Xbox One details: connecting online, licensing, Kinect privacy

[ArnoldRimmer]

Arcturus said:

ArnoldRimmer said:

Nsanity said:

- Some apps and games may require Kinect functionality to operate, so you’ll need to turn it back on for these experiences

Can someone please clarify:

Does this mean that I can simply keep Kinect unattached as long as I don't play any games that don't necessarily need Kinect?

If so, then one of my main concerns about the Xbox One has just disappeared.

As long as I can keep either the Internet or Kinect constantly unattached, I might accept the system.

From what I understand, you still need to have Kinect physically plugged into the system for the Xbox One to operate, however you can disable the cam and mic sensors on Kinect in the system settings. Therefore, if apps require Kinect you will have to re-enable the Kinect sensors before using the app or game.

But if I can completely disable Kinect, why can't I simply keep it unattached?

If that's really correct, I find it very suspicious. Microsoft is obviously very well aware that many people are feeling uneasy about all the "Orwellian surveillance device" reports about Xbox One, and this is probably already their reaction to it.

But Microsoft must have be very well aware that the possibility to simply keep Kinect unattached would be an extremely simple and in fact the only reliable way to calm down these peoples fears and to end the discussion.

But instead, they decided to go for a more complicated software solution that still forces you to attach the sensor and still forces people to simply trust Microsoft. Why?