Microsoft u-turns on Kinect-less Xbox One
Microsoft has confirmed it will release a Xbox One without Kinect starting next month.
A solid u-turn
Starting June 9, all markets where Xbox One is sold, consumers can purchase the newest console from Microsoft for $399/£349 without Kinect. A standalone Kinect will be offered in the fall.
Users will still be able to use many apps without the camera as well as other features such as game invites while you watch TV, the ability to switch between games and entertainment apps, and more.
You can pre-order the console through Amazon now, and likely through other retailers.
Games and Deals with Gold
The firm is also celebrating the one year anniversary of Games with Gold for Xbox 360 with Dark Souls, Charlie Murder and Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition for June.
Games with Gold will also be heading to Xbox One in June with subscription-based access to free games starting with Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault. Your Gold membership provided access to the free games for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Deals with Gold will also launch for Xbox One in June, delivering discounts for games each month, with discounted titles for June including Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome, and "a few other surprises."
Up to 50-75% off certain titles will also be made available in the coming months, along with a "virtual VIP room exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members" where Microsoft will feature "free games, monthly deals, and other great benefits."
More apps, less-subs
Entertainment apps will be available for all Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners with "more partners and experiences" in the pipeline.
Starting in June, anyone with an Xbox will be able to access various apps whether they have a Xbox Live Gold membership ot not, such as: Machinima, Twitch, Upload, Netflix, Univision Deportes, GoPro, Red Bull TV,HBO GO, the NFL app for Xbox One, MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, NHL Game Center and more. This also includes Internet Explorer, Skype, OneDrive and OneGuide.
This means that Netflix and HBOgo subscribers will no longer need to pay two subscriptions in order to access the content through their Xbox console, as was the rumor overnight.
Again, it all starts in June. Be sure to click the links for extra information.
