Pritect; An Extra Layer of Family Security Against Prying Eyes

March 14, 2012 - PRLog -- By Microsoft’s own admission, the Kinect camera for Xbox 360 has the potential to collect advertising data in any room where it’s placed. In reality this includes the family room, living rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

According to Microsoft, if people are watching a sports event, the Kinect’s camera has the potential to identify what jersey they are wearing so it can determine the team they support. Such data is valuable to advertisers who can then tailor their advertising to that household. In other words, if the camera is on, even when not in use, and remains exposed to the room, personal privacy has the potential to be compromised for any family that owns a Kinect.

These and other questions of in-home security and privacy have continued to plague the platform since it launched in 2010. Now Catalyst Components has launched the Pritect Sensor Cover, the first and only product designed to address the security issues surrounding the Xbox 360 Kinect and Kinect for Windows.

Paul Harper, Pritect’s inventor and the President of Catalyst Components, comments: “As a father, privacy and safety is my number one concern. Pritect allows you to determine how and when the camera is exposed and provides an additional layer of security that doesn’t detract in any way from the Kinect’s entertainment value to your family. The cover also protects the Kinect from dust and UV light exposure, which over time can damage the Kinect’s sensitive optics.”

“The Kinect is an amazing device that will continue to assert itself as an integral part of gaming and in many other applications” continued Harper. “The ability to play games without a controller has added an entirely new level of fun and excitement. However, it also has some questionable and, some might say, chilling implications that parents need to be aware of.”

“For the first time ever, we have invited into our living rooms a technology which has the ability to capture video and sound data, identify individuals using advanced biometrics or 3-d facial recognition, and recognize specific human activities. The Kinect can see everything when powered on and for most users, has a direct connection to the internet. It’s like a giant window into your family’s home, but you can never know who might be looking in. With Pritect, you can now conveniently close the blinds, giving you and your family an added layer of security.”

Made in the USA from high gloss injection molded plastic, Pritect fits seamlessly onto the Kinect, perfectly complimenting the Kinect’s aesthetics while providing a protective shell against the elements and blocking the LED/infrared laser lights from view for an optimal home theater. Pritect provides a simple way to access the camera when necessary and ensures user privacy when Kinect’s view is not required. Pritect does not interfere with Kinect’s startup calibrations or voice command functions; it simply eliminates the light necessary for the camera to operate.


Product Highlights:
•   Provides and added layer of in-home security
•   Designed specifically for Xbox 360 Kinect and Kinect for Windows
•   Designed to obstruct Kinect’s camera view when not in use
•   Ensures privacy and security against potential prying eyes
•   Blocks LED and infrared light for home theater environments
•   Protects optical lenses from dust and debris
•   Does NOT interfere with voice command or calibration
•   Easily slips on and off Kinect
•   Conforms to Kinect’s sleek black aesthetic
•   Available at Best Buy, Microcenter, Target and Amazon.com
•   Suggested Retail Price: $9.99
•   Made in the USA


About Catalyst
Catalyst Component was founded in 2011 and is dedicated to bringing to market the best in digital based accessories and components. The company is located in Diamond Bar, California. For more information please contact sales@pritectcover.com or visit: http://www.pritectcover.com

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Catalyst Component was founded in 2011 and is dedicated to bringing to market the best in digital based accessories and components. The company is located in Diamond Bar, California. For more information please contact sales@pritectcover.com or visit: http://www.pritectcover.com