But the London force is also reportedly using software that masquerades as a mobile phone network, allowing it to intercept communications and gather data about users in a targeted area, such as a demonstration.

BBC: How much privacy can smartphone owners expect?

It is possible malicious hackers can intercept this data unless you set up a security such as a remote access virtual private network (VPN).

BBC: You could get online across London with the new plans.

That's an artful way to say that Microsoft's security concerns were -- and are -- elsewhere: Hackers tampering with the cameras to intercept the stream to spy on users, going up the stack to the console or network.

CNN: How Microsoft learned to stop worrying and love open Kinect