In an update via Twitter, Microsoft’s head of Xbox Phil Spencer announced that the latest Xbox One update will be bringing something useful to developers: a better use of the GPU. It’s all thanks to Microsoft moving Kinect out of the picture, which frees up system resources.
When asked by Eurogamer for an explanation, a Microsoft representative had this to say: “Yes, the additional resources allow access to up to 10 per cent additional GPU performance. We’re committed to giving developers new tools and flexibility to make their Xbox One games even better by giving them the option to use the GPU reserve in whatever way is best for them and their games.”
When asked if this meant that future games would hit the 1080p, 60 FPS benchmark, the response was: “Xbox One games look beautiful and have rich gameplay and platform features. How developers choose to access the extra GPU performance for their games will be up to them. We have started working with a number of developers on how they can best take advantage of these changes. We will have more to share in the future.”
In a later update Microsoft made an official statement:
“Just as we’re committed to making ongoing system updates for our fans to enjoy new features of Xbox One, we’re also committed to giving developers new tools and flexibility to make their Xbox One games even better. In June we’re releasing a new SDK making it possible for developers to access additional GPU resources previously reserved for Kinect and system functions. The team is continually calibrating the system to determine how we can give developers more capabilities. With this SDK, we will include new options for how developers can use the system reserve as well as more flexibility in our natural user interface reserve (voice and gesture). We’ll continue to work closely with developers to help them bring great games to Xbox One.”
That first statement is particularly interesting, since the Kinect is using up GPU resources – does that mean Xbox One owners without the Kinect will experience better performance? It would appear that way, and it would seem unfair to those who were early adopters to the Xbox One since they had to pay an extra $100 to include the Kinect. What are your thoughts? Do you think Microsoft is being unfair to Kinect users? How do you think they should handle this situation? Let us know in the comment section below.