Microsoft is to offer a version of its Xbox One games console without the Kinect motion sensor, a major u-turn for the company.
The original decision to bundle the accessory with the console meant the Xbox One was more expensive than Sony’s Playstation 4 which has outsold Xbox by as many as 2 to 1.
Kinect-free versions of the console will be available from June 9th priced at $399 / £349.
Microsoft is also reversing its policy of charging for access to video and music apps such as Netflix.
Currently users must have a Xbox Live Gold subscription just to access the apps, in addition to paying each service’s subscription.
This paywall is being dropped, again bringing the Xbox into line with the Playstation which allows users to access the apps at no cost beyond the service subscription.