Kinect had issues with identifying dark-skinned individuals early in its development cycle due to the inability of the infrared sensors to detect it. This issue was solved, but some people are claiming it still won’t identify them.
Consumer Reports is debunking this, stating that the issue now isn’t skin color, but lighting:
“The log-in problem is related to low-level lighting and not directly to players’ skin color… Kinect needs enough light and contrast to determine features in a person’s face before it can perform software recognition and log someone into the game console automatically.”
The issue can happen with any skin color if the lights aren’t bright enough:
“Essentially, Kinect recongized both players [one white, the other black] at light levels typically used in living rooms at night and failed to recognize both players when the lights were turned down lower. So far, we did not experience any instance where one player was recognized and the other wasn’t under the same lightning conditions.”
Let us know if you’re enjoying Kinect.
Jonah Falcon is a blogger for TMRzoo and GameStooge.com and covers all gaming consoles and platforms including Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP and computer games designed for Mac OS, Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. Jonah provides his readers with reviews, previews and up to date gaming industry news and rumors.
