Microsoft Unveils Next Generation “Xbox One” Console

Eight years after the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft has unveiled its next generation gaming console the Xbox One. Let’s take a look shall we? But first, a seizure inducing teaser video in which MS continues the trend of marketing gaming consoles like they’re luxury European automobiles. Warning: flashing lights and whooshing bass noises ahead.

First of all let us first point out that the “box” part of its moniker is more appropriate than ever. Look at it! Right angles everywhere. Definitely the next-gen entertainment system most likely to be used as a murder weapon. But ignore the fact that it looks like a moon brick because it functions more like a Swiss army knife. 

The console boasts updated hardware, new architecture, rejigged Kinect and SmartGlass accessories, and an updated Xbox Live system which transforms the one Xbox to rule them all into an all in one entertainment hub. Users will be able to stream music, browse The Internet, watch movies and Skype their buddies. 

Other features include an intuitive built-in voice activation system enabling users to orally command their console to do their bidding. For instance, saying ” Xbox on” automatically turns the console on. If you want to peruse documentaries just say “go to movies”. Stream a song? Just say “go to music”. You get the point. Users will also be able to use arm gestures to direct their console.

Potential use of the console becomes doubly interesting with the implementation of Windows 8’s “snap mode”. Like grouped tabs on a browser, snap mode allows users to run two applications at the same time with one “snapped” or positioned to the far side of the other. This means you can watch a walkthrough on Youtube at the same time you’re playing that video game. Or Skype your significant other while watching a football match. Intuitive hub multi-tasking which can be orchestrated with voice or gesture? Pretty fucking handy.    

Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business president Don Mattrick said design considerations were made not only to the way people played video games but to the way they consumed content.

“First off you’ve got to deliver something that embraces what consumers are doing today,” he said. “This is the centre of your home, it’s the thing that most of us do, it’s where the most hours get spent with the most emotion, with the richest engagement.”

Part of this focus is an original live TV series based on cult sci-fi point and shoot game Halo, to be produced by Steven Spielberg.  

The only catch with all this improvement is just how relevant the system will be to Australian users. At this stage, deals with content providers such as HBO Go and Netflix (for movies and television) and ESPN (for sport) are just not applicable to Australian users. Should this be rectified with an Australian equivalent, the Xbox One will be a revolutionary black box worth investigating.

The console launches internationally this year.

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