Next Xbox will require Kinect at all times

A new rumor claims that the next-gen Xbox will require a Kinect sensor to be plugged in at all times for the console to function.

This information comes from a source using the alias \'SuperDaE\' over on Kotaku who appears to be a regular source for next-generation console information. Most importantly, he claims to have access to one of the Durango Dev kits, and he grabbed other user\'s attention by attempting to sell the kit on eBay.

SuperDaE claims that the new Kinect sensor will be shipped with every Durango unit sold, and appears to be far superior to the current Kinect sensor. He also claims that the Kinect sensor is a mandatory part for the new console and must be connected at all times in order for the console to function.

Having a Kinect sensor ship with every console will allow game developers to integrate it into their games and into system operations.

The new sensor is said to be able to track up to six people (or skeletons) simultaneously, and will be always \'watching you\'. This points at features that allow games to recognize a person, or Microsoft\'s recently-patented system for monitoring which user is watching what in order to charge them. SuperDaE\'s documentation does mention automatic player recognition becoming part of game-play.

Kotaku also claim that the next-gen Xbox will be able to \"juggle\" games, or simply run more than one app or game at once. Durango will allow a \'suspend\' and \'constrained\' state where the user\'s can switch between the games without loosing any progress, similar to what PC user\'s will be used to.

The report also mentions storage on the next-gen Xbox, and claims it will be shipped with a 500GB Internal Hard Drive where users will be required to install games in order to play them as the new console will no longer allow playing games from the disc. Thanks to the new multi-tasking capabilities, the install process will be able to run in the background while the user can continue to play a different game.

Take a look at our recent news about the next-gen console \'blocking second hand games\' using an always on internet connection.