As many of you are probably aware, Microsoft unveiled its addition to the next generation of gaming with the Xbox One. The event has caused quite a divide in opinions regarding the new system and whether it’s up to the task of competing with Sony’s next-gen console, the PlayStation 4. We were also subject to an onslaught of TV-centric features that all work to make the Xbox the “One” system you’ll need in your living room. So what are these new features? How does everyone at BagoGames feel about the new Xbox One? Let’s find out.
“The Beginning of truly intelligent TV”
From the offset it was quite clear that the direction Microsoft was taking with their new console was rather different to that of Sony’s. They introduced several new features that mean the Xbox One is able to do a little bit more than game.
TV
The new Xbox enables owners (with a cable box) to receive live TV, which they can then seamlessly flit between whilst gaming. They have also re-invented the TV guide with a more simple and efficient interface meaning getting from SpongeBob Squarepants to The Voice is so much easier, awesome. Microsoft has even signed an exclusive deal with NFL to allow users to watch the games, view stats and get real-time highlights.
Kinect
The motion-capturing device has been given a few tweaks and upgrades too. Now you’re able to “snap” between TV, gaming, music and movies with the simple flick of the wrist. The motion capture has been improved and can now register the movements of extremities to receive even the slightest of commands. My favourite of these “commands” is the “Xbox, go home” command, which was displayed by Yusuf Mehdi at the event. It sounds more like you’re talking to a drunken friend than your games console.
Other Features
The other features highlighted in the event were:
- Specifically designed Skype app for chat and video services.
- Internet browsing on your TV
- A trending page for the new home screen: now you can see what your friends and/or the world are into right now.
- Seamless multitasking between apps
- Three (yeah!) operating systems to manage all the different tasks
- Redesigned controller with “Impulse” triggers and streamlined thumbsticks
- SmartGlass to turn tablets or mobiles into second screens
Unfortunately it’s this focus on non-gaming extras that seem to have caused all the problems amongst the gaming community and divided critics’ opinions of the console. We here at BagoGames.com are an opinionated bunch and definitely have a thing or two to say about the new console.
Echo – Team Xbox One
Now it appears that both companies have got it all wrong. Sony has sided with social media while Microsoft’s conference was more TV related. Now I don’t know about you, but I usually get on my Xbox when my TV is off… But despite a shoddy display from both sides, I have to admit the Xbox One is far more tempting in my eyes. With the addition of multitasking and the fantastic new specs on the Kinect, I think it’s sure to be a winner. Hell, I can even Skype people through it. But if you are really to decide between the two, wait for E3 in June. Now when it comes to looks I think the controller is fantastic. The actual Xbox One however, looks like a VCR… But hell it’s good to know it’s built with performance over looks in mind.
Tony – Team PS4
I would love to say that I am excited about the prospect of a next generation Xbox, but after the reveal, I am not.
I was hoping to see an all out, powerful gaming system. That would have been great. The Xbox One however, seems to have gaming as an afterthought. Voice controlled TV for the US market was the focal point, yet I am a European who already has a TV, with a fancy remote control no less. The DRM and daily online security checks don’t fill me with joy either. Then there is the new Kinect that can track your heartbeat and wrist movements while you surf the web (adolescent males beware!!). Add to this the fact that the console looks rather like an old VHS player and you can color me disappointed. Maybe E3 will bring about some changes. Until then I have my wallet set on another machine.
Seb – Neutral
Eh… that was painful. The whole presentation just felt like a bunch of nothing, with their focus on television, sports and Call of Duty. A lot of people have been disappointed by the reveal and Microsoft will have to pull out their big guns at this E3 to make up for what they lost last Tuesday. Coming back from announcing a fee on second hand games, a mandatory daily login to Xbox Live to ensure you’re not playing second games. We’ll have to see what their 15 exclusives will be this E3, and hope most of them aren’t Kinect games.
Nathan – Team PS4
The much hyped Xbox One reveal came and went, and much like the infamous Wii U reveal a couple of years ago at E3, it left us with more questions than answers. What was evident, however, is that Microsoft has shown that they are interested less in being the gamers go-to device, in favor of being an all-in-one entertainment hub for people who are interested in more than games. There’s nothing wrong with this strategy in theory, but the problem is that all of the “features” that the Xbox One seems capable of pulling of are thing that can largely be done by any number of devices that Xbox One customers are likely to already have.
Voice commands and hand gestures will be unique to the new Xbox and the mandatory Kinect, but things like that are more of an added bonus than a necessity. If the original Kinect taught us anything, it’s that gamers are largely unimpressed with “being the controller.” Microsoft claimed to have some big exclusive game reveals for E3, but when you factor in how many of those are potentially Kinect titles or gimmicky arcade titles that force you to utilize the Xbox One’s unique features, it’s not as exciting as it might initially seem. They also need to make sure they get everyone at Microsoft on the same page regarding the requirements and specifics of the console as it seems like every representative gives different answers to the same questions.
All that being said, Xbox One could run some damage control by E3 and convince gamers that they are serious about games. The way it’s going now, however, Microsoft looks as if they’re more interested in giving us confusing ways of watching NFL games than they are providing impactful gaming experiences. Sony’s PS4 is looking better and better every day.
So as it stands, many are swaying towards the PS4, much like the results GameSpot found in its Twitter poll (see below). Let’s just hope Microsoft has saved all its aces for E3.
Before we forget, here’s a look at the internal architecture of the Xbox One, for all you computer scientists and hardcore gamers.
- CPU: 8 cores processor
- GPU: 1.2 TFLOPS
- 8 GB RAM (3GB reserved for system tasks)
- 500 GB Hard Disk Drive
- Blu-ray Optical Drive
- HDMI in/Out, 1080p, with 4K and 3D support
- USB 3.0
(A More in depth spec for the Xbox One can be found here: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-spec-analysis-xbox-one)
What are your thoughts on the Xbox One? Which console are you planning on picking up come release date? Let us know in the comment section below!
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