New Kinect can understand two people talking at the same time

The technology powering the new built-in Kinect peripheral for Xbox One can discern between two people talking at the same time, it was revealed during a talk by Microsoft's Phil Harrison during the Eurogamer Expo in London.

This second iteration of Kinect can both hear and understand two people speaking at once, and additionally is able to see whether their mouths are moving in a dark room, said new technology lead developer Nick Burton during the session.

The new Kinect sensor can detect 25 joints between six different people, as well as recognize who is using the controller, estimate heart rates and map faces to 1,400 points.

Microsoft clarified earlier in the year the Xbox One Kinect camera and microphone will not record or upload conversations, stating in a published document that users are "in control of what Kinect can see and hear. By design, you will determine how responsive and personalized your Xbox One is to you and your family during setup. When Xbox One is on and you're simply having a conversation in your living room, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded."