OXMUK

We've just been sent a nice, smiley email by Vanessa Barnett, a technology & media partner at "full service law firm" Charles Russell LLP, on the subject of a Microsoft patent that theoretically empowers Xbox One to monitor your TV consumption. According to Barnett, uproar over the implications for privacy in the mainstream press is unfounded - providing, that is, the functionality is both transparent and optional.

"The patent filing by Microsoft is an interesting one - proper Big Brother in my living room, it seems," she began. "But, pause for thought, is this not what many products and services already do? If we think about the functionality of online shopping, personal video recorders and loyalty cards, it's the same end game isn't it.

"What's new with Microsoft is that the deployment of the 'Big Brother' aspects are very evolved, technologically. So I predict the usual strong 'anti' reaction, followed by a spell of calm, followed by mass adoption.

Why? Because that's what happens every time we see new technology - and this one has some consumer benefits wrapped up inside. The key to this, from a legal perspective, will be transparency - being clear about what data is being collected, how it's being used, and - of course - the ability to say 'no thanks'."

Among other things, the Microsoft patent envisages technology that "[encourages] a user to watch one or more particular items of video content" by offering "awards and achievements". Activities that could merit a reward include "watching an episode of the linear video content", "watching an entire series of the linear video content", "watching one or more commercials", and "performing a specific action while watching the linear video content."

It's suggested that either Microsoft or the associated advertiser might throw together quantifiable rewards "such as coupons for an advertised product or service, or an actual product."

http://www.oxm.co.uk/54967/legal-expert-xbox-ones-big-brother-approach-to-tv-is-nothing-new/

This really is nothing new. I would like to know the age bracket of gamers protesting this particular con....because I imagine many are too young and not embraced adulthood enough to see just how common this is integrated into their lives (or more pehaps their parents lives).

online shopping, personal video recorders, cable box, and loyalty cards.....all record your habits so that future ads/deals that are sent your way are more tailored to your tastes.

But ya....you can turn off the kinect. So there should be no more complaints in this regard

This won't stop the tinfoil hat brigade.

Yeah Google knows our pr0n preferences.

Still, it isn't a lovely technology

Just because it's not a "new practice", to invade our personal lives through technology to gain insight into our consumer habits, doesn't make it a good thing. When people don't know about it, they are less likely to gripe about it. But if more people were aware, they would take issue with it. So to say "Google does it, and Amazon does it" doesn't make it ok. It's still a terrible invasion of privacy and you SHOULD be upset that it goes on. And you SHOULD take note of who/what companies use these practice and do all that you can to avoid it. Plain and simple.

Exactly!

There really is no end to the Xbox One F.U.D., is there? The saddest thing is to see gaming blogs get caught in it, knowing it gets hits first instead of realizing the larger effect of what their doing.

Having an always on microphone/camera in your living room connected to the internet is nothing new?
I thought that was what the uproar was about. Not about it logging your video consumption.

This patent was merely ridiculed. Say Mc Donalds to end commercial, hold up a Dorito's bag for gamer score.

Anyway can't wait to Google something, then have a commercial pop up about it on my xbox one 5 minutes later. Technology yay. How far can we go. Are we going to get personalized commercials in the future. "The next selection was made for you since your dad's birthday is coming up and he was recently browsing for sex swings, nod yes to order now"