Microsoft drops all DRM.

[iMikeTheKing]

So... let me get this straight. You STILL can't play on the XBone until you connect to the internet?

I have no idea. Microsoft is terrible out making topics clear. I'm guessing it is optional but I doubt it.

 

[Minty]

Take the tin foil off your heads and wrap it around the Kinect Sensor. Then it won't be able to see or hear you. Problem solved.



If they really wanted to spy on you they could just instal a microphone in the console itself and claim it's for "voice commands". That, and with the countless techies out there, Microsoft would be outright stupid to think someone wouldn't eventually catch the data streaming from it. The Xbox One can't magically transmit the data, it still has to pass through a home network, and the information passing through that network can, and probably will, be analyzed by many people who will post their results on the internet.


Sneaking phone records is easy, sneaking visual and audio data through a home internet connection isn't.






As for the DRM thing, it wasn't a huge issue for me because I don't really have that many friends who are planning on even buying a console, but it's good to hear they've opened it up. Mainly because it's really great to see that they're willing to drop their plan due to pressure from the customers. I was actually saying to someone else that it seems like MS is kinda going for a "telling it how it is" policy this year. I haven't really seen any of their reps for the console or first party titles beating around a question, they always seem to deliver an answer, even if it's a negative one.

How would the cloud work without atleast connecting to the Internet one time?

It wouldn't. Even if you do connect once, you have to have an active connection to be using cloud computing.

I have no idea. Microsoft is terrible out making topics clear. I'm guessing it is optional but I doubt it.

My first guess: They want to keep track of how many systems have been activated, and where. I'm not sure what this information would be useful for other than statistics, but again, it's just the first thing that popped into my head.


If it's not optional just drag your entertainment center to a Starbucks and use their wifi

 

[Crispy]

So... let me get this straight. You STILL can't play on the XBone until you connect to the internet?

You have to connect to the internet once. This can be done many ways, once of which is connecting it to the internet via ethernet/wifi or tethering it to your phone. Plus it comes with a free Gold trial. After that you can play Online indefinitely.

 

[maxpontiac]

I have no idea. Microsoft is terrible out making topics clear. I'm guessing it is optional but I doubt it.

You have to connect to the internet once. This can be done many ways, once of which is connecting it to the internet via ethernet/wifi or tethering it to your phone. Plus it comes with a free Gold trial. After that you can play Online indefinitely.

Basically, you must have an internet connection with your XBOne eventually. Those without internet are STILL out of luck.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

The car has crashed & has a bent frame but was repaired.

If you didn't get that metaphor it means MS left a sour taste in everyone's mouth & this isn't going to make it up to some.

 

[Slash]

I find this hilarious. Sony destroyed them at E3, downright embarrassed them. It's a good thing they changed it lol

 

[dice1998]

The car has crashed & has a bent frame but was repaired.

If you didn't get that metaphor it means MS left a sour taste in everyone's mouth & this isn't going to make it up to some.

It didn't leave a sour taste in my mouth. I was going to get one whether it had DRM or not.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Well, to people who care about that DRM stuff. You're probably the "I don't give a ****" kind.

 

[dice1998]

So not everyone.

 

[phillgt2002]

How would the cloud work without atleast connecting to the Internet one time?

Magic.

 

[sumbrownkid]

Now will this undo all the damage Microsoft did with their reputation the past few weeks?

I think so. The only thing now holding back the system is the price. And maybe the paranoia around the Kinect.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

So not everyone.

Aw don't fuss the details.

 

[Imari]

Basically, you must have an internet connection with your XBOne eventually. Those without internet are STILL out of luck.

It means you have to borrow an internet connection from someone once. Once. The store you buy the console from probably has internet. I'm sure they'd let you use it. Internet cafes. Free wifi. Cellphones. Schools, libraries, your work.

If you live in a country where the internet is so rare that it's not accessable easily through any of these means, the Xbone is probably massively expensive as well. In which case I'm sure you can afford to figure out a way.

Soldiers and the like out in the middle of nowhere, do your one check in before you leave. If you somehow buy an Xbone while you're on tour...if they can figure out a way to get your console to you, they can figure out a way to get a on off net connection. Authenticate them before they bring it out to sell to you. Whatever.

Constant check ins are a problem. A one off internet check in when you first use the console is not. Unless you live in the wilderness, in which case gaming is probably the least of your worries.

 

[Northstar]

we as consumers that don't want/need it are in the majority.

It's hard to say at this point as the XBox One isn't out yet and the TV's with it are still relatively new. It could be the next remote or it could end up in the long line of failed ideas, only time will tell. I sure as 🤬 would not use internet reactions as a gauge of it's success/failure though purely because you get bias from both sides and a few other places.

 

[Minty]

Now will this undo all the damage Microsoft did with their reputation the past few weeks?

I think so. The only thing now holding back the system is the price. And maybe the paranoia around the Kinect.

The simple act of reversing it will probably turn a lot of people, but only time will tell if people will get over this entirely.


I'd give it a month or two, good news travels slowly on the internet...:I

 

[Tornado]

How many people simply never have access to the internet that would be in the market for a videogame console in the first place? When I bought my PS3 I couldn't connect it to the internet at my house for several months because of our provided cable modem didn't work with it, but I still managed to connect it at a friends when I needed to update the firmware or a game or whatever.


The difference between a 24 hour check-in and needing to connect it once when you first use it is so huge that it's hard to even call the latter a problem.

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

The one time check in is likely apply to every new game disc that has just been installed - in order to register the account + console. I doubt the one time check in is about console activation only.

MS needs to be more clear with this, take for example on PS3/Xbox360, you can install offline game disc without needing to go online and authenticate.

 

[HAL20XX]

Again, the Kinect can be disabled 100%. No video. No voice.

As to why they're making it a requirement, it's so that developers can assume that the feature will be available on all machines. That way they don't have to create two different versions. It's not their fault you don't want to use it. As long as it actually enhances the game, I'm all for it.

I imagine they are enforcing it is because of the issues they had when you could buy a 360 without a hard drive. It limited their options since they had to cater to the lowest common denominator.

 

[Minty]

The one time check in is likely apply to every new game disc that has just been installed - in order to register the account + console.

I seriously doubt that's the case. Given the "one-time system setup" thing.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

Now will this undo all the damage Microsoft did with their reputation the past few weeks?

I think so. The only thing now holding back the system is the price. And maybe the paranoia around the Kinect.

For all the paranoia, I have heard some casuals (typically with kids, and not the most net-savvy individuals) talk about how great the new Kinect could be. And I suppose, in theory, it has the potential to offer completely different experiences in games, what with being able to read so much of the player's actual physical reactions, not just their button inputs.

That said, the spying bit still has a lot concerned.

It means you have to borrow an internet connection from someone once. Once. The store you buy the console from probably has internet. I'm sure they'd let you use it. Internet cafes. Free wifi. Cellphones. Schools, libraries, your work.

Leave it to certain people to make a big deal out of a one-time activation.

Although I imagine Best Buy will have a whole new service to offer.

The one time check in is likely apply to every new game disc that has just been installed - in order to register the account + console. I doubt the one time check in is about console activation only.

MS needs to be more clear with this, take for example on PS3/Xbox360, you can install offline game disc without needing to go online and authenticate.

What's less clear than "After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One"?

NINJA-EDIT: Tree'd by the Berry Crunch man.

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

I seriously doubt that's the case. Given the "one-time system setup" thing.

Leave it to certain people to make a big deal out of a one-time activation.

Although I imagine Best Buy will have a whole new service to offer.



What's less clear than "After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One"?

NINJA-EDIT: Tree'd by the Berry Crunch man.

Ok, so one time with new console, but MS hasn't say anything about game disc installation being possible on multiple console.

 

[kennylmao]

You could say Microsoft is listening to the consumers. Or they're just doing damage control to ensure their console isn't a complete failure, after hearing the public's response.

I'm guessing it's the latter because, if they really were to put the consumer first, why would they even have all these restrictions in the first place. Why did Don Mattrick say "for those without an internet connection you could get an XBOX 360." Well that's consumer friendly.

You think they really care? Of course they do! Care about their profits.

Also to give a better perspective to the new positive revisions on the XBOX ONE's policy in the OP, the XBOX ONE:

has no family sharing plan anymore, http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/19/4446308/xbox-one-family-sharing-plan-cloud-library-price-cut-plans
is the weaker console compared to the PS4,
is more expensive compared to the PS4,
and Kinect is mandatory and always-on.

Yeah, I'm that guy. #DEAL WITH IT

 

[HighSeasHoMastr]

and Kinect is mandatory and always-on.

No. It isn't.

 

[chromatic9]

I think US pre orders and mainstream world press saying it doesn't support used games

it was too difficult to turn the tide and explain so they nip it in the bud now well before the release.

Probably some retailers too. they have some weight still and the eco system is disc based. You'd see PS4 up and down the high street.

I said right after Sony E3 that MS has to surely backtrack on all this. Either they both do it or no-one does it and could forsee the backlash. We don't yet live in a digital age. MS were way out there on a limb.

 

[F1 fan]

No. It isn't.

As of now, it has to be plugged in to the console. Granted, Microsoft could change that while still including the Kinect with every xbone. That would be the best of both worlds. Everyone still has it so the devs could make use of it and those who are so inclined could still use it. Those who don't want to use it could leave it in the box.

Point being, it's a camera in the living room/bedroom that could be hacked or collect data.

Edit: the old "cover it up/face it against the wall" argument is a bit premature. For all we know, the console may bring up an "error. Configure Kinect before proceeding" message. It hasn't been confirmed but it also hasn't been denied so it should still be treated as a possibility at this time.

 

[HighSeasHoMastr]

As of now, it has to be plugged in to the console. Granted, Microsoft could change that while still including the Kinect with every xbone. That would be the best of both worlds. Everyone still has it so the devs could make use of it and those who are so inclined could still use it. Those who don't want to use it could leave it in the box.

Point being, it's a camera in the living room/bedroom that could be hacked or collect data.

Edit: the old "cover it up/face it against the wall" argument is a bit premature. For all we know, the console may bring up an "error. Configure Kinect before proceeding" message. It hasn't been confirmed but it also hasn't been denied so it should still be treated as a possibility at this time.

And with all that, it has been confirmed by MS that it can be turned off. Therefore, it is not "always on" unless you want it to be. The fact that it has to be connected to the console is not what I was arguing.
Kinect is not always on.

 

[Terronium-12]

You could say Microsoft is listening to the consumers. Or they're just doing damage control to ensure their console isn't a complete failure, after hearing the public's response

Or, they could have listened to their shareholders. I think I'll go with that.

I'm guessing it's the latter because, if they really were to put the consumer first, why would they even have all these restrictions in the first place.

One was going to allow you to do things the PS4 wasn't going to, simple. Now there's going to be none of that.

It annoys me to no end that Microsoft shot right past any and every upside to the policies they wanted to use, and just keeled over.

Why did Don Mattrick say "for those without an internet connection you could get an XBOX 360." Well that's consumer friendly.

Because he's an idiot?

You think they really care? Of course they do! Care about their profits.

You mean like every other company, including Sony?

 

[F1 fan]

And with all that, it has been confirmed by MS that it can be turned off. Therefore, it is not "always on" unless you want it to be. The fact that it has to be connected to the console is not what I was arguing.
Kinect is not always on.

So why force users to connect it to the console anyway? If it can be turned off, why not allow users to unplug it and continue gaming? The fact that it still has to be plugged in makes me wonder why. I don't trust it at all.

Can a webcam that is connected to a computer but turned off still be hacked? After all, it still draws its power from the PC.

 

[HighSeasHoMastr]

So why force users to connect it to the console anyway? If it can be turned off, why not allow users to unplug it and continue gaming? The fact that it still has to be plugged in makes me wonder why. I don't trust it at all.

Simple answer: I don't know, and neither does anyone who doesn't work for MS.

However, would you consider the microphone & camera on your cellphone or your webcam to be 'always on'? And if so, why were you comfortable buying them...?

 

[Akira AC]

Simple answer: I don't know, and neither does anyone who doesn't work for MS.

However, would you consider the microphone & camera on your cellphone or your webcam to be 'always on'? And if so, why were you comfortable buying them...?

Is not the same, a cellphone (or any other device thus far) make it's functions due to user input, problem the Kinect is that is always on and therefore it requires a constant input of data to recognize the user input and authenticate it.

Cellphones don't do that, neither some PCs and a large amount of devices.



As far as OT goes, I'm glad MS did drop those policies (mostly for their well being) because it would meant more variety of games, and a persistence of the current game ownership model, setting the current business model as standard is the positive way to go for the consumers given the model MS was going to implement.

Still, I get the feeling this was mostly done due to pressure of the shareholders rather than the consumer, but still, a positive result for the consumers.