Microsoft is giving into the demands of consumers in a bid to win against its rival in the next-generation console competition. After reversing the controversial DRM policies, Microsoft announced that the Xbox One Kinect will have the ability to scan download codes.
This was one of the complaints of Xbox users before, saying that the process of code redeeming and manually entering the 25-digit download codes is too time-consuming and annoying.
Knowing that they will be engaged in a tough competition against Sony's PlayStation 4 later this year, Microsoft eventually gave in to the suggestions of consumers. Marc Whitten of Microsoft confirmed through his Twitter account that gamers can scan download codes using the Kinect camera, an announcement first spotted by Engadget.
Engadget reported:
"Many console gamers know the drudgery of entering a download code with a gamepad or keyboard. Now that Kinect is part and parcel of the Xbox One experience, however, they'll always get to skip that step: Microsoft's Marc Whitten has revealed that system owners can scan the codes with the Kinect camera. While this is really an extension of what the original Kinect can do -- Kinectimals takes advantage of QR codes, for example -- it should be a big help for gamers who'd rather be playing than typing."
Meanwhile, Microsoft also reasoned out why their next-gen console will only accept specific headsets. Consumers were puzzled by this announcement from the company along with the news that these headsets will be sold separately. This means that headsets that are compatible with the Xbox 360 will not work in the next-gen console.
In a statement released through Game Informer, Microsoft said: "The Wireless Controller has been redesigned to allow for higher data transfer speed between the controller and the console. This also required creating a new expansion port design for headsets and future controller add-on devices which is different from a standard audio plug input."
On the other hand, Microsoft still gave some hopes to consumers when they said that there are plans to develop a port adaptor for other headsets, but this also means that users will need to purchase an accessory that would make previous headsets compatible to the Xbox One.