The device needs to be more widely adopted by developers

Apr 7, 2014 23:16 GMT  ·  By

The Kinect motion tracking system that’s bundled with the Xbox One home console from Microsoft is currently not used by too many video games, but the company does have long-term plans for it, which might include using it in order to power a set of new smart home features.

Michael Mott, a director of developer relations, is quoted by SlashGear as saying that the device can be used to automate a number of tasks, based on previous user behavior and on other patterns, which would save time that could be spent on other tasks, like gaming.

The executive from Microsoft explains that Kinect could be used to make life easy in the living room and make sure that the video and audio system plays only what a user wants at all times.

He states, “If there’s two of you on the couch, what does it play? Does it bring up on screen something that’s relevant to the both of you?. If I walk in the room, it would be cool to have my theme music come on, a little AC/DC to get going in the morning, perhaps.”

In order for the Kinect to become important for home automation, it needs to be first adopted by many more users and Microsoft also needs to make it fully compatible with modern PCs.

Mott believes that the motion tracking system will be more attractive once a number of new apps that use it are delivered on the Xbox One.

He adds, “Communications is definitely one of them, enhanced communication and even entertainment communication. I think creativity is another one of them, and I definitely think fitness and wellness is yet another one. And then there’s home automation.”

When Microsoft announced that the Kinect would be part of the core Xbox One package, bringing up its price to 499 dollars or Euro, many potential buyers claimed that it was just an expensive addition that would never be used.

The company will promote the motion tracking system with the launch of the new Kinect Sports Rivals title from Rare, but it’s unclear whether it will ever become one of the central features of the next-gen console.

At the same time, rumors suggest that Microsoft will drop the Kinect from a future version of the Xbox One, which will be launched at some point during the fall with a lower price attached and with other small hardware improvements.