Microsoft Clarifies Kinect Requirement For Cortana On Xbox One

We’re sure gamers must have been pleased when Microsoft recently announced that Cortana would be arriving on the Xbox One. We suppose this was only natural given that Cortana will be integrated into Windows 10 as well. However according to an earlier report, it was suggested that the Kinect would be required in order for Cortana to function on the console.

Since Microsoft did not make it clear at that time, it was a little confusing. The Redmond company has since issued a statement to clarify the matter, although admittedly we are still a bit confused after reading it. According to Microsoft, “The best way to use Cortana on Xbox One is with Kinect. Voice commands make hands-free navigation easy so you can stay focused on your game.”

They also add, “If you want, you can type questions and fill in search bars using your controller, as well.” Here’s where we’re a little confused: the use of the term “best way”. This seems to suggest that there might be alternate means of accessing Cortana, such as through a headset with a built-in microphone.

However the previous message from Microsoft read, “Kinect required for Cortana speech recognition. Cortana available in select jurisdictions only.” This could mean that Cortana’s abilities are still functional, it’s just that you will have to type your queries instead of speaking them out loud, but how would you guys interpret it?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Gadgets, Gaming
Tags: Cortana, Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox One