Xbox One can scan QR tags to save entering codes

Thanks to its otherwise much-criticised required Kinect, the Xbox One can circumvent the dreadful business of tapping in codes on a control pad.

Responding a Reddit joke, Microsoft's Marc Whitten confirmed on Twitter that the new Kinect will be able to read QR codes.

The context implies (but does not promise) Microsoft will use this to allow gamers to enter codes - for promotions, extra content, and so on - by waving an image at the console's ever-watchful sentinel rather than going through all that control pad nonsense which makes you want to throw the bloody thing through the nearest window and go back to PC gaming.

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Hooray. Next generation technology delivers at last - although there's no guarantee Microsoft and third-parties will act on this potential.

The Xbox One is due before the end of the year and Microsoft swears its eerie new Kinect won't watch you in secret.

Thanks, IGN.