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| Source: NBC News |
So Microsoft finally revealed their new console today with the name "Xbox One". I think it's a good decision in terms of name as I was expecting something like "Xbox 720". It's an interesting name that can throw out a lot of catch phrases for their product such as the one on the front page that says "The all-in-'one' Entertainment System". They can continue to use phrases like "This system is the 'one' to beat them all!" or "The Xbox is number 'one'". But in any case, it's a decent name.
Rather than just a gaming device, Microsoft wants the Xbox One to fulfill all forms of media entertainment with music, internet, movie streaming, and video chatting. There's a bit of controversy behind some of the design choices for the "Xbox One" though such as locking out used-games or requiring an internet connection for the initial start up. Here's a quick run-down of the Xbox One:
Features:
- 8-core x86 processor; play games and run apps at the same time
- HDMI pass-thru; watch TV through the Xbox One
- 8GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive; Plenty of memory for all media
- Blu-ray reader for watching movies and having HD quality graphics
- Runs on Windows OS
- Improved Kinect functionality for voice/motion commands
- Updated Smartglass functionality
- Group conference skype calls
- Persistent game world changes even when not played
- Advanced AI learns how to play like you so friends can simulate playing with you
- Integrated match-matching technology for multiplayer games
- Play games while they're installing
- Supports up to 1,000 friends on buddy list
Controversy:
- Not always online, but requires internet connection to start up
- Not backward compatible with Xbox 360 and XBLA games
- Used-games requires an extra fee to play
What I don't know yet is whether an Xbox Live subscription fee will still be required and if it's needed to play the games that requires internet connection. If that's the case, then the customer can't play any games unless they sign up for Xbox Live Subscription regardless if they play online or not. I'm not too worried about any of this since I don't plan on getting an Xbox One, but I am afraid that this might influence similar decisions in Sony and Nintendo's products in the future.
Still, I can sympathize and support the concerns of those who do plan to get an Xbox One and must face these questionable decisions. The listed controversies all point toward Microsoft's effort to prevent piracy and discouraging used-game sales and borrowing from friends/game rentals. Not having backward compatibility for Xbox 360 games is understandable as it cuts down on hardware cost keeping the price more reasonable, but it shouldn't be too hard to implement compatibility with XBLA games. I could be wrong though. With piracy, I hope it works because it would really be insulting for all the paying customers having to go through the required internet connection and facing problems when it fails (Ubisoft has a history of games not working that requires internet connection) when those who pirate games will find a way to play without internet connection or problems. It's happened in the past where those who pirate games have a better gaming experience than official games when they break down or fail to work because of an implemented DRM. There has to be a better way to fight game piracy, right?
The Xbox One doesn't have a price tag yet and will probably be revealed at E3.
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