Microsoft unveiled its own version of its “next-generation console” yesterday from its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. The Xbox One , as it ’s called, will be released later this year, comes with an improved Kinect for motion and voice recognition, and aims to be an “all-in-one” home entertainment system, with games, TV, movies, web browsing and music.
The Xbox One will come with an improved Kinect, whose camera has been upgraded to high-resolution 1080p for better motion detection, and has built-in voice recognition. The combination of the two, according to Microsoft, allows for full control of the device's functions with gestures and voice. "While you're exercising, it can also measure your pulse," the company said.
During the presentation, the Xbox One switched between TV, movie, and web browsing modes in this way. According to the company, the changes are seamless, “like changing channels on TV.” With Kinect, users can use their voice and hands to change the position or size of apps on the screen.
Skype will also be built-in for video calling, while the company promises easier recording and editing of in-game action clips so users can upload videos to the Internet. The SmartGlass platform will also be present for connecting and communicating the new console with Apple's iPad and iPhone for control or additional content.
Next to the console was the also redesigned remote control, with improved ergonomics and a built-in battery.
In terms of technical specifications, the Xbox One has an octa-core processor with 5 billion transistors, 8 Gigabytes of RAM, a Blu-ray drive, HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, a 500GB hard drive, and WiFi (802.11n). According to Microsoft, the Xbox One can perform “up to four times more calculations” than its predecessor, while in terms of visual detail and depth it is improved “up to ten times” compared to the Xbox 360.
In terms of game titles, EA Sports announced Fifa 14 and NBA Live 14 for the new console, among others. Microsoft Studios will have Forza Motorsports 5 ready when the new Xbox launches and plans to launch another 15 titles within a year, eight of which are completely new. Activision also made its presence felt with the trailer for the tenth sequel to Call of Duty, titled “Ghosts”.
The company also intends, through 343 Studios, to develop a form of interactive television (live-action television) with a series based on "Halo" in collaboration with renowned director Steven Spielberg.
The company has not announced a specific release date for the new console this year, nor has it announced pricing. However, both Microsoft and Sony are set to make further announcements about the Xbox One and the upcoming PlayStation 4, respectively, at the E3 conference in Los Angeles on June 10.
