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Will Microsoft Dis-Kinect Freeloading TV Viewers?

theodp writes "Just when you think the cable TV viewing experience couldn't get any worse, GeekWire reports on the Microsoft Xbox Incubation team's patent-pending Consumer Detector, which uses cameras and sensors like those in the Xbox 360 Kinect controller to monitor, count and in some cases identify the people in a room watching television, movies and other content. Should the number of viewers detected exceed the limits of a particular content license, the system would halt playback unless additional viewing rights were purchased."

13 of 478 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Masking tape by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Today's my turn to watch the movie without wearing the burqa!

  2. Just when I think MS can't get more creepy by crazyjj · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm just surprised Sony didn't come up with it first.

    --
    What political party do you join when you don't like Bible-thumpers *or* hippies?
    1. Re:Just when I think MS can't get more creepy by mrclisdue · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'm just surprised Sony didn't come up with it first.

      Actually, Sony's been doing this for years, they just haven't told anyone. The letter 'o' in the logo badge on your device is a camera.

      I've divulged this to you at the risk of assassinati

    2. Re:Just when I think MS can't get more creepy by crazyjj · · Score: 3, Funny

      He's a very SKILLED assassin.

      --
      What political party do you join when you don't like Bible-thumpers *or* hippies?
  3. Well, crap... by PieEye · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...guess I'll have to move out of my hall of mirrors. "You are licensed for two viewers...we show 185 currently watching this program."

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    ... in bed.
  4. Re:Typical dual use technology by Chatsubo · · Score: 5, Funny

    You can bet your ass at some stage this will lead to your wife asking: "Why are you jerking off to C-SPAN?"

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    > no, yes, maybe (tagging beta)
  5. Re:more copying by Nyder · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course.. Anything to give the cops 'probable cause' to knock your door down can only be a good thing.

    Cops don't need "probable cause" to knock on your door. They can, legally, knock on your door any time.

    fuck i'm an idiot, i need to learn to read better.

    --
    Be seeing you...
  6. Re:Will Kinects be dis-kinected during movie-fests by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    next?

    auto pause when nobody is watching.

    Note: advertisements can not be skipped, advertisements are mandatory.

    You do not want to fight your customers!

    At last! A legitimate use for my RealDoll.

    She can watch the ads while I take a bathroom break.

  7. Re:Masking tape by jd2112 · · Score: 5, Funny

    In Capitalist America, Television watches you!

    --
    Any insufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology.
  8. Re:Masking tape by Fishchip · · Score: 5, Funny

    Stop presenting sensible alternatives!

  9. Re:Masking tape by Custard+Horse · · Score: 5, Funny

    Heat the room to 36 degrees centigrade and make everyone invisible?

  10. Re:Masking tape by ArcadeMan · · Score: 3, Funny

    If you do that, the Xbox will freak out, activate its optical camouflage and start killing everyone in the room.

  11. Re:Masking tape by Chrisq · · Score: 4, Funny

    If you do that, the Xbox will freak out, activate its optical camouflage and start killing everyone in the room.

    Ballmer mode engaged!