Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: microsoft, webcam, xbox one, Xbox One X

[RUMOR] Microsoft is Developing 4K Webcams for the Xbox One

Published Wed, 26 Dec 2018 11:10:44 -0600

Microsoft is reportedly developing 4K webcams for Windows 10, and "at least one" will support Xbox One.

According to Thurrot.com (thanks, TechRadar), Microsoft is developing "several" models complete with integrated Windows Hello functionality – a first, if Microsoft is able to offer the feature in a separate peripheral – so you'll be able to sign into your Xbox One using facial recognition, just like Kinect. Reports suggest some may offer 4K resolution, too.

A webcam wouldn't necessarily act as a viable replacement to the now-defunct Kinect as it's unlikely to offer the depth perception needed, but it might enable players to use the many other apps and functions such as Skype and facial recognition that quietly went away when Microsoft stopped producing its motion-controlled device.

We can only take this as speculation at this point, and it's unclear right now if the cameras will be available as lone peripherals, or ship bundled in with other Microsoft hardware. It'll be interesting to find out if there's any great demand for a Xbox-compatible webcam, too, and what other Xbox-friendly uses Microsoft might have in mind for the webcam.

While the webcam wouldn't be a Kinect replacement, it could potentially be a tool for streamers. Particularly those who game primarily by console. Alternatively, the webcam could function as a sensor a VR rig.

We honestly have no clue, as the webcam is just a rumor. So we'll have to wait for more details to figure out its purpose beyond mere speculation.

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