So what did they show at the live show? The following list states everything we found out at the show:
- What the console looks like
- What the controller looks like
- What the new kinect looks like
- What comes with the console in the box
- The features of the XB1
- The snapping ability
- The new features of the kinect
- A lot of information about sports?!
What the console, controller, kinect look like
So Microsoft actually showed the console? Not just the controller like Sony did with the PS4. Sony released a blurred image of what the PS4 will look like on the 20th of may. I believe that this was because they were scared or that they found out that Microsoft would be showing off their new console on the 21st. The console looks pretty much just like a big black box. The reason Microsoft decided to design the console like this is so that it would fit in with all of your other home appliances such as DVD players and Computers. A lot of people are disappointed with the way the new console looks and say that it looks boring and plain, what I say is it's not entirely about the looks of the console. It's about the capabilities of what the console is able to do and how well it is able to perform it.
Now we'll be going into the controller, every gamer knows the most comfortable and easy to use gaming controller is in fact it is one of the best controllers that has ever been made and is loved by everyone, the only issue we have with the Xbox 360 controller that I can notice is the D pad (the arrow buttons). It just didn't work well, an example where it messed me up once is when I was playing gears of war I attempted to switch my weapon to my assault rifle but it thought that I pressed the up arrow which selected my grenade, this resulted in my painful death! Microsoft has listened to it's customers and fans and has dealt with the issues with the D pad well so they claim, they have apparently made 46 changes to the Xbox controller, 1 of them changes are that they have removed the big battery holder which makes it easier for people to hold the controller. Microsoft have "made the world's best gaming controller, even better".
The final piece of hardware that Microsoft showed at the press show was the Kinect 2.0. They have made so many changes to improve the way the kinect functions and basically made the kinect a huge amount smarter. The kinect now comes with EVERY version of the Xbox one and is compulsory for you to be able to use the Xbox. Now I know what your thinking, Oh no not the old rubbish that doesn't understand you or see you properly. No this is very different to the old kinect. This kinect comes fitted with a 1080p camera that will allow for skype calling and HD recording of yourself. It also comes fitted with a microphone so you can all participate in the skype call. The kinect will also feature 26 joints instead of the Xbox 360's kinect which can only features 12 joints in your body. The kinect will notice you whenever you pick up the controller and automatically log you into your Xbox live account without the hastle of you having to go through the UI and select the account. If you start playing and a friend picks up a controller and their account is linked to your Xbox the kinect will automatically log them in so you don't need to come away from the game! The kinect will also be able to measure your heart rate which is great when you are doing a work out game or activity on the XB1. The kinect will also apparently be able to tell whether your sad or happy. Does this mean the console will try to cheer you up if you are sad? What are your opinions on the kinect always being on and being able to tell your emotions? (comment bellow telling me what your thoughts are).
Features of the XB1
All three of the item's above is what will be coming in the box in the box that you receive when you purchase your Xbox one. The XB1 will come shipped with an internal 500GB Hard drive which is quite big but you will have to install your games onto the hard drive to be able to play them. The console will be voice controlled mainly, so let's start talking about the features! XBOX ON! To turn your Xbox on you will have to say Xbox on. This will take you to the dashboard that is similar to the one you see today. The dashboard will not have much differences on it but will now show live TV. If you say Xbox channel 1 it will put on channel one. If you want to watch basketball say Xbox watch NBA to watch the basket ball that means that you don't actually have to remember the channel name. Microsoft spoke a lot about the TV aspect of the XB1, it was their main focus at this reveal show because they were just revealing the console. It doesn't mean that Microsoft have neglected the gaming aspect of the console. The console also contains the ability to be able to snap things, for example if you want to watch TV and search the web you can do that by saying Xbox snap Internet Explorer, this will snap IE to one of the sides of the console allowing you to multi-task. The snapping aspect is much like the windows 8 snap ability.
This image shows an example of the snapping ability. To the right is internet explorer and to the left is a video that is being played. There is no lag whilst doing this. If you would like to switch from a game to music to watching TV simply say "xbox play game" "xbox watch TV" "Xbox Music" and the action will be done instantly with no lag. It's faster than changing the channel on your TV! A lot more on the gaming side of the console will be announced at E3 and when I know more about the console I will release that Information to you on here.
Stay tuned for more information on the XB1 here at Embers Tech Talk! I will also be doing a Vlog review on the XB1 on my YouTube channel where I will mention more information about the XB1 so if you want to check that out head over to my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/explodingember
Thank you for reading, hope it was informative for you!
Ember out!
