Posts Tagged ‘pritect’

At first I thought the press release was a joke, but then I sadly discovered that it was not. A company has made a cover for your Kinect to block the cameras so it does not spy on you. Apparently it has been out since January and posted by a few big name websites and finally it has a press release. Their reasoning behind it? The fact that Microsoft themselves has stated how the device could be used to target advertising during a sporting event by determining which jersey you are wearing. Would Microsoft do this without your permission? Hell No! Would there be an update to Xbox Live’s Terms of Usage allowing them to do so? Maybe… Does this mean we need to go around covering our Kinects in case of an impossible hacker intrusion? No! It seems like snake oil to me, focusing on privacy concerns without really having anything other than pretentious hype to back it. Will it protect it from dust as the company Catalyst Components claims? Yes, but so would any type of cover and how do we protect our covers from dust? In fact, how do I play with the cover on? Oh yeah, I have to remove it and that is a physical action which could be the same as simply unplugging the Kinect if you have yours plugged in the front like mine.

Lets go over the specs here with my notes highlighted in red.
·        Provides and added layer of in-home security For a problem that doesn’t exist. Would you like my tiger deterring rock?
·        Designed specifically for Xbox 360 Kinect and Kinect for Windows Is there another type of Kinect?
·        Designed to obstruct Kinect’s camera view when not in use Technically if it is “not in use” then it isn’t on.
·        Ensures privacy and security against potential prying eyes For Xbox, Who? For Windows, treat it like a webcam. (Coming soon, webcam cover.)
·        Blocks LED and infrared light for home theater environments The green dot may be annoying, but I hate seeing INFRARED LIGHT.
·        Protects optical lenses from dust and debris So far the only plus.
·        Does NOT interfere with voice command or calibration I’m assuming it can’t interfere with calibration when I take it off for calibration.
·        Easily slips on and off Kinect Ok, you got me here.
·        Conforms to Kinect’s sleek black aesthetic And here.
·        Available at Best Buy, Microcenter, Target and Amazon.com Here too.
·        Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 Price drop from $15, wonder if it isn’t selling well…
·        Made in the USA Ok, now I want to buy it.