[Feat]

Microsoft has filed another Kinect related patent, which is causing a stir due to the possibility of the patent crossing the line between media security, and personal privacy. The plan for this new application is to closely monitor the number of people in a room in relation to the media being displayed by an application. If the number of occupants in the room at one time exceeds the number set by the content developer, then Microsoft would take “remedial action”.
Essentially, it would have the ability to allow only a certain number of people to view a show or game, and to monitor the occupants of the room during the presentation. I think this application will cause a lot of unwanted problems for consumers, and will deter people from wanting to use Microsoft’s products. People who enjoy watching Netflix or Hulu on their console with family or friends could possibly feel threatened solely from this patent. If Microsoft plans on implementing this into their next console, I don’t see any way that this new Kinect product would be successful. Privacy is something that almost everyone in the world takes seriously, and the invasion of someone’s privacy could mean the loss of many customers.

However, the patent filed does also mention that this new application would have the ability to mount to things such as TV’s, gaming periphrials, and cell phones. This would allow Microsoft to monitor all of your electronics, and can charge you for watching a movie or a TV show with too many people in the room.

The concept is that Microsoft is aware that watching a TV show, movie, or playing a game can be enjoyable for a group of people. Having a large group of people in the room to watch a movie or to view a presentation, would permit Microsoft to charge a license fee to do so.

Source: NGU