Tue, Aug 24, 2010 | 14:13 BST
Microsoft denies Kinect voice control launch omission
Microsoft has just denied that voice controls have been dropped from Kinect’s launch, despite an MCV story to the contrary.
It looks as though there could be a foreign language element to the story, though: Microsoft refused to comment on the availability of all languages at launch.
“Voice control is an exciting part of the Kinect for Xbox 360 controller-free experience and we can confirm that it will be available at launch in November 2010,” said the firm in a statement.
“Only on Xbox 360 will you be able to navigate the Kinect Hub using your voice to control your movies, TV Shows and music.
“We do not have additional details to share about local voice availability at this time.”
MCV reported earlier today that there would be “no voice control for Kinect launch”.
“Microsoft has confirmed to MCV that Kinect will not boast any voice control functionality at launch,” said the site.
“Speaking at Gamescom, marketing manager for Xbox Live EMEA Robin Burrowes stated that “we will be announcing when voice control will be turned on in due course.”
The site then updated its piece to say, “MCV can also confirm that chat software Video Kinect will also not feature as part of the accessory’s launch. Like voice control, that will also arrive at a later date.”
15 comments
#1
Joe Anderson
24/08/10, 1:57 pm
Haha
Good.
#2
Blerk
24/08/10, 1:59 pm
Did they type that statement?
#3
Patrick Garratt
24/08/10, 2:07 pm
@2 – It wasn’t me!
#4
Suikoden Fan
24/08/10, 2:08 pm
@Pat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ4axo9rmJY&feature=search
#5
Patrick Garratt
24/08/10, 2:12 pm
@4 –
#6
Joe Anderson
24/08/10, 2:19 pm
@4 Just had to watch that whole video, quality haha.
#7
Crysis
24/08/10, 2:21 pm
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=261548 seems that the report was wrong
#8
Razor
24/08/10, 2:22 pm
Wow, MS are making such a dog’s breakfast of this.
#9
Blerk
24/08/10, 2:34 pm
Indeed. The Chinese whispers are going crazy, and they could probably have halted the entire thing early on by putting out a single, global press release about exactly what it could and couldn’t do.
#10
Aimless
24/08/10, 2:37 pm
@9 All I know is that if I can’t scan my skateboard in there will be hell to pay!
#11
Suikoden Fan
24/08/10, 2:38 pm
@Blerk i’d say some damage has been done because of this. Personally i was kinda hoping ms would make there usually ‘We do not comment on rumor or speculation’ bullshit like they do when quized about anything.
I doubt anyone would be hardball enogh to say that to ms though. (by that i mean say well if your commenting on this comment on everything else too)
#12
Psychotext
24/08/10, 2:44 pm
So basically just the filthy foreigners losing out? Oh well.
#13
The_Red
24/08/10, 3:15 pm
Didn’t they spend a whole lot of their E3 conference focusing on Video chat and voice command (The 2 chick chat and other stuff)?
#14
cookiejar
24/08/10, 3:33 pm
I would’t be surprised if Microsoft themselves don’t exactly know what it fully does
#15
justiceblob
24/08/10, 3:40 pm
So is video chat missing or not? The article only confirms voice control as avaliable at launch. Can someone clarify that?