14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has said that it plans to launch a standalone version of the second generation Kinect motion tracking system that was initially integrated in the Xbox One and was dropped from the retail package in early June.
And now a report from WPCentral claims that sources inside the company are saying that the new version of the device will be offered starting October 6 of this year for the price of 149 dollars or Euro, presumably on all the markets on which the home console is also on sale.
Apparently, the date has been chosen because it allows the company to offer a new extension for the Xbox One in time for the crucial Christmas shopping season, and a new video game that uses motion tracking in interesting ways might also be offered around that date.
When Microsoft’s next-gen device was first launched it cost 499 dollars or Euro, and the company said that much of the extra cost was associated with the Kinect.
The platform itself now only sells for 399 dollars or Euro, the same as the rival PlayStation 4 from Sony, but potential customers will not be happy to see that the standalone motion tracking system is now offered for 149 dollars or Euro.
Sales will presumably be low for the new device unless Microsoft manages to find a clear use for it in an upcoming high profile video game, which will be very hard to do.
Microsoft has bigger problems than the lack of perspective for Kinect, as the company needs to find a clear way of boosting overall sales for the Xbox One, which has been trailing behind its main rival in terms of sales.
The PlayStation 4 has managed to deliver more than 10 million devices to gamers all over the world, and at the moment, Sony says that there are no signs of declining demand.
Meanwhile, the Xbox One is apparently just over the 6 million units shipped mark and rumors have suggested that another price cut might take place before Christmas in order to bring the price to 349 dollars or Euro.
Microsoft has also said that it will deliver a range of new entertainment apps for the platform in the coming months and that it expects exclusive releases like Sunset Overdrive to also attract new players.
Sales data about the two home consoles during August will be offered by the NPD Group in about two weeks.