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5 Things We Learned From the Xbox One Reveal

Written by Kenny Rioux

We have a name and it is Xbox One. Here are 5 things we learned from the reveal of Microsoft’s new console.

1. Microsoft hasn’t given up on its voice command and Kinect 2.0 is crucial

The voice command prompts that were showcased really drove home that Kinect 2.0 with its voice capabilities is still a top priority for Microsoft. The quickness and fluidity that the Xbox was able to swap between multiple running applications and games using “Snap Mode” was impressive. Skype will be integrated,and on command. All in HD.  It still remains to be seen on how more this will be pushed from a game play perspective. The Kinect 2.0 looks improved over the original model, with more 1:1 ratio of human movement, and comes fully equipped with a 1080p camera. Plus, every single console will have a Kinect 2.0 camera. User base just got guaranteed.

2. Microsoft has paid attention to Apple

Looking at the combination of the Xbox One, the controller and the Kinect, Microsoft has decided to make the wise decision of creating a uniform look for the system and presumably, the games division as a whole. Sleek and black is the console’s manta,and looks to try and capture more of a dark and badass look to Apple’s all white aesthetic. It will be interesting to see how this look catches on as some may see the black as too aggressive, or more damning, “Too Sony-looking”.

3. Microsoft is appealing to the non-gamer market, HARD

If there was anything about this conference that was showing off a new game console, it sure as hell lacked something substantial, GAMES! Actually they showed footage of Forza 5 and Call of Duty:Ghosts. But for the other 45 minutes of the conference, this was all about the all-in-one entertainment box that both Microsoft and Sony have been gunning for, and the audience that it will be yearning for. The connection to your television, movie and music experience were pushed for, especially for the sports fan. Teaming up with the NFL, Xbox One will allow people to watch football games as well as get notifications for your fantasy league as games happen, all in real time. There is also selected highlights that you can customize to show your favorite players as well. ESPN is also partnered with Microsoft so one will be able to catch all the sports highlights one wants. One of the other features, is the Xbox Tv Guide, which allows you to not only watch what is on tv, but you will be able to customize your viewing on a per-show basis, sort of like YouTube’s channel subscription. Also, in an effort to “Twitter-ize” television, you will be able to see what shows are trending so you can check out what everyone else is watching. One thing that will no doubt leave some gamers salivating, Steven Spielberg is producing a television series based on the Halo franchise.

4. Xbox Live is getting a massive boost.

15,000. That is how many servers that are currently operating to keep the Xbox Live behemoth afloat. That number will eventually jump to a staggering 300,000 servers. So what is to facilitate such power? How about being able to DVR your games, edit them and upload them? The machinima community just got a whole lot more bigger. This also could pave the way towards making e-sports (I know, I know, I hate that term as well) just a little bit bigger. Content will be stored in the cloud, with Smartglass being more prominent of a feature this time around so you can use your tablet or smartphone to interact with your tv and Xbox One.

5. The battle between Sony and Microsoft will be as tight as it has ever been.

Engadget has a piece detailing the technical specification difference between the Xbox One and the PS4. Observers will be quick to notice that barring a few differences, from a horsepower perspective, the two are almost identical. This will put more of an emphasis on games and the stories they tell. With Microsoft announcing 15 first day exclusives, 8 of them being brand new IP’s, coming out swinging is going to have to be the modus operendi of both companies. Pricing may be the key catalyst in deciding who will be the dominant brand. Either way, it should be interesting in how the two tackle the market, and this all should make for some very exciting titles in the future.

So what did we NOT learn?

1. Speaking of pricing, why not announce a price? With rumors swirling around of Xbox One subsidizing and such, it may have made more of an impact at a time where there is no competition instead of dealing with all the other noise that E3 will bring. Time will tell if this was a smart move or not.

2. As mentioned above, there was little in the way of games. There was Forza 5, Call of Duty:Ghosts (You get a dog!!!!!) and a new title by Remedy called,”Quantum Break” There was also the EA Sports franchises, but they were light on what the Xbox One will bring to those titles, being hush hush about them, leaving them for E3. Understandable, but 19 days is plenty of time for leaks, and this could give Sony an advantage come June.

So that is all we know so far. It was a very Microsoft like presentation (Read: lotsa green) So are you guys excited about the Xbox One? Any thoughts on the presentation itself? Please leave your comments below!

 

About the author

Kenny Rioux

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