Xbox One's Kinect Could Enforce DRM Restrictions
Adam Barnes
Microsoft has filed a patent that could have Kinect control just how many users can access content on Xbox One.
Published on May 24, 2013
Hot on the heels of Microsoft's Xbox One reveal was a large range of negativity, from the announcement's lack of games, the mandatory Kinect or the confused message from Microsoft regarding always-on and second hand games.
In answer to that, Extreme Tech has dug up a patent from Microsoft that seems to confirm our worst fears: the Xbox One could well be limiting our access to content under the guise of licensing.
Microsoft's patent is for a system that tracks the number of participants of any particular content - be it videogames, films or TV - and if that number exceeds a particular threshold "remedial action" can be undertaken.
What this means is that Microsoft could be looking to crack down on what is deemed a 'public viewing'. Though you might be watching a film in your home, if you invite a large group of friends around it could well consider it a public viewing - after reaching the threshold, anyway - and prompt you to purchase additional licenses.
This patent isn't specific to Xbox One or Kinect, however, and could be applied to any product, be it tablet, mobile phone, TV or even head-mounted displays.
Patents are filed all the time and not necessarily indicative of anything a product could actually use, so we wouldn't panic just yet.
But with the recent news that your Xbox One might restrict access to second hand games, it's hard not to be a little cautious.