.”
At Xbox our vision has always been to provide all the entertainment people want in one place. With Xbox 360 we have a growing entertainment app portfolio of more than 120 voice-controlled apps, and we are happy to expand with the addition of TWC TV. We are equally excited to deliver new entertainment experiences with Xbox One launching later this year, which will allow you to instantly switch from watching live TV to playing a game with the sound of your voice. We will have more details to share about Xbox One entertainment in the coming months.
Good News For Xbox Fans
Xbox One Will Not Require Internet, Restrict Used Games
Microsoft today confirmed that it is changing controversial Xbox One policies as a result of consumer feedback.
Contrary to the details announced earlier this month, Microsoft has now confirmed news originally reported on Giant Bomb that Xbox One will no longer require an internet connection to play offline games or need to check in every 24 hours; instead, internet will only be required when initially setting up the console. Like on Xbox 360, "playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray."
Xbox boss Don Mattrick penned an blog post on the matter titled "Your Feedback matters." In the note, he said Microsoft "believes in the benefits of a connected, digital future," and thanked gamers for their assistance in helping Microsoft "reshape the future of Xbox One."
"You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you," Mattrick said. "Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world."
"So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360," he continued.
We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds."
This change is a dramatic reversal of policy for Microsoft, which spent much of last week at E3 discussing with media why its policies were in place to begin with.
Xbox One Will Not Require Internet, Restrict Used Games
Microsoft today confirmed that it is changing controversial Xbox One policies as a result of consumer feedback.
Contrary to the details announced earlier this month, Microsoft has now confirmed news originally reported on Giant Bomb that Xbox One will no longer require an internet connection to play offline games or need to check in every 24 hours; instead, internet will only be required when initially setting up the console. Like on Xbox 360, "playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray."
Xbox boss Don Mattrick penned an blog post on the matter titled "Your Feedback matters." In the note, he said Microsoft "believes in the benefits of a connected, digital future," and thanked gamers for their assistance in helping Microsoft "reshape the future of Xbox One."
"You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you," Mattrick said. "Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world."
"So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360," he continued.
We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds."
This change is a dramatic reversal of policy for Microsoft, which spent much of last week at E3 discussing with media why its policies were in place to begin with.
Xbox games with gold freebies set for 1st and 16th every month
Microsoft’s Games for Gold plan is going to be offering free games during the 1st and 16th of every month. How old of games we are talking here has yet to be fully unearthed, but with promises of Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II, Microsoft might have to realize eventually that we already own those games and have beaten them in the five years they’ve been available.
Can anyone remember the awkward moment what E3 when this new deal was announced? I sure can. Free Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II seems almost patronizing at this point.
“As our way of saying thanks for being part of this community, we’re giving all qualifying Gold members two free Xbox 360 games each month for the rest of the year. Each specially selected, fan-favorite game will be available to download only for a limited time, so grab them before they’re gone and keep them no matter what.”
Sony’s wildly successful Instant Game Collection has proved to be huge in getting PlayStation Plus subscriptions up, and no doubt Microsoft wants a piece of that action.
Freebies seem to be the way to go, but there needs to be a little more luxury to lure some over. Promises of Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II, the equivalent of what Sony promises, might be more alluring, but “free” and “Xbox Live” have had a rocky past.
In all fairness though, Sony’s free offerings last only as long as the PlayStation Plus subscription lasts. Microsoft’s program seems to make the titles officially yours, but the limited run raises the question of how long this revelation that free stuff sells will stick.
It’s nice to see that the company is catching on to the idea. It’s not the same as downloading slightly more recent hits like Saints Row:The Third, but it’s a start. It shows Microsoft is willing to start sharing the goods for free.
The Games for Gold selection right now is Fable 3, so get it while it’s hot!
Can anyone remember the awkward moment what E3 when this new deal was announced? I sure can. Free Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II seems almost patronizing at this point.
“As our way of saying thanks for being part of this community, we’re giving all qualifying Gold members two free Xbox 360 games each month for the rest of the year. Each specially selected, fan-favorite game will be available to download only for a limited time, so grab them before they’re gone and keep them no matter what.”
Sony’s wildly successful Instant Game Collection has proved to be huge in getting PlayStation Plus subscriptions up, and no doubt Microsoft wants a piece of that action.
Freebies seem to be the way to go, but there needs to be a little more luxury to lure some over. Promises of Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed II, the equivalent of what Sony promises, might be more alluring, but “free” and “Xbox Live” have had a rocky past.
In all fairness though, Sony’s free offerings last only as long as the PlayStation Plus subscription lasts. Microsoft’s program seems to make the titles officially yours, but the limited run raises the question of how long this revelation that free stuff sells will stick.
It’s nice to see that the company is catching on to the idea. It’s not the same as downloading slightly more recent hits like Saints Row:The Third, but it’s a start. It shows Microsoft is willing to start sharing the goods for free.
The Games for Gold selection right now is Fable 3, so get it while it’s hot!
States of Decay Becomes Fasterst selling original Xbox live game ever
Who would have thunk it? We’re well into the zombie craze, even though some among us think we should be well beyond it, and another post-apocalyptic title goes all “smash hit” on us overnight. This time it’s the currently Xbox LIVE exclusive State of Decay that’s earned a spot in the limelight.
Xbox Wire, the official news site for Xbox goodness, has announced that State of Decay has officially become the fastest selling original Xbox LIVE Arcade game ever. Since its release on June 5th, it has over 550,000 downloads.
Xbox Wire asked someone from Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay about the success and whether or not it was a surprise. Here’s their genuine response:
We didn’t know what to expect. “State of Decay” breaks a lot of rules. Permadeath, switching characters, having to manage the “feelings” of your fellow survivors, offline progression — these are all things developers traditionally avoid, but we felt were essential to creating a true survival experience. We’re thrilled and humbled that gamers are embracing the game. Record breaking sales are great, but the thing we’re proudest of is that people who bought the game are having a great time playing it. That’s why we do what we do, and what keeps us going back in to do it again.
State of Decay is available on the Xbox LIVE Arcade right now for 1,600 moon dollars (that would be $20 in real money). There’s also a free demo for you to sample. The game will eventually hit the PC platform by way of Steam, though that release date has not been announced.
We’ll have a “We Play” of this title soon. Stay tuned!
Xbox Wire, the official news site for Xbox goodness, has announced that State of Decay has officially become the fastest selling original Xbox LIVE Arcade game ever. Since its release on June 5th, it has over 550,000 downloads.
Xbox Wire asked someone from Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay about the success and whether or not it was a surprise. Here’s their genuine response:
We didn’t know what to expect. “State of Decay” breaks a lot of rules. Permadeath, switching characters, having to manage the “feelings” of your fellow survivors, offline progression — these are all things developers traditionally avoid, but we felt were essential to creating a true survival experience. We’re thrilled and humbled that gamers are embracing the game. Record breaking sales are great, but the thing we’re proudest of is that people who bought the game are having a great time playing it. That’s why we do what we do, and what keeps us going back in to do it again.
State of Decay is available on the Xbox LIVE Arcade right now for 1,600 moon dollars (that would be $20 in real money). There’s also a free demo for you to sample. The game will eventually hit the PC platform by way of Steam, though that release date has not been announced.
We’ll have a “We Play” of this title soon. Stay tuned!
By now you might have heard that Sony crushed E3 this year with a triple KO punch of supporting used games, no required Internet connection, and being $100 cheaper. Standing tall and proud like a knight in white shining armor, the PlayStation 4 is now basking in the image of being everything the Xbox One is not. Consumer friendly and a system truly designed with gamers in mind.
Don’t be so quick to judge the Xbox One’s E3 showing though. Microsoft did the best it could with its press conference and held firm to the game plan that indeed put the games first. Give the euphoria of the PlayStation 4 announcements a little time to settle in, and you just might see that the Xbox One has a very gamer friendly library up its sleeves.
If this had been any other year at E3, it would be hard to argue that Microsoft failed to deliver a message. That the Xbox One is a gaming console first and an entertainment center second. What exactly did they show off? Here is a quick recap of exclusives and non-exclusives that appeared in the Xbox One’s press conference:
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Dark Souls 2, Sunset Overdrive, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Project Spark, Halo, Dead Rising 3, D4, Below, Ryse: Son of Rome, Titanfall, Quantum Break, Crimson Dragon, Forza Motorsport 5, and of course, the big daddy of them all that proves Microsoft is listening to the hardcore gamer, Killer Instinct.
A list that impressive should not be swept aside so lightly. The 15 exclusive titles we believed were going to be throwaway Kinect games proved to be more than just a twisted statistic from Microsoft. The Xbox One went out to get some serious third party exclusive deals and is genuinely delivering 15 exclusive games that I might be interested in playing.
Even when put next to Sony’s line-up of announced games, this list soars. Final Fantasy XV andKingdom Hearts 3 drive a deep spike into the heart of my childhood Squaresoft fanboyism, but beyond that?
Killzone has never been my cup of tea. If I wanted to play Knack, I would buy a Wii U and play Nintendo mascot games. The Order 1886 looks uninspiring. inFamous Second Son, Sony’s best shot at a first party runaway hit, looks fun but could be easily replaced by other third party open-world action games like Mad Max, Watch_Dogs or Grand Theft Auto V.
Even to a casual racing fan, I know that Forza has a better reputation than newcomers like Drive Club or maybe even a more accessible allure than Gran Turismo.
Based on games alone, I would go so far as to say Microsoft dominated Sony up and down the 100 yard stretch. Its conference held my attention for the entire 90 minute length, leaving me wondering what I would see next, where as Sony’s rather boring hohum show only captivated me for the closing minutes.
But unfortunately for Microsoft, those closing minutes where all Sony needed. Not even the most core focused of video games could top the PlayStation 4′s triple KO announcements. Even something catered for veteran gamers such as the long waited grand return of Killer Instinctseems miniscule in the face of a cheaper price, more gamer friendly approach to inter-connectivity, and true possession of your games.
I had wondered earlier in the week if focusing solely on games would be enough for Microsoft to make it through unscathed, distracting gamers from the huge elephant in the room with a solid library. For a while, it seemed the plan might actually pull them through.
Sony, though, went for the kill in its press conference and reminded us all about the fatal flaws Microsoft failed to address in its own showing. In an E3 when a generation change is about to occur, it is not all about the games. It is about the consoles and the investments gamers will be making for the next half a decade or so with a relatively large sum of money.
Sony capitalized on this better, called out its rival’s horrible policies, and is carrying the momentum into the holiday season. Well played.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Don’t be so quick to judge the Xbox One’s E3 showing though. Microsoft did the best it could with its press conference and held firm to the game plan that indeed put the games first. Give the euphoria of the PlayStation 4 announcements a little time to settle in, and you just might see that the Xbox One has a very gamer friendly library up its sleeves.
If this had been any other year at E3, it would be hard to argue that Microsoft failed to deliver a message. That the Xbox One is a gaming console first and an entertainment center second. What exactly did they show off? Here is a quick recap of exclusives and non-exclusives that appeared in the Xbox One’s press conference:
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Dark Souls 2, Sunset Overdrive, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Project Spark, Halo, Dead Rising 3, D4, Below, Ryse: Son of Rome, Titanfall, Quantum Break, Crimson Dragon, Forza Motorsport 5, and of course, the big daddy of them all that proves Microsoft is listening to the hardcore gamer, Killer Instinct.
A list that impressive should not be swept aside so lightly. The 15 exclusive titles we believed were going to be throwaway Kinect games proved to be more than just a twisted statistic from Microsoft. The Xbox One went out to get some serious third party exclusive deals and is genuinely delivering 15 exclusive games that I might be interested in playing.
Even when put next to Sony’s line-up of announced games, this list soars. Final Fantasy XV andKingdom Hearts 3 drive a deep spike into the heart of my childhood Squaresoft fanboyism, but beyond that?
Killzone has never been my cup of tea. If I wanted to play Knack, I would buy a Wii U and play Nintendo mascot games. The Order 1886 looks uninspiring. inFamous Second Son, Sony’s best shot at a first party runaway hit, looks fun but could be easily replaced by other third party open-world action games like Mad Max, Watch_Dogs or Grand Theft Auto V.
Even to a casual racing fan, I know that Forza has a better reputation than newcomers like Drive Club or maybe even a more accessible allure than Gran Turismo.
Based on games alone, I would go so far as to say Microsoft dominated Sony up and down the 100 yard stretch. Its conference held my attention for the entire 90 minute length, leaving me wondering what I would see next, where as Sony’s rather boring hohum show only captivated me for the closing minutes.
But unfortunately for Microsoft, those closing minutes where all Sony needed. Not even the most core focused of video games could top the PlayStation 4′s triple KO announcements. Even something catered for veteran gamers such as the long waited grand return of Killer Instinctseems miniscule in the face of a cheaper price, more gamer friendly approach to inter-connectivity, and true possession of your games.
I had wondered earlier in the week if focusing solely on games would be enough for Microsoft to make it through unscathed, distracting gamers from the huge elephant in the room with a solid library. For a while, it seemed the plan might actually pull them through.
Sony, though, went for the kill in its press conference and reminded us all about the fatal flaws Microsoft failed to address in its own showing. In an E3 when a generation change is about to occur, it is not all about the games. It is about the consoles and the investments gamers will be making for the next half a decade or so with a relatively large sum of money.
Sony capitalized on this better, called out its rival’s horrible policies, and is carrying the momentum into the holiday season. Well played.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Xbox one pull a 180,but it's Not the End of DRM
We were all pretty proud of ourselves today when Microsoft announced it would repeal just about all of their controversial DRM policies for the upcoming Xbox One console. Unfortunately, it can’t be like this forever. We’re marching solidly towards non-physical media, and even though Microsoft may have lost this round, there’s going to come a point where we don’t have discs to protect us from always-on consoles and daily authentication checks.
There’s always a compromise, and I’m curious as to how you guys think it can be attained. We may have dodged a big DRM bullet this time, but there’s a disc-less future on the horizon, and I’m not 100% sure how we should go forward as gamers. I’d love to know your solutions and ideas for the future of gaming, in terms of digital media and protecting game studios from piracy. You’re a huge part of the conversation, as Microsoft proved today.
There’s always a compromise, and I’m curious as to how you guys think it can be attained. We may have dodged a big DRM bullet this time, but there’s a disc-less future on the horizon, and I’m not 100% sure how we should go forward as gamers. I’d love to know your solutions and ideas for the future of gaming, in terms of digital media and protecting game studios from piracy. You’re a huge part of the conversation, as Microsoft proved today.
Microsoft won't budge on Xbox one's $500 price point
Yesterday, Microsoft decided to shock the gaming world by completely flipping their stance on connection and play policies for their new console. In light of those changes, fans thought more might be on the way.
Joystiq asked Xbox CPO Marc Whitten two choice questions following the news of the company’s decision to pull a complete turnaround on the Xbox One’s fan frustrating restrictions. First, they asked about the consoles $500 price at retail.
“We really believe deeply in the value that we’re delivering. Not just for the first day of launch, which we think is going to be amazing, with amazing games and entertainment experiences, but what this architecture can deliver over the long term…We feel good about our price.”
Then, they asked whether or not Microsoft would consider removing the Kinect from the system and lowering its cost that way.
“We still absolutely believe in Kinect. It’s a core part of the architecture. Frankly, it’s really critical that you build it as something that’s always there, always part of the platform. So that game creators, experience creators can know they can rely on it. And you, the user, that there’s always a consistent experience. That it’s not just an accessory.”
There you have it. The Xbox One will likely be $100 more expensive than the PlayStation 4 because of the Kinect. The hardware access–ahem, excuse me, the Kinect will likely play a huge role in the Xbox One’s potential success. Will consumers see it as worth $100 more than the nearest competition?
What do you folks think of Microsoft’s choice to keep the Kinect and price point fixed for the Xbox One?
Joystiq asked Xbox CPO Marc Whitten two choice questions following the news of the company’s decision to pull a complete turnaround on the Xbox One’s fan frustrating restrictions. First, they asked about the consoles $500 price at retail.
“We really believe deeply in the value that we’re delivering. Not just for the first day of launch, which we think is going to be amazing, with amazing games and entertainment experiences, but what this architecture can deliver over the long term…We feel good about our price.”
Then, they asked whether or not Microsoft would consider removing the Kinect from the system and lowering its cost that way.
“We still absolutely believe in Kinect. It’s a core part of the architecture. Frankly, it’s really critical that you build it as something that’s always there, always part of the platform. So that game creators, experience creators can know they can rely on it. And you, the user, that there’s always a consistent experience. That it’s not just an accessory.”
There you have it. The Xbox One will likely be $100 more expensive than the PlayStation 4 because of the Kinect. The hardware access–ahem, excuse me, the Kinect will likely play a huge role in the Xbox One’s potential success. Will consumers see it as worth $100 more than the nearest competition?
What do you folks think of Microsoft’s choice to keep the Kinect and price point fixed for the Xbox One?
With E3 2013 done and dusted, why don’t we take a look back at the original Xbox being unveiled at… CES?
While the Xbox One left people screaming about Microsoft not understanding gaming due to all of the restrictions it put on the upcoming console – which have now been reversed - there was a time that was even a little odder in the history of the Xbox consoles.
When Microsoft, a company mainly known for its software, decided to jump into the gaming realm, it decided to unveil the console at the show it was most comfortable at, CES in Las Vegas. It’s not exactly a venue known for gaming news, but when you’re a fledgling in the industry, it may be better to stick with an audience you know how to work.
It all worked out in the end for Microsoft, but what a very odd start.
No, I’m not going to try to explain Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson being in attendance. Just let that soak in so you can keep a mental image in your head of The Rock sharing space with Bill Gates. I think he later bench pressed him in the green room.
While the Xbox One left people screaming about Microsoft not understanding gaming due to all of the restrictions it put on the upcoming console – which have now been reversed - there was a time that was even a little odder in the history of the Xbox consoles.
When Microsoft, a company mainly known for its software, decided to jump into the gaming realm, it decided to unveil the console at the show it was most comfortable at, CES in Las Vegas. It’s not exactly a venue known for gaming news, but when you’re a fledgling in the industry, it may be better to stick with an audience you know how to work.
It all worked out in the end for Microsoft, but what a very odd start.
No, I’m not going to try to explain Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson being in attendance. Just let that soak in so you can keep a mental image in your head of The Rock sharing space with Bill Gates. I think he later bench pressed him in the green room.
The company is taking the criticism seriously. Last Tuesday they released a lengthy new set of privacy guidelines for Kinect ahead of E3, the industry’s annual showcase for upcoming gaming software, a move widely seen as an effort to get out in front of the controversy. According to the document, users will be able to deactivate the Kinect’s sensor with a simple voice command and still play games. And any information the Xbox One collects using the device—they used the example of heart rate data for a fitness game that tracks progress over time—will only be transferred from the device with the user’s permission.
As for whether a device could be turned back on from afar via an Internet connection —either by Microsoft or anyone else—a spokesman told MSNBC over e-mail that “Xbox One has a very robust security system to protect against such compromise provided the user doesn’t tamper with the console hardware or software.” He added that Microsoft only divulges customer information in response to a legally binding court order, does so only for specific individual accounts and that “[If] the government has a broader voluntary national security program to gather customer data we don’t participate in it.”
There are additional factors Xbox skeptics find troubling. One is that while Microsoft may have the best of intentions in securing their network, keeping data safe has been a problem in the industry even for its largest companies. In April 2011, hackers breached Sony’s PSN gaming network, exposing some 77 million users’ personal data—including credit card numbers. The company shut down its entire network for 24 days while it dealt with the aftermath of the attack. As details emerged, they endured criticism from lawmakers around the globe, including Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who accused the tech giant of taking too long to inform its users of the breach. Sony’s European division paid significant fines after regulators in the UK determined it had not taken proper precautions to stop an attack.
Some are also voicing fears that Xbox One could create another trove for hackers to exploit by collecting data for marketing purposes. In 2010, a Microsoft executive told investors that the Kinect could help tailor advertising to individual users by determining how many people were watching television and their relative level of engagement. After an outcry, the company quickly denied that it uses Kinect data for advertising. But the issue popped up again last month when a 2011 Microsoft patent surfaced describing a system that—without naming the Kinect—would track users’ TV habits and reward them with incentives if they watched certain shows or advertisements. Germany’s Federal Data Protection Commissioner Peter Schaar told Der Spiegel in May that he wanted to know if the new Xbox could be used as a commercial “monitoring device,” although he added that talk of Orwell-style surveillance was far fetched.
MSNBC asked Microsoft whether Xbox One’s Kinect might collect data either for market research purposes or to detect a user’s preferences and tailor their experience to them—and, if so, whether they could disable the feature.
“You are in control of your personal data,” a spokesman replied in an e-mail. “You can play games or enjoy applications that use data, such as videos, photos, facial expressions, heart rate and more, but this data will not leave your Xbox One without your explicit permission.”
So, based on Microsoft’s latest assurances, are gamers right to be worried that their Xbox One might pull a Hal 9000? Security experts who talked to MSNBC acknowledged that they weren’ttotally off base, since any device that transmits data over the Internet is at least theoretically vulnerable to tampering.
“If it’s talking to an application, whether it’s a gaming application or whether its an application that is enabling a computer to do a transaction, it is exposing that device to possible risk,” Bala Venkat, Chief Marketing Officer at Cenzic, said.
But if having your personal life monitored by the government (or anyone else) is your concern, the bigger question might be whether it’s fair to single out Xbox One as the face of digital intrusion just because it has a fancy camera.
Paul Judge, Chief Research Officer at security firm Barracuda Networks, told MSNBC that the privacy complaints surrounding Microsoft’s new console are “misplaced and blown out of proportion.” Not because Kinect couldn’t be exploited by the NSA or a hacker—it’s a plausible scenario, he said—but because the same consumers criticizing Microsoft surround themselves with potential monitoring devices every day without a second thought.
“The same holds true for every other cool device that you’ve purchased recently that has a mic and a camera including your cell phone, your tablet, laptop and desktop computer,” Judge said. “They all have mics and cameras that could be turned on if the computer is compromised remotely.”
As for whether a device could be turned back on from afar via an Internet connection —either by Microsoft or anyone else—a spokesman told MSNBC over e-mail that “Xbox One has a very robust security system to protect against such compromise provided the user doesn’t tamper with the console hardware or software.” He added that Microsoft only divulges customer information in response to a legally binding court order, does so only for specific individual accounts and that “[If] the government has a broader voluntary national security program to gather customer data we don’t participate in it.”
There are additional factors Xbox skeptics find troubling. One is that while Microsoft may have the best of intentions in securing their network, keeping data safe has been a problem in the industry even for its largest companies. In April 2011, hackers breached Sony’s PSN gaming network, exposing some 77 million users’ personal data—including credit card numbers. The company shut down its entire network for 24 days while it dealt with the aftermath of the attack. As details emerged, they endured criticism from lawmakers around the globe, including Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who accused the tech giant of taking too long to inform its users of the breach. Sony’s European division paid significant fines after regulators in the UK determined it had not taken proper precautions to stop an attack.
Some are also voicing fears that Xbox One could create another trove for hackers to exploit by collecting data for marketing purposes. In 2010, a Microsoft executive told investors that the Kinect could help tailor advertising to individual users by determining how many people were watching television and their relative level of engagement. After an outcry, the company quickly denied that it uses Kinect data for advertising. But the issue popped up again last month when a 2011 Microsoft patent surfaced describing a system that—without naming the Kinect—would track users’ TV habits and reward them with incentives if they watched certain shows or advertisements. Germany’s Federal Data Protection Commissioner Peter Schaar told Der Spiegel in May that he wanted to know if the new Xbox could be used as a commercial “monitoring device,” although he added that talk of Orwell-style surveillance was far fetched.
MSNBC asked Microsoft whether Xbox One’s Kinect might collect data either for market research purposes or to detect a user’s preferences and tailor their experience to them—and, if so, whether they could disable the feature.
“You are in control of your personal data,” a spokesman replied in an e-mail. “You can play games or enjoy applications that use data, such as videos, photos, facial expressions, heart rate and more, but this data will not leave your Xbox One without your explicit permission.”
So, based on Microsoft’s latest assurances, are gamers right to be worried that their Xbox One might pull a Hal 9000? Security experts who talked to MSNBC acknowledged that they weren’ttotally off base, since any device that transmits data over the Internet is at least theoretically vulnerable to tampering.
“If it’s talking to an application, whether it’s a gaming application or whether its an application that is enabling a computer to do a transaction, it is exposing that device to possible risk,” Bala Venkat, Chief Marketing Officer at Cenzic, said.
But if having your personal life monitored by the government (or anyone else) is your concern, the bigger question might be whether it’s fair to single out Xbox One as the face of digital intrusion just because it has a fancy camera.
Paul Judge, Chief Research Officer at security firm Barracuda Networks, told MSNBC that the privacy complaints surrounding Microsoft’s new console are “misplaced and blown out of proportion.” Not because Kinect couldn’t be exploited by the NSA or a hacker—it’s a plausible scenario, he said—but because the same consumers criticizing Microsoft surround themselves with potential monitoring devices every day without a second thought.
“The same holds true for every other cool device that you’ve purchased recently that has a mic and a camera including your cell phone, your tablet, laptop and desktop computer,” Judge said. “They all have mics and cameras that could be turned on if the computer is compromised remotely.”