April 1 Stories - XBox One - Part 2
A year after I sent the last April 1 email, I sent another. Like the first, I managed just enough believability to get hate mail from the skimmers. As before, I’ve added some text in <brackets> to get rid of jargon and acronyms.
From: Alan Page
Sent: Monday, April 1, 2013 7:22 AM
To: Durango Test News
Subject: Durango TestNews: Security, Alpha Kits, Naming and more
Keeping Durango Secure
A big thanks to those who have already completed the mandatory <divisional> security training. We are doing a great job keeping news about the project secure. However, due to some recent (and some anticipated) security issues, we have some new security policies that will affect everyone working on Durango.
Due to some leaked cellphone pix of the <new devkits>, we will be installing security lockers outside the inner secure areas of Studio A, where each employee will be assigned a locker for storage of cellular phones (as well as any other camera capable devices) . We know this is going to be inconvenient, so to make sure you don’t miss any important calls, you will be issued a pager and we will have assistants on duty to answer your phone and page you with details (this will also send email notification). Once you receive a page, you can walk outside the secure area to take your call. Please note that this policy applies to any camera-capable device, including (but not limited to) Surface RT, Pro, and any laptops with web cams.
An additional step in keeping Durango secure is to stop the potential leaks in non-secure shared areas. Investigations have discovered that some of the biggest Durango leaks are occurring in the restrooms. Beginning immediately, we will be placing guards in each of the Studio restrooms. You’ll need to check in with the guard when entering and leaving the restroom. Guards will also check for proper hand-washing etiquette.
Takehome & Console Security
Soon, the Durango takehome program will start, and with this is comes a need for additional security – especially for those of you who use non-secure transportation for your commute such as car pools, van pools, bus, or convertibles.
In order to keep our program secure, we have a few requirements everyone taking part in the program must follow.
- Everyone taking part in the takehome program will be issued a titanium briefcase and a wrist-attached security device. You will be issued two sets of keys for the briefcase and security cuffs. You must keep one set at home, and one set in the office. Under no circumstances should you carry your Durango Takehome Security Kit and keys at the same time. This policy will be strictly enforced and monitored for compliance.
- You must always lock the Durango Security Briefcase, but you are allowed to forego the security cuffs if you meet the following criteria.
- You must travel in your own car with no passengers or pets.
- All car doors must be locked at all times.
- You must apply vision blocking material to all car-windows and sun-roofs (an opening not to exceed thirty square inches in front of the driver seat is allowed for safety).
Thank you in advance for your help in keeping Durango secure.
The Return of the Alpha Kit
Beginning next week, we’ll be picking up the EV2 kits <these looked sort of like the Xbox One shipping version) from offices, as we re-integrate the Alpha kits into lab and office test scenarios. As you may have heard, the smaller and quieter EV2 units weren’t as impressive to our external developers as the big heavy alphas, so we’re going to focus on Alpha development entirely for the duration of Durango.
In related news, Microsoft announced a new line of home theater cabinetry especially designed to hold a server-sized gaming PC in a semi-sound proofed enclosure.
Note that due to this change, the test lab will be offline for another 3-6 weeks.
Update on Specs
Many testers have complained that PMs aren’t writing proper specifications. To deal with this issue, and put quality where it belongs (in testers hands), all Durango specifications will now be owned by the test team. The Program Management staff will remain in charge of ordering food, and will offer shoulder and neck massages as needed to the rest of the Durango team.
Please have a great April 1st.