Microsoft has finally provided answers for the questions people have had since before the reveal, and which its previous attempts at answering just caused more problems.
Xbox One: Details on Connectivity, Licensing and Privacy Features
Three sections:
Xbox One: A Modern, Connected Device
- All games play from the HDD, the disc is only needed for installation. All games will also be available for digital download day one.
- All of your games can be played from any Xbox One you're signed in on.
- Minimum broadband connection of 1.5Mbps recommended.
- A persistent connection is not required, but the Xbox One must be able to go online to verify if you've sold any discs you have, as otherwise you could install games and then sell the disc. You can play offline on your primary console for 24 hours before it needs to check in, or play offline for one hour on another console.
How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One
- All your games are available on any console you sign in on.
- Your family and friends can all play your games on your console without being logged in as you. They can also access your library on other consoles, if you have shared it with them. (some sort of evolution of the family account).
- You can give your games to friends, or trade them in. No fees are charged, but it is up to publishers to enable/disable selling/giving games. MS Studios won't prohibit giving or trading its own games.
Privacy by Design: How Xbox One and the New Kinect Sensor Put You in Control
- Comprehensive privacy controls.
- Although Kinect must be connected, you do not have to use it. It can be On, Off, or Paused.
- Kinect won't record your conversations in the living room.
- No data will leave your console without your express permission.
- Other control methods can still be used in addition or instead of Kinect.