Microsoft Struggles to Adapt Xbox One to Japan

[gamegod25]

The thing is even here in america most people don't have the massive open living rooms like all the promotional videos would have you believe. And even those who have a even a moderate size living room I'm willing to bet the vast majority of them still play in the bedroom. I sure do.

The irony is that by trying to make the Xbone have broader appeal and attractive to game devs it has actually whittled away its potential consumer base by pissing off gamers with anti consumer tactics, casting out anyone without a reliable high speed connection, and alienating pretty much everyone outside of the US.

I loved the 360 and XBL this gen but if MS is going to be so egotistical and contemptuous then I have no problem skipping them this coming gen. Maye they can redeem themselves next time.

 

[lacktheknack]

I don't care if they know where I browse. I care if they make snap judgements from my face posture and appearance and start trying to shovel ads at me based on that. It's one thing to datamine my web browser, it's something else to datamine ME.

How exactly do you think this will work? You think Kinect constantly watches your face and builds a file counting how many times you smile in 1 hour, or something?

That isn't how advertising works.

No.

Thousands upon thousands of weight loss ads.

Dude, the Kinect 2.0 can apparently detect your heartbeat, and I have genetic tachycardia. Do you know how ANNOYING that will get within, like, a day or so? If I was to do sit-ups in front of the TV, the Kinect would probably send paramedics.

Also, I like Pride and Prejudice. It's the only romance movie I like. Now, what if I was to watch it, and start smiling. As far as the Kinect is concerned, I now like all Jane Austen romances. Let the advertising begin!

 

[Calamity]

]I really can't fathom why everyone is so hell-bent on jumping to knee-jerk, erroneous conclusions about Xbox One. This isn't even about fanboyism. This is about setting the record straight. But everyone is steeped in blind hatred for anything and everything Microsoft.

Personally, I really couldn't care less whether you buy an Xbox One or not. But for God's sake, stop saying stupid shit about it based on nothing but wild-ass conjecture.

The point here being it's NOT knee-jerk, There are plenty of reasons to doubt Microsoft's lip service. Not to mention the "designed for advertisers" article linked multiple times now

No one's going to believe you don't have some investment in the system, or a reason to try and deflect negative buzz after all the effort you've put into this thread.

I do not like a mandatory camera that is "always listening", because I do not trust the company behind it.

 

[UnnDunn]

No.

Thousands upon thousands of weight loss ads.

Dude, the Kinect 2.0 can apparently detect your heartbeat, and I have genetic tachycardia. Do you know how ANNOYING that will get within, like, a day or so? If I was to do sit-ups in front of the TV, the Kinect would probably send paramedics.

Again, you can shut off data collection relating to Kinect if you don't want targeted ads. Microsoft is one of the biggest proponents of letting consumers opt out of behavioral tracking online; Internet Explorer and Windows 8 both enable the "Do Not Track" function by default (which tells advertisers that you do not want to be tracked), and IE includes extensive tracking protection features. Microsoft has taken a lot of heat from internet advertisers because of this. And this despite the fact that Microsoft also operates the Web's second-largest ad network.

 

[Signa]

No.

Thousands upon thousands of weight loss ads.

Dude, the Kinect 2.0 can apparently detect your heartbeat, and I have genetic tachycardia. Do you know how ANNOYING that will get within, like, a day or so? If I was to do sit-ups in front of the TV, the Kinect would probably send paramedics.

Again, you can shut off data collection relating to Kinect if you don't want targeted ads. Microsoft is one of the biggest proponents of letting consumers opt out of behavioral tracking online; Internet Explorer and Windows 8 both enable the "Do Not Track" function by default (which tells advertisers that you do not want to be tracked), and IE includes extensive tracking protection features. Microsoft has taken a lot of heat from internet advertisers because of this. And this despite the fact that Microsoft also operates the Web's second-largest ad network.

Why do you have to shut it off when you should be able to just turn it on?

 

[UnnDunn]

]I really can't fathom why everyone is so hell-bent on jumping to knee-jerk, erroneous conclusions about Xbox One. This isn't even about fanboyism. This is about setting the record straight. But everyone is steeped in blind hatred for anything and everything Microsoft.

Personally, I really couldn't care less whether you buy an Xbox One or not. But for God's sake, stop saying stupid shit about it based on nothing but wild-ass conjecture.

The point here being it's NOT knee-jerk, There are plenty of reasons to doubt Microsoft's lip service. Not to mention the "designed for advertisers" article linked multiple times now

No one's going to believe you don't have some investment in the system, or a reason to try and deflect negative buzz after all the effort you've put into this thread.

I do not like a mandatory camera that is "always listening", because I do not trust the company behind it.

Then don't buy an Xbox One. Simple.

You keep dismissing Microsoft's comments as lip-service, despite the fact that this is the same company that took a lot of heat from internet advertisers for enabling "Do Not Track" in Windows 8 by default [http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57488991-75/windows-8-sticks-with-ie10-do-not-track-by-default/], and building extensive anti-tracking functionality [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/ie-9/features/tracking-protection] into Internet Explorer.

But fine, whatever. Microsoft is the anti-christ. The second you pick your nose in front of Kinect, Microsoft will send that data to every advertiser on the planet, ready to bombard your screen with ads for nose-itch cream. If that's what you want to believe, have at it. Just understand that you make yourself look silly by doing so.

 

[lacktheknack]

No.

Thousands upon thousands of weight loss ads.

Dude, the Kinect 2.0 can apparently detect your heartbeat, and I have genetic tachycardia. Do you know how ANNOYING that will get within, like, a day or so? If I was to do sit-ups in front of the TV, the Kinect would probably send paramedics.

Again, you can shut off data collection relating to Kinect if you don't want targeted ads. Microsoft is one of the biggest proponents of letting consumers opt out of behavioral tracking online; Internet Explorer and Windows 8 both enable the "Do Not Track" function by default (which tells advertisers that you do not want to be tracked), and IE includes extensive tracking protection features. Microsoft has taken a lot of heat from internet advertisers because of this. And this despite the fact that Microsoft also operates the Web's second-largest ad network.

I know an excellent parry when I see one. Well done.

 

[Calamity]

]I really can't fathom why everyone is so hell-bent on jumping to knee-jerk, erroneous conclusions about Xbox One. This isn't even about fanboyism. This is about setting the record straight. But everyone is steeped in blind hatred for anything and everything Microsoft.

Personally, I really couldn't care less whether you buy an Xbox One or not. But for God's sake, stop saying stupid shit about it based on nothing but wild-ass conjecture.

The point here being it's NOT knee-jerk, There are plenty of reasons to doubt Microsoft's lip service. Not to mention the "designed for advertisers" article linked multiple times now

No one's going to believe you don't have some investment in the system, or a reason to try and deflect negative buzz after all the effort you've put into this thread.

I do not like a mandatory camera that is "always listening", because I do not trust the company behind it.

Then don't buy an Xbox One. Simple.

You keep dismissing Microsoft's comments as lip-service, despite the fact that this is the same company that took a lot of heat from internet advertisers for enabling "Do Not Track" in Windows 8 by default [http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57488991-75/windows-8-sticks-with-ie10-do-not-track-by-default/], and building extensive anti-tracking functionality [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/ie-9/features/tracking-protection] into Internet Explorer.

But fine, whatever. Microsoft is the anti-christ. The second you pick your nose in front of Kinect, Microsoft will send that data to every advertiser on the planet, ready to bombard your screen with ads for nose-itch cream. If that's what you want to believe, have at it. Just understand that you make yourself look silly by doing so.

You...you really believe DNT actually does anything to prevent tracking?

"the DNT is merely a signal telling advertisers about users' preferences to not be tracked?it's not a mechanism that actually blocks web ads from dropping tracking "cookies" onto browsers' desktops and devices."
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-the-gaping-flaw-in-microsofts-do-not-track-system-for-ie10-2012-8

DNT is simply more lip service to customers that are concerned about privacy that does nothing to actually protect them.

I'm not even going to respond to your lazy exaggeration of my concerns to make me look less credible, that would bring me down to your level. Oops, guess I just kinda did.

 

[gamegod25]

I don't understand why this concept is so difficult to grasp. There is no Xbox One without Kinect.

Only because MS is making it required. There is nothing that the Kinect can do that you couldn't do just as easily (and more reliably) with a controller or a remote. All that voice and motion control stuff is just a gimmick and nothing more. Yes the PS4 will have a similar device too but here's the thing...it's optional. If I don't want it then I don't have to use it. Get it?

And no, I don't care about dancing or fitness games which are the only things the Kinect was even remotely decent at.

 

[UnnDunn]

Why do you have to shut it off when you should be able to just turn it on?

We don't know the specifics of how the data-collection and/or tracking settings will be handled. But typically, Microsoft includes a couple of checkboxes in the Setup wizard for their products, one for Customer Experience Improvement and another for 3rd-party data sharing. Unchecking those will disable all automatic data collection systems. Those checkboxes are shown prominently during or shortly after Setup, and no data is collected until that screen is shown and the checkboxes are explicitly checked by the user. There is no reason to expect Xbox One to handle it any differently.

 

[UnnDunn]

You...you really believe DNT actually does anything to prevent tracking?

"the DNT is merely a signal telling advertisers about users' preferences to not be tracked?it's not a mechanism that actually blocks web ads from dropping tracking "cookies" onto browsers' desktops and devices."
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-the-gaping-flaw-in-microsofts-do-not-track-system-for-ie10-2012-8

DNT is simply more lip service to customers that are concerned about privacy that does nothing to actually protect them.

Thankfully, Internet Explorer also includes Tracking Protection, which does block web ads and their associated cookies. Which you would know if you clicked the second link I posted.

 

[Signa]

Why do you have to shut it off when you should be able to just turn it on?

We don't know the specifics of how the data-collection and/or tracking settings will be handled. But typically, Microsoft includes a couple of checkboxes in the Setup wizard for their products, one for Customer Experience Improvement and another for 3rd-party data sharing. Unchecking those will disable all automatic data collection systems. Those checkboxes are shown prominently during or shortly after Setup, and no data is collected until that screen is shown and the checkboxes are explicitly checked by the user. There is no reason to expect Xbox One to handle it any differently.

Lots and lots of big money is involved here. I'm not naive enough to think that they'd allow you to opt out with a check box that they put up on the screen for you. No, it's going to be buried deep in the system settings menus, to make sure as few people find it as possible. The little things like that make all the difference, because it gets people like you defending them, and they can still rake in the ad dollars from all the people who aren't informed enough to look for the option.

 

[sturryz]

I go into articles about Microsoft with half a salt, since it's a known tactic of people working for Microsoft (as well as many other companies, mind you.) To go onto forums and defend the ever living shit out of it's baby eating principles.

 

[UnnDunn]

I don't understand why this concept is so difficult to grasp. There is no Xbox One without Kinect.

Only because MS is making it required. There is nothing that the Kinect can do that you couldn't do just as easily (and more reliably) with a controller or a remote. All that voice and motion control stuff is just a gimmick and nothing more. Yes the PS4 will have a similar device too but here's the thing...it's optional. If I don't want it then I don't have to use it. Get it?

And no, I don't care about dancing or fitness games which are the only things the Kinect was even remotely decent at.

Yes, Microsoft chose to design Xbox One around Kinect. It's their product, and they decided to do that. Perhaps they are trying to make it so it isn't "just a gimmick". Perhaps they are trying to get it into people's homes so that game designers are encouraged to create compelling new gameplay with it, gameplay even you might enjoy.

 

[UnnDunn]

Lots and lots of big money is involved here. I'm not naive enough to think that they'd allow you to opt out with a check box that they put up on the screen for you. No, it's going to be buried deep in the system settings menus, to make sure as few people find it as possible. The little things like that make all the difference, because it gets people like you defending them, and they can still rake in the ad dollars from all the people who aren't informed enough to look for the option.

You should install Windows 8 sometime (or buy a PC that comes with it.) One of the first screens you see has two buttons: "Express Settings" or "Custom Settings". Express Settings is highlighted by default, meaning if you simply hit Enter on your keyboard, that's what will be selected. One of the things "Express Settings" does is enable Do Not Track.

The Customer Experience Improvement function is shown as a notification balloon in the corner of the screen shortly after you get to the desktop on a freshly-installed system. You have to click the balloon and approve it before it collects or sends any data.

 

[Seracen]

So many things to say about this, jeez.

Still, they have to cater to "hardcore gamers" in Japan, which the XBONE won't? I think that really says it all. Also, calling it a "Tier 2" is just insulting. At least just say that localization is making it difficult, but don't come out and SAY it's a second class citizen of gaming.

I suppose XBOX 360 never took off in Japan, so M$ never bothered marketing properly for it. I can sort of see the uphill battle, considering Ninty and Sony have hometown advantage, but still...

PR guys...PR...

 

[UnnDunn]

I go into articles about Microsoft with half a salt, since it's a known tactic of people working for Microsoft (as well as many other companies, mind you.) To go onto forums and defend the ever living shit out of it's baby eating principles.

I only wish Microsoft paid me.

 

[JarinArenos]

Maybe we'll actually get a Kinect that can work for the huge number of NA gamers who live in apartments. Oh wait, that won't be sold here even if they make it.

 

[UnnDunn]

Maybe we'll actually get a Kinect that can work for the huge number of NA gamers who live in apartments. Oh wait, that won't be sold here even if they make it.

The new Kinect can fully track a person 6 feet tall standing as little as 4 feet away from it. Unless your apartment is the size of a shoebox, you should be fine.

 

[faefrost]

So basically, they really only planned on targeting one market? North America. Everyone else is an after thought. Anyone surprised by that?

It gets worse. They really only planned on targeting North Americans who still live with their parents or have a large enough living room with TV to support their Kinect device. The number of North American and European gamers who game in their bedrooms, dorm rooms, or smaller spaces seems to have been totally lost on them.

Oh and does it strike anyone else as absurd that they consider the most video game obsessed culture and nation on earth a "Tier 2 Market" that they will get around to later?