Last week Microsoft unveiled its latest gaming console, the Xbox One at an event in Redmond, Washington. The latest console has certainly taken its time in coming, as the last major improvement to the device was made way back in 2005. Microsoft has redesigned both the controller and Kinect and the aim is to make the Xbox One an all-in-one entertainment hub, not just a gaming device. Let’s take a look at what the Xbox One is likely to offer consumers when it becomes available worldwide later this year.
All in One Xbox One
The Xbox One intends to bring your living room entertainment to one place. Voice and gesture controls ensure that you only need to instruct your Xbox One to switch on, open internet explorer, or watch TV. The console is built for social interaction. You can chat with friends on Skype,do three way calls, watch a show while chatting on Skype, and see what your friends are watching, or whats trending in the Xbox community. There’s a ton of entertainment coming your way, whether its new games, live NFL, or television shows.
And as regards that all important question, Will my Xbox have to be “Always On”, luckily the answer is No. But for all features to work, and work well, it may as well just be “Always ON”.
Tech Specs of the Xbox One
The Xbox One features an 8 core processor making it easier for you to switch between a game and your apps; an HDMI pass-thru that lets you connect your cable TV or satellite box to the console and watch TV through your Xbox. 8GB RAM and a 500 GB hard drive should give you enough storage for all your games, movies, apps and more. A Blu Ray player tops off the console enabling you to watch quality movies and play games in an HD environment.
Features of Xbox One
There are a lot of cool things you can do with the Xbox One.
Split Screen
Similar to the Windows 7 Snap feature, you can snap two screens to multitask more easily. For instance, you can both watch a show as well as use an app by snapping the two screens side by side.
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Switch Quickly Between Tasks
You no longer have to go out of one activity or screen before you open another one. You can switch effortlessly between different tasks be it music, games or apps.
New Gen Xbox Live
The new Xbox Live will keep your game playing even when your not. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) will ensure that the game stays live even when you’re not around and your friends can still play against you or your AI. Updates to games now happen in the background offering you an uninterrupted game play option. Auto-resume ensures that your games continue where they left off, when you take a break.
New Kinect
The Kinect has been completely re-engineered to be more precise, responsive, and intuitive. With Real Vision, it expands its field of vision with the ability to even see in the dark. The Real Motion technology keenly senses every movement or gesture whether you are sitting or standing. And the Real Voice technology lets Kinect know which voice to listen to in a noisy atmosphere and you can use your voice to launch Xbox. Unlike the earlier devices, Kinect will come as part of the console and will not be sold separately. Plus, there are privacy settings to ensure that you don’t feel like you’re being watched all the time.
New Xbox Controller
With over 40 new technological innovations including better thumbsticks, precise fingertip triggers, and more comfortable contours, the Xbox controller promises to offer better gaming experience.
Xbox Smartglass
Use your tablet or smartphone as a second screen to interact with Xbox One and enhance your entertainment experience.
Xbox Games
Bad news for pevious console owners is that the Xbox 360 games simply won’t work with the new gaming console because of the technological changes. There seems to be some level of vagueness on the subject though, so we will have to wait and see how things pan out. Meanwhile the good news is that there will be exclusive deals with popular franchises such as Forza Motorsport 5, and 15 new game releases within one year of the Xbox One launch. More information on games and plans will happen in Los Angeles in June’s E3 conference.
Xbox One Revealed Video
Are you excited about the Xbox One? Share your thoughts with us.
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