There’s no easier way to spice up your streams and add some personality to your videos than using a camera with Xbox One. Here’s how to do it.
If you like to stream your gameplay, record video clips, or chat with friends over Skype, you need to add a webcam to your Xbox One. External cameras are the easiest way to do all this, as Microsoft dropped the Kinect accessory and removed the port on the back of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X.
Adding a camera to your Xbox One lends your console its eyes. Mixer, Microsoft’s streaming service, will use this camera to add your video footage to your streams as you play. The Twitch app available in the Microsoft Store does the same thing. Skype lets you video call your friends when you connect a camera.
Choosing the Right Camera to Use with Xbox One
Finding a camera to use with the Xbox One is easy. Xbox One runs Windows, so any webcam you find that works with a Windows PC will also work with the Xbox One. Make sure it has a USB port so it can talk to the console. If this looks like a camera you already have, don’t rush to a store to get a new one.
If you don’t already have a webcam, look for one that has a USB port and works with Windows. Make sure you have a 1080p camera sensor inside the camera for better looking video. Anything less and your videos may look pixelated.
Whether you reuse a webcam you already have or buy a new one, don’t expect your Xbox One S, Xbox One X, or Xbox One to use your camera’s microphone. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t use a webcam’s built-in microphone, as most cameras don’t have noise canceling technology. To add sound to your videos and streams, plan on purchasing an external microphone or one of the best Xbox One wireless headphones.
Kinect
Microsoft no longer makes new Kinect cameras, but you can still buy them at: Amazon for $82.44. Before you do this, know exactly what you’re getting into.
You may need an adapter if you buy a Kinect to use with your Xbox One. Xbox One S and Xbox One X do not have dedicated Kinect ports. Instead, they require a power and USB adapter. This adapter is very hard to find, so prices have skyrocketed. Game Pause Kinect sells its adapters for $39.99, but they’re not always in stock. Amazon lists several Kinect for Windows Adapters for $249.99, which is an outrageous amount.
If you’re using a Kinect with Xbox One, you don’t need to wear a headset. The sensor has a built-in microphone array and noise canceling technology that filters out ambient noise.
Setting Up Your Camera on Xbox One
Turn on your Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X by pressing the Xbox logo in the middle of your controller. Wait for the console to fully boot up. You don’t need to sign in to your console, as the accessories work for anyone with an account on a single console.
Take your new camera out of the box and connect it to your console. The software on your Xbox One should immediately recognize your camera. Finally, download the Camera app from the Microsoft Store to verify that your camera is working.
For Kinect Sensors, the setup is slightly different. First, connect your Kinect to a power outlet using the Kinect adapter. Next, connect the adapter’s USB cable to the USB port on the back of the console. A popup should appear that guides you through configuring your camera’s noise canceling microphones. Follow the onscreen guide to get everything working. It’s best not to set up Kinect at night, as your console will play loud music to offset its microphones.
How to Use Your Webcam with Xbox One
You can use your webcam with any app in the Microsoft Store that supports it, but there are four apps you should be aware of.
The mixer is integrated into the Xbox Guide. Like Twitch, it’s for video game streaming. Press the Xbox button on your controller while playing a game. Then move the cursor to the right to select Broadcast. The mixer has switches to turn microphones and cameras on or off.
this Camera The app is available from the Microsoft Store and does exactly what it says. Unfortunately, there’s no way to upload any of the pictures you’ve taken with the Camera app on Xbox One.
The world’s largest video game streaming service Twitch. Download the Twitch app from the Xbox Store. Open the app and sign in to your Twitch account. Return to the app to start broadcasting your game.
Finally, Skype It is the only video chat app available to Xbox One owners. Download it from the Microsoft Store and link it to the Microsoft Account you use on your console or your existing Skype Account. Skype lets you video call up to four people at the same time. People in your chat can use a Windows PC, iPhone, Mac or Android device.
