“Xbox 720” was a rumor-era name for Microsoft’s next console, not the product it ultimately announced. In May 2013, Microsoft unveiled Xbox One and said every console would include Kinect. The reasoning was platform consistency: developers could count on voice, gesture, and other sensor inputs being available instead of designing around uncertain accessory ownership. Microsoft later dropped the requirement, first changing controversial Xbox One policies in June 2013 and then offering a Kinect-free console in May 2014.
Was Xbox 720 real?
No. “Xbox 720” and “Durango” were names used in reports about an unannounced Microsoft console. Those reports discussed possible hardware and a 2013 launch, but they were not confirmation of the final product or its retail specifications. CBS News reported the rumors in January 2012, and Ars Technica covered an alleged planning document in June that year while treating it as unconfirmed: CBS News’ 2012 report and Ars Technica’s coverage of the alleged document.
Microsoft announced the actual console as Xbox One in May 2013. Its launch materials presented Kinect, the redesigned controller, SmartGlass, and Xbox Live as coordinated parts of the platform—not as confirmation of the earlier rumors. Microsoft’s announcement described a console with more than 5 billion transistors and 8 GB of RAM; those are company-reported launch specifications, not independent measurements. Microsoft’s Xbox One announcement.
Why did Microsoft make Kinect mandatory?
Microsoft’s stated reason was to give developers a consistent set of inputs. Its May 1, 2013 FAQ called the new Kinect “an essential and integrated part of the platform” and said that including it with every Xbox One would let game and entertainment creators assume voice, gesture, and natural-sensing features were available. In Microsoft’s view, that certainty could make experiences easier to build and richer to use. Xbox Wire’s Xbox One FAQ.
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- Requires power adapter for Xbox One S and X models (sold separately)
- Put down the controller and play Xbox One games using just your body, voice, and gestures. Command your TV and even make Skype calls in HD.
- Play games where you are the controller, Be recognized and signed-in automatically
- Be recognized and signed-in automatically you can also call friends and family with Skype in HD
- Broadcast gameplay live with picture-in-picture
At the launch event, Microsoft executive Don Mattrick framed the broader goal as reducing fragmentation in the living room. He asked whether Microsoft could improve a setup that had become “too complex, too fragmented and too slow” by harmonizing users’ experiences. Kinect was meant to work alongside the controller and SmartGlass, rather than leave developers guessing which of those inputs a household owned. Microsoft’s launch announcement.
Did mandatory Kinect solve controller fragmentation?
It addressed a specific developer problem, but not controller fragmentation in the broad sense. Kinect was a sensor and input device, not a replacement for the Xbox One controller. A standard sensor in every box would have given developers a more predictable basis for voice and gesture features; it would not make controller use disappear or prove that the living-room experience became less fragmented overall.
Rank #2
- Command your Xbox and TV with your voice (examples include "Xbox On", "Xbox Watch TV", "Xbox Go to Amazon Instant Video", and more).
- Broadcast gameplay live with picture-in-picture using the Twitch Xbox One app.
- Make Skype calls in HD on your TV using the Kinect.
- Play games where you are the controller and work out smarter with Xbox Fitness.
- Compatible with Xbox One S with Adapter: Kinect for Xbox One is compatible with Xbox One S via the Xbox Kinect Adapter for USB.
Microsoft’s 2013 launch presentation emphasized Kinect’s technical capabilities, including time-of-flight measurement on the order of 13 billionths of a second and data processing above 2 gigabits per second. Those were Microsoft’s own launch claims. Likewise, Xbox Wire said the redesigned controller incorporated more than 40 design innovations. Neither figure, by itself, establishes that the mandatory-bundle strategy succeeded with players or developers. Microsoft’s launch announcement and Xbox Wire’s controller overview.
When did Microsoft drop the requirement?
Microsoft changed course in stages. The June 2013 policy change concerned online checks and disc use; the Kinect bundle changed the following year.
Rank #3
- Command your Xbox and TV with your voice (examples include "Xbox On", "Xbox Watch TV", "Xbox Go to Amazon Instant Video", and more).
- Broadcast gameplay live with picture-in-picture using the Twitch Xbox One app.
- Make Skype calls in HD on your TV using the Kinect.
- Play games where you are the controller and work out smarter with Xbox Fitness.
- Includes a token for a full-game download of Dance Central Spotlight included in the box.
| Date | Change | What it meant |
|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2013 | Microsoft revised Xbox One policies after community feedback. | It removed the 24-hour online check and restored ordinary disc lending, resale, gifting, and offline play after initial setup. This did not remove Kinect from the launch console. Microsoft’s policy update. |
| May 13, 2014 | Microsoft announced a $399 Xbox One option without Kinect. | Kinect was no longer required to buy the console. Microsoft said it would continue to offer a premium Kinect bundle and planned a standalone sensor for later that fall. Microsoft’s announcement. |
| June 17, 2014 | Microsoft explained how developers could use resources previously reserved for Kinect skeletal tracking. | Games that did not use skeletal tracking could reclaim those GPU resources. System voice commands and other platform functions remained available. Xbox Wire’s developer update. |
Could you buy an Xbox One Kinect sensor separately?
Yes. When Microsoft announced the Kinect-free Xbox One option in May 2014, it also said a standalone Xbox One Kinect sensor would be available later that fall. That is a historical availability statement; it does not establish current stock or pricing. Check the exact model before buying: Xbox 360 Kinect and Xbox One Kinect are different products and are not interchangeable listings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the change mean for buyers and developers?
The original bundle and the later Kinect-free option suited different priorities. The relevant trade-offs were the included hardware and price, whether the buyer wanted controller-only or voice-and-gesture input, the value of Kinect-specific games and features, and how much developers could rely on sensor ownership.
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
- Original Kinect bundle: Kinect came with the console, so developers could design for a sensor that every Xbox One owner had. Buyers also received voice and gesture input and access to Kinect-oriented features and games.
- Kinect-free Xbox One: The announced $399 option lowered the entry price by excluding the sensor. Developers could no longer assume every Xbox One owner had Kinect, and players who wanted its inputs or games needed access to the sensor separately.
Microsoft reported in May 2014 that more than 80% of Xbox One owners actively used Kinect, averaging 120 voice commands per month per console. Those are Microsoft’s company-reported figures from that period, not an independent measure of satisfaction or proof that every buyer wanted Kinect. Microsoft’s May 2014 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience the convenience and versatility of the Xbox One Kinect Sensor on your Xbox One S/Xbox OneX or Windows PC.
- Take advantage of the sensor's advanced skeletal tracking, enhanced noise isolation, wider field of view, 1080p HD camera, precise gesture recognition and low-light capabilities.
- EASY TO USE:Unpack everything, wire it up, and you're good to go. Just remember to plug it into the correct USB port (it'll tell you which port is the correct one, when you go to the Kinect Settings menu). If you still can't link, you can refer to the manual link or contact our customer service email for consultation.
- Input: 100-240V 50/60 Hz. Output:12V-3.0A. Connect to a Windows PC via USB 3.0, faster and more reliable power supply.
- What you get: 1* Power adapter, 1* KABCON Windows HUB, 1* AC power cable and 1* USB A to USB BM cable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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