AfterDawn: Tech news

Microsoft unveils Xbox One

Written by James Delahunty @ 21 May 2013 1:12 User comments (72)

Microsoft unveils Xbox One Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of Xbox today, the Xbox One, the All In One Experience that covers your entire TV experience.
Microsoft has unveiled its next generation of consoles, Xbox One. The console, Microsoft says, is an All In One solution for your living room, demoing on stage how quickly the Xbox One can switch to live TV, and use interactive TV features, by just yelling voice commands at the console.

The Xbox One Guide also helps, allowing you to change channels by literally commanding "Watch MTV" or "Show the Guide."

The Xbox One console comes with a 500GB hard drive, USB 3.0 and WiFi Direct. As earlier reported, the Xbox One features a Blu-ray disc drive. It runs "three operating systems," the first being a raw Xbox OS, the second being a Windows Kernel and a third is an OS that lets the two interact. Music, movies and your game saves can all be stored in the cloud too. Unfortunately, we did not get confirmation on the previously rumored specs for the new Xbox, such as the octo-core 1.6GHz, x86 CPU.





We did get some details on the new Kinect though. It uses a 1080p sensor (quite an upgrade from VGA) AND IS coupled with all Xbox One consoles, so its not an optional accessory. The new Kinect powers Skype on Xbox One, voice controlled of course. The new Kinect uses 2Gb of data per second to monitor your environment, and can even read your heart beat.

The new Xbox One controller comes with a new D-pad, and vibration effect built into the triggers.

While Microsoft didn't make it part of their unveiling, the Xbox One will not be backwards compatible with the Xbox 360. This should have been expected anyway, with the move from PowerPC architecture to x86. In a bizarre moment, we were told about the billions of transistors in the CPU, but not what CPU, or even the core count, or clock speed, or anything at all else about the CPU that will power the Xbox One.

Microsoft Studios will release more than fifteen new exclusive games within the first twelve months of Xbox One being on the market; eight of which are new franchises. For other games, EA Sports had an allotted segment at the event but didn't reveal much more than you would expect.

Activision did confirm Call of Duty: Ghosts, however, demoing some gameplay footage and the impressive improvement in graphics detail.

While a new Halo game was not announced, a new Halo TV series was, with Steven Spielberg involved.

As for pricing and availability, all that Microsoft revealed is that it WILL ship in 2013. Unfortunately, we have to wait until E3 in a couple of weeks to get more detail and more information on that we should expect on the games line-up.


Xbox One Home Screen


Xbox One TV Guide




Xbox One Skype


Xbox One Specs


Kinect 2 Orientation


Kinect 2 Skeletal

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72 user comments

121.5.2013 14:23

I'm not surprised they didn't reveal specs, they're waiting until the final moment to save as much on the hardware as they can.


221.5.2013 14:36

Originally posted by Red_Forman:
I'm not surprised they didn't reveal specs, they're waiting until the final moment to save as much on the hardware as they can.


True! These days things move so fast in technology that 6 months is like 6 years a couple of decades (or less) ago.

321.5.2013 14:42

Personally I not convinced as a gaming rig that this belongs in my living room. They showcased more about the windows interface and TV services than they did showcasing any game titles. I do believe the interface is far better than Wii-U's so I could see this take over people's DVRs, but outside of that I don't see enough appeal. I will own one eventually, right now it's a matter of when and for how much?

421.5.2013 14:45

Originally posted by Mysttic:
Personally I not convinced as a gaming rig that this belongs in my living room. They showcased more about the windows interface and TV services than they did showcasing any game titles. I do believe the interface is far better than Wii-U's so I could see this take over people's DVRs, but outside of that I don't see enough appeal. I will own one eventually, right now it's a matter of when and for how much?
Ye, the thing that struck me the most is just how much it looks like a big ass cable box. And yes, thats why I opened this item talking about TV because they only got onto gaming when EA got onto the stage and that was pretty late.

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, and wait for E3 where they promised there would be loads more games info. Let's hope!

521.5.2013 14:50

Quote:
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, and wait for E3 where they promised there would be loads more games info. Let's hope!
Yea I will too: I watched the entire conference before responding to this article, you covered it well. Pretty much the only thing that showed after EA was Activisions' COD: Ghost, which I have to admit looked ridiculously sick on Xbox One, but then it just makes me hope they PC version is done up better.

Still MS did one thing correct today, it got our attention: which a few months almost wouldn't have worked due to the bad PR and issues they had and have yet to formally address. We know for sure 100% now the unit will not require Always-On connection for anything you do: what I not concrete on is if the units will play used games?

Last, the only reason I doubt I will get this, is because PS IV has more exclusive titles than 360 right now. At least they showed off more, and in a business where gamers should be placed first, I think MS missed the mark here, forgetting just that.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 May 2013 @ 2:51

621.5.2013 14:51

Originally posted by Dela:
Originally posted by Mysttic:
Personally I not convinced as a gaming rig that this belongs in my living room. They showcased more about the windows interface and TV services than they did showcasing any game titles. I do believe the interface is far better than Wii-U's so I could see this take over people's DVRs, but outside of that I don't see enough appeal. I will own one eventually, right now it's a matter of when and for how much?
Ye, the thing that struck me the most is just how much it looks like a big ass cable box. And yes, thats why I opened this item talking about TV because they only got onto gaming when EA got onto the stage and that was pretty late.

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, and wait for E3 where they promised there would be loads more games info. Let's hope!
Either that, or it could be that the marketing aim is to move away from just gaming, and 'take over' living room entertainment systems, trying to be the only thing you need so that they can monopolize it with their own Eco-system. Its what they are trying to do with Windows 8 and Win8 Phones, copy Apple and Google. I have no doubt it is at least part of their overall goal, just like Sony.

721.5.2013 14:54

Quote:
Either that, or it could be that the marketing aim is to move away from just gaming, and 'take over' living room entertainment systems, trying to be the only thing you need so that they can monopolize it with their own Eco-system. Its what they are trying to do with Windows 8 and Win8 Phones, copy Apple and Google. I have no doubt it is at least part of their overall goal, just like Sony.
You stand correct here considering Windows 8 kernel is apart of the different OS environments in this unit. They are definitely trying to make it all integral to their tablets and PC market. They were never secretive about it either, and in fact board members have said more than once that is the direction they wanted to take it. It's a high risk move that alienates the core gamer, only time will tell if it prevails as its going to come down to how much variety of content will exist not just North American region but globally.

821.5.2013 15:01

Originally posted by Mysttic:
It's a high risk move that alienates the core gamer, only time will tell if it prevails as its going to come down to how much variety of content will exist not just North American region but globally.
High risk can be high reward, Gamers bring good profits true, but are also fickle to cater to. On the other hand, if they can bring in money from the ENTIRE family age-range budget, they might over-weight the potential losses from disenfranchised gamers who are already an aging demographic. The up and coming future gamers are more and more mobile, spending time and limited spending allowance on tablets and smart-phones. It might not be a bad decision to move on to other areas of consumer demands.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 May 2013 @ 3:02

921.5.2013 15:11

Originally posted by Mysttic:
Quote:
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, and wait for E3 where they promised there would be loads more games info. Let's hope!
Yea I will too: I watched the entire conference before responding to this article, you covered it well. Pretty much the only thing that showed after EA was Activisions' COD: Ghost, which I have to admit looked ridiculously sick on Xbox One, but then it just makes me hope they PC version is done up better.

Still MS did one thing correct today, it got our attention: which a few months almost wouldn't have worked due to the bad PR and issues they had and have yet to formally address. We know for sure 100% now the unit will not require Always-On connection for anything you do: what I not concrete on is if the units will play used games?

Last, the only reason I doubt I will get this, is because PS IV has more exclusive titles than 360 right now. At least they showed off more, and in a business where gamers should be placed first, I think MS missed the mark here, forgetting just that.

Ye, have to admit COD: Ghosts looked incredible, the detail on the human characters and the dog looked absolutely beautiful.

As for used games, from reports I'm seeing, it will support used games but you have to pay a fee? Have to stress its just media reports but if thats true, that's pretty unacceptable to me. I don't want to buy a console that has an activation code or some other system to protect developers from a person's right to sell on something they previously purchased. I just don't support moves like that at all. I hope it's either not true or they will get so much shit about it in the coming months that they abandon any plans to go ahead with it.

1021.5.2013 15:12




LOL

1121.5.2013 15:16

Good old VHS, I have so many tapes I don't know what to do with.

1221.5.2013 15:19

Quote:
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/05/21/microsoft-confirms-used-game-fees-and-mandatory-game-installation.aspx
It's been confirmed at the conference back stage. Used games AND second users accessing any game on the same system will have to pay a fee/buy a license to use it. Also confirmed must ALWAYS install games to HDD.

Sadly now, knowing this, I don't even need to see their E3 to know I won't be buying this until they lessen the restriction. Which will happen over time, if majority of consumers also show their outrage.

1321.5.2013 15:22

Eh so far I gotta say they haven't peaked my interest at all. I am assuming this isn't the next xbox but just some set top box thing...Otherwise they should pack it in. I already have one nicely powered computer gagged with Win 8. NO THANKS!!!

1421.5.2013 15:26

Originally posted by Mysttic:
Quote:
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/05/21/microsoft-confirms-used-game-fees-and-mandatory-game-installation.aspx
It's been confirmed at the conference back stage. Used games AND second users accessing any game on the same system will have to pay a fee/buy a license to use it. Also confirmed must ALWAYS install games to HDD.

Sadly now, knowing this, I don't even need to see their E3 to know I won't be buying this until they lessen the restriction. Which will happen over time, if majority of consumers also show their outrage.

Ugh....... No need to wonder why they didn't mention this on stage...

1521.5.2013 15:34

Quote:
Ugh....... No need to wonder why they didn't mention this on stage...
None whatsoever: as they would likely have been boo'd to the point of breaking records.

1621.5.2013 15:46

"The new Kinect uses 2Gb of data per second to monitor your environment, and can even read your heart beat."

I don't know if I want a device monitoring my environment that closely.

1721.5.2013 15:50

Originally posted by Justoneguy:
"The new Kinect uses 2Gb of data per second to monitor your environment, and can even read your heart beat."

I don't know if I want a device monitoring my environment that closely.



I'm sorry, Justoneguy.. .I'm afraid I can't play that used game.

1821.5.2013 15:50
koolxxx
Inactive

another stupid xbox.. the ps3 is going to destroy the new xbox.. hands down!

1921.5.2013 15:55

Originally posted by Red_Forman:
Originally posted by Justoneguy:
"The new Kinect uses 2Gb of data per second to monitor your environment, and can even read your heart beat."

I don't know if I want a device monitoring my environment that closely.



I'm sorry, Justoneguy.. .I'm afraid I can't play that used game.
lol, or maybe I just don't want the good folks at Microsoft monitoring my heart beat while me and the old lady shag on the living room floor.

2021.5.2013 15:55

Looks like a really ugly Playstation

2121.5.2013 16:04

Complaints about it being boxy?!
Is that it?

Well I for one like boxy electronics units, it helps stacking which is a nice plus when you have several units in the glass racking.
Besides, does anyone really care about curvy electronics boxes?
Really?
To me they're just a real PITA if space is at a premium.

2221.5.2013 16:57

Does it support 4k?

2321.5.2013 17:34

Originally posted by DarkJello:
Does it support 4k?
...and this would be relevant how, exactly?

The number of people with 4k TVs (let alone TVs the size to make any use of 4k or games/content that will make use of 4k) you'll be able to count on the fingers of one hand for years yet.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 May 2013 @ 5:34

2421.5.2013 17:35

From what I read so far I am sticking with my original plan and investing about $300 into a decent video card for my QuadCore HTPC and using that as my other gaming platform. It will be more than enough to do 1080P gaming at 60FPS on my TV.

I am not much into the Microsoft or Sony exclusives anyway so the new consoles offer me nothing over what my PC can do for the most part. I can already use Media Center on my HTPC just as easily as in XBOX. The voice commands sound great but I have found that using my current Kinect and other voice technology related to TV and media viewing is that it picks up words spoken in the TV shows and movies and activates randomly if they hit on a similar word to the voice control commands.

Besides if I go PC gaming I do not have to worry about losing out on past games made for PC because they will work for the most part unlike if I go with the new Sony/Microsoft consoles I have to keep my old console laying around which is just inconvenient. If I am going to have to switch to a console trying to be a PC I may as well just go PC. I already play games on my PC so it is not much of a transition really.

2521.5.2013 17:38

The last generation lasted 7 years. Not that it's any indicator of this generations length...

I'm considering getting a 4k TV when the price drops to about 3500 for a 55in TV. Which is probably when I'd be picking up a new console.

The price of a 4K tv isn't that far off a premium HDTV now considering the massive tech gap between the two.

2621.5.2013 19:00

My first thought was, if this thing is running my tv, I'm going to go through at least 100 of them in the first year. Between me and my extended family, the television is on for a looooooooonnnnnngggg time each day, and the launch 360 could barely run for a few hours of gaming. I wonder how they handled the issue of heat...

2721.5.2013 20:09

DarkJello - Yes it has been confirmed by IGN that it does support 4k TVs

2821.5.2013 20:18

Originally posted by DarkJello:
Does it support 4k?
According to GameInformer it does, but for video playback only ~ link

Man Oh Man, holy $#@! is the interwebz blowing up right now! The reveal is so far looking like a complete disaster for them as MS seems to be trying to outdo the WiiU in terms of disappointment...anyway here's what I've come across & compiled so far ~

1) Pay a fee to play used games ~ Link
2) Console required to have an internet connection or "always on" aspect ~ Link
3) Not backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games ~ Link
4) 8GB of standard off the shelf RAM (among other vague specs) ~ Link
5) Mostly concentrated on TV/Cable features
6) Kinect IS mandatory, bigger Kinect focus, more Kinect games in development
7) "We purposefully did not target the highest end graphics" ~ Link
8) OS to use 3GB ram ~ Link
9) Console will have non-replaceable hard drive ~ Link
10) Controller uses AA Batteries
11) No Bluetooth (I find this really hard to believe)
12) Still uses a power brick

Sorry to say it but it's not looking to good...wonder if I should patent the term ~ "Xbox (D)One"?



Edited to add more reported info
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 22 May 2013 @ 9:11

2921.5.2013 20:35

While the sharing part is way cooler and more practical than that of the PS4............this is NOT a "Next generation" anything. Graphics on games havent changed in nearly the way that they did from the transition from Xbox to Xbox 360 and PS2 to PS3.

Phhhoooooey to these lame excuses for "next gen" consoles that only incorporate sharing.

3021.5.2013 20:37

Quote:
The Xbox One doesn't have to be online all the time, but it does have to be online. Not just once in a while—once a day, according to Microsoft vice president Phil Harrison.
This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
edited by ddp even intelligence agencies don't require this much paranoia for their hardware to function. I swear, media companies are getting to the point of absurdity. It amazes me people have been brainwashed to comply with this much unnecessary bullshit.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 May 2013 @ 9:53

3121.5.2013 22:22

To Oner:

10) To run XBLTV you must live in USA.

11) You can not bring games over to a friends house to play on their XBOX One unless you are WILLING to have your user profile on their system: to which you better remove it, because your CC information will be stored then on their console.

12) 1 Game per console AND User. If another profile is made on your console and wants to access the game, they must pay full price for it again.

13) Kinect has the ability to spy on you and monitor your heartbeat. This is bad because even though MS is unlikely to use your living room imagery for criminal purpose, that doesn't mean hackers and game companies won't.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 May 2013 @ 10:44

3221.5.2013 23:09

O good, I love yelling at my TV.

:P

3322.5.2013 13:01

Just want to say I hate the name... it's what we call the first Xbox! It really got whacked with the ugly stick too but... so what.

It remains to be seen how the ddr3 vs ddr5 thing works out. If you know your stuff you know it might or might not make that much difference.


3422.5.2013 21:04

Originally posted by Jemborg:
....It remains to be seen how the ddr3 vs ddr5 thing works out. If you know your stuff you know it might or might not make that much difference.
AnandTech seems to have a slightly different point of view (as to overall "power" not just ram specifically) ~ Link

And another article of similar conclusion by Digital Foundry ~ Link


Edited to correct improper copy/paste cached link
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 May 2013 @ 6:31

3522.5.2013 21:20

Originally posted by Oner:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
....It remains to be seen how the ddr3 vs ddr5 thing works out. If you know your stuff you know it might or might not make that much difference.
AnandTech seems to have a slightly different point of view (as to overall "power" not just ram specifically) ~ Link

And another article of similar conclusion by Digital Foundry ~ Link
Those were good reads.... Thank You..

Still skipping both the PS4 and XBOX One this round. Maybe I will change my mind after it has been out for a while but for the money they do not seem worth it to me. Especially with things like fees for playing used games and fees for 2nd console user to play a purchased game.

3623.5.2013 01:26

Originally posted by Oner:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
....It remains to be seen how the ddr3 vs ddr5 thing works out. If you know your stuff you know it might or might not make that much difference.
AnandTech seems to have a slightly different point of view (as to overall "power" not just ram specifically) ~ Link

And another article of similar conclusion by Digital Foundry ~ Link
The second link is rather dated but Anand's article is good, it clears up a lot even though all the ps4 details aren't in, i.e. inconclusive. I don't think it contradicts me at all and I read it carefully. The Nextbox has embedded SRAM to make up the shortfall:

"There are merits to both approaches... Even if Microsoft can’t deliver the same effective memory bandwidth as Sony... it’s entirely possible that the Xbox One’s memory bandwidth demands will be inherently lower to begin with."

It does look like taking everything into account the PS4 will be the more powerful console. But by a lot? At the end I didn't get that impression. And, as usual, it will only be evident in Sony exclusives (I hope I'm wrong).

For what it's worth... if I was forced to choose for myself... I'd probably pick the PS4. For power and I like what they've done with the new controller. And after all this time I'm still sentimental about the Playstation. But maybe the kinnect2 experience will be great this time around instead of sucking balls like before.



PS: It seems that maybe in the future MS want to turn your PC into Xboxs too- looking at the OS arrangement and their tilt at Steam.



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3723.5.2013 03:35

This is retarded. As of now comparing gaming consoles, ps4 won. Most cable and satellite companies have decoders in their boxes that I'm sure wouldn't be given innately to the xboxone. And even comcast has said that it's done having unencrypted channels so even with a qam tuner you're not really going to be getting anything and if you do all the premium channels would need to be watched/ dvr'ed on the box you tv company is already charging you for. Xboxone, gimmie a break. Ps4 has already "showed their hand" so to speak by revealing so much of it's specs and I think xbox one knows it'd be suicide to show it's less enticing specs and have people make up their decisions based on that months before launch. Xboxone has a blu ray? B.F.D.

3823.5.2013 07:48

Cable TV is slowly but surely dying.

I mean you might have channels in future with scheduled programming but it's all gonna be via internet. In Australia one of our cable providers, Foxtel, can be seen either with a set-top box OR a X360. And there's on demand programming too... eliminating the need for recording.

I'd be really surprised if Foxtel did not appear on the, ugh, I can hardly say it, Xbox One.

(Do you suppose they're hoping it will shortened, like the "360" to the "One"... gag.)



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This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 May 2013 @ 7:52

3923.5.2013 16:42

Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Oner:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
....It remains to be seen how the ddr3 vs ddr5 thing works out. If you know your stuff you know it might or might not make that much difference.
AnandTech seems to have a slightly different point of view (as to overall "power" not just ram specifically) ~ Link

And another article of similar conclusion by Digital Foundry ~ Link
The second link is rather dated but Anand's article is good, it clears up a lot even though all the ps4 details aren't in, i.e. inconclusive. I don't think it contradicts me at all and I read it carefully. The Nextbox has embedded SRAM to make up the shortfall:

"There are merits to both approaches... Even if Microsoft can’t deliver the same effective memory bandwidth as Sony... it’s entirely possible that the Xbox One’s memory bandwidth demands will be inherently lower to begin with."

It does look like taking everything into account the PS4 will be the more powerful console. But by a lot? At the end I didn't get that impression. And, as usual, it will only be evident in Sony exclusives (I hope I'm wrong).

For what it's worth... if I was forced to choose for myself... I'd probably pick the PS4. For power and I like what they've done with the new controller. And after all this time I'm still sentimental about the Playstation. But maybe the kinnect2 experience will be great this time around instead of sucking balls like before.



PS: It seems that maybe in the future MS want to turn your PC into Xboxs too- looking at the OS arrangement and their tilt at Steam.



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First let me apologize as my comment wasn't meant to be contradictory or to imply you were "wrong" in any way about the ram comment specifically. I was just clarifying that the link was about the overall specs in totality. Additionally the Eurogamer/Digital Foundry article I originally linked to above was the incorrect copy/paste (sorry about that) I have corrected it and its actually recent/new (published on Wed. 5/22). They were simply going over what is confirmed compared to what they speculated previously. Now with that said, even they (at this point) even say ~

Quote:
In terms of the GPU hardware, hard information was difficult to come by, but one of the engineers did let slip with a significant stat - 768 operations per clock. We know that both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are based on Radeon GCN architecture and we also know that each compute unit is capable of 64 operations per clock. So, again through a process of extrapolation from the drip-feed of hard facts, the make-up of the One's GPU is confirmed - 12 compute units each capable of 64 ops/clock gives us the 768 total revealed by Microsoft and thus, by extension, the 1.2 teraflop graphics core. So that's another tick on the Durango leaked spec that has been transposed across to the final Xbox One architecture and the proof we need that PlayStation 4's 18 CU graphics core has 50 per cent more raw power than the GPU in the new Microsoft console.
And that's just the GPU...which does not factor in the ram differences & a purportedly overclocked CPU (2GHz I believe) on the PS4 over the One's. Now while it is still way too early to make clear claims of "fact" ~ I would have to say "50% more raw power" (again for just the GPU) <by reputable sources> is quite a difference at this point when it comes to what is most probably set in stone by now.

But we shall see.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 May 2013 @ 6:32

4023.5.2013 18:44

There is no way I'm buying one...but I am mildly hopeful that someone will figure out a way to put xbox OS onto a PC so I can play the next Forza.

4123.5.2013 19:06

Originally posted by KillerBug:
There is no way I'm buying one...but I am mildly hopeful that someone will figure out a way to put xbox OS onto a PC so I can play the next Forza.
I think Forza will be the one game I would miss on XBOX... Since I am boycotting EA due to their crappy business practices I am avoiding Need For Speed too.

4224.5.2013 00:46

Originally posted by Oner:
And that's just the GPU...which does not factor in the ram differences & a purportedly overclocked CPU (2GHz I believe) on the PS4 over the One's. Now while it is still way too early to make clear claims of "fact" ~ I would have to say "50% more raw power" (again for just the GPU) <by reputable sources> is quite a difference at this point when it comes to what is most probably set in stone by now.

But we shall see.
Yeah... but a closer reading of one of those articles suggest that four of those GPU cores will be used for physx/CUDA type calcs making the difference 16% not 50% according to them (not that that would be a bad thing):

"So does the GPU difference translate into as large an advantage as it sounds? VGleaks' Orbis spec, again derived from platform holder documentation, suggests that four of these CUs are reserved for Compute functions, conceivably bringing the PlayStation's raw advantage down from 50 per cent to just over 16."



And the embedded SRAM on the X1 SoC doesn't make it cut and dried for the RAM comparison as I stated above. (Though it does make me wonder if they offer a X1 PC OS conversion kit for sale in the future how they will accommodate that.)

And the remarks about overclocking I would treat with suspicion atm... I've seen that sort of talk before.

We will have wait till E3... all verbal ejaculations are a bit premature atm. :)

As developers shoot for the lowest common denominator I would say that even though overall the PS4 seems more powerful (by much?) the difference will really be apparent in the SCE exclusives, a-la the brilliant Uncharted.


It's all looks good for AMD/Radian regardless, perhaps Nvidia's really gonna regret not accommodating these guys. (Maybe they weren't able to.)



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4324.5.2013 05:12

Originally posted by Mysttic:
DarkJello - Yes it has been confirmed by IGN that it does support 4k TVs
This is good!

4424.5.2013 08:34

Originally posted by oneguy:
This is retarded. As of now comparing gaming consoles, ps4 won. Most cable and satellite companies have decoders in their boxes that I'm sure wouldn't be given innately to the xboxone. And even comcast has said that it's done having unencrypted channels so even with a qam tuner you're not really going to be getting anything and if you do all the premium channels would need to be watched/ dvr'ed on the box you tv company is already charging you for. Xboxone, gimmie a break. Ps4 has already "showed their hand" so to speak by revealing so much of it's specs and I think xbox one knows it'd be suicide to show it's less enticing specs and have people make up their decisions based on that months before launch. Xboxone has a blu ray? B.F.D.
Excuse me for raising this again but are you suggesting that the US cable companies won't let their set-top boxes work with the X1's HDMI input (throughput?) port?

4524.5.2013 08:58

It still remains to be seen is what it all boils down to....and ditto (but to a lesser extent, as they announced specs) for PS4 too.

I don't expect major PS4 hardware revisions at this stage but Xbox could certainly have some surprises there...and it's worth reminding ourselves that as neither actually go on sale for several months yet the possibility of some changes remain open.

As for the operational stuff that too is not only dependent on your country but also whether they are viable, how many TV based ideas & suggested projects this gen never really saw the light of day?
If it's that horrible & the paying punter really doesn't want it it'll never fly.

Kinect mk2 interests me, but then I like the idea of all that 'Minority Report' controlling stuff.
Given the cost of an Xbox 360 with Kinect mk1 (£200-ish depending on retailer) the suggested cost in the UK (£399 seems to be common) doesn't seem that ridiculous for the launch prices these things go for.
(not that I would buy anyone's console at launch)

Always on doesn't bother me but then I have a good net connection....but some of the more lurid tales of this do remind me of how people got all bent out of shape about Windows XP being created with the US military involved & how it's scanning could strip us all of our privacy & reveal anything on our PCs (who talks about that now?).

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 24 May 2013 @ 9:03

4624.5.2013 10:19

It's not just the "always-on thing"... it's the daily verification, the loss of the 2nd-hand market and the ability to swap and lend games to friends.

I like picking up a cheap used game.

4724.5.2013 12:32

Me too Jemborg.
But it still remains speculation for now.
Some of this stuff will probably happen some not.
The stuff people find really irritating - I bet - will be a cross industry thing, at least eventually...and with some who could choose not to do it (like game devs) blaming the other for doing it themselves.

Like I said if enough people don't like it & don't buy it then it'll change.
These guys all want to make our money & if we don't buy then it'll not happen or be modified in such a way as to be much less off-putting.

But as I say, we'll see later in the year how things firm up.

4824.5.2013 12:46

I was going to buy this new Xbox until I found out it wont play my games I have now. Oh well, someday maybe but not this fall. I still want to be able to play my old games and I dont want 2 consoles under my TV.

4924.5.2013 13:57

Oh XBone, I think you just killed the console market. But hey, you've opened the door even more for android, ouya, and especially AT&T and Verizon. Build the bandwidth, and in 3 years tablets and phones will be more powerful than your crap.

Looks like I'll be sitting out this next (and probably the last) generation of consoles. I'm not supporting people who think it's okay to rootkit an entire population because some don't know what the word means, and I'm not supporting a "used game market" through somebody's proprietary online system and permanent spy machine put into my house, let alone "not", but really, always on connection required.

5024.5.2013 16:43

Quote:
I was going to buy this new Xbox until I found out it wont play my games I have now. Oh well, someday maybe but not this fall. I still want to be able to play my old games and I dont want 2 consoles under my TV.
That can't happen with Xbox One because the architecture of the unit is completely changed to that of being similar to a PC. Hell it is a PC right in a custom shell without being named a PC. Therefore the only way to get 360 games or Original Xbox games to work on that unit, is very much the same you would on a PC: through emulators. That will not be something MS supports, not even in the far off future. So with that, it is what it is. I not even sure if working 360 emulators exist on PC as of yet, so you are beat regardless.

The reason Nintendo could have Wii games on Wii-U is because unlike Sony and MS, they opted to use the same architecture as their previous generation console, as such it can recognize Wii games as well. Sony like MS also changed their architecture to design similar to PCs so that it would be easiest for developers to design games cross-platform and may even be likely that some game have cross-platform play: so the PS IV is also not backwards compatible because of this.

If you think on it, it really is for the better. Because now hopefully that means games are made once again on PC, for PCs than ported to the consoles, rather than the other way around.

5124.5.2013 19:48

http://majornelson.com/2013/05/24/xbox-one-and-used-games-2/ Apparently the media is wrong concerning used/resale games.

5224.5.2013 22:24

Originally posted by XENON:
http://majornelson.com/2013/05/24/xbox-one-and-used-games-2/ Apparently the media is wrong concerning used/resale games.
Sorry to say it but MS is known for their "splitting hairs" definitions. Just look at the way they have handled "always on" for their most recent...or should I just say ~ current example. But even I truly think MS won't be THAT stupid to disallow Used/Resold titles.

5324.5.2013 22:35

It sounds like the "used/resold" titles is going to be, at best, a Diablo 3 or WoW auction house. Most likely, it's turn your key in for M$ credit to something else, and they'll keep the number of keys available/in play to drive whatever prices they want.

Direct from the horses mouth interviews though say strait up that no, you can't sell/trade/loan your game. It's tied to your account, it H A S to check in at least every 24 hours, new activation key purchases are 100% of new game price (here "new game" may be meant to mean selling at such a rate, or such a time after release date), and the physical disc means nothing, and has no value.

So no Mr Xenon, M$ troll, the intent is to control and destroy the used game market, and drive GAME, Gamerz, Game Stop, and the likes out of business. Good news for the online consoles, like the OUYA, that have no value to these same stores, but a terrible thing for the consumer market in general, and actually going to cost them far more in new sales with secondary consequences that they are not considering (70% of used game monies are put back into new games and peripherals).

5424.5.2013 22:44

Sorry Tarsellis but posting ONE link concerning MS does not an MS troll make! You need to realize people have differing opinions. Just because they differ from yours, you then try to incite a flame war by calling someone a troll.

5524.5.2013 23:17

No used games is going to do nothing but open the system up to an explosion of piracy.

5625.5.2013 07:30

Hey jemborg, I agree with oneguy about cable companys set top boxes. Are we going to have to switch inputs to use Xbox 1 ? or have they figured that out (probably not). Most need the set top cable box for channels over 100.
Im probably missing something here though, so could someone tell me how this thing is going to work with my TV as an all in one system while working together with my set top box without switching inputs on my TV???

5725.5.2013 13:16

Could you commit to not to but it until they let you play used games?

5825.5.2013 14:09

Originally posted by XENON:
You need to realize people have differing opinions. Just because they differ from yours, you then try to incite a flame war by calling someone a troll.
That and the fact that some of us are prepared to await actual concrete facts rather than old leaks and (often heavily slanted)conjecture.


5925.5.2013 17:18

Originally posted by XENON:
Sorry Tarsellis but posting ONE link concerning MS does not an MS troll make! You need to realize people have differing opinions. Just because they differ from yours, you then try to incite a flame war by calling someone a troll.
No, but I've seen you posting the exact same thing everywhere you can, on anything M$ related. You're clearly an M$ plant trying to clean up their lies and debacle.

6025.5.2013 17:27

lol Yeah ok tarsellis I wish! I'm not a plant I don't even work for MS but nice try!

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 25 May 2013 @ 7:56

6125.5.2013 20:19

play nice children!!! do you hear the approaching thunder?

6225.5.2013 20:28

Originally posted by ddp:
play nice children!!! do you hear the approaching thunder?
lol I'm being quite civil ddp but it seems my previous post has surprised and shocked some poeple!

6326.5.2013 00:12

Originally posted by ddp:
play nice children!!! do you hear the approaching thunder?
Oh my. It has been a long time. (Actually, I may feel the approach for a post in another forum, here.)

6426.5.2013 01:27

Originally posted by bonville:
Hey jemborg, I agree with oneguy about cable companys set top boxes. Are we going to have to switch inputs to use Xbox 1 ? or have they figured that out (probably not). Most need the set top cable box for channels over 100.
Im probably missing something here though, so could someone tell me how this thing is going to work with my TV as an all in one system while working together with my set top box without switching inputs on my TV???
Hey bonville, if you'd read posts further on you'd see I mentioned the HDMI input/throughput of the X1, so you plug your cable set-top into that. They talk of a seamless transition so I imagine shouting a command in an American accent at your telly will be enough to swap to cable. So no having to change inputs once it's set up. You will probably have more issues with a PS4 (or WiiU) in this regard... if it lacks an HDMI input (throughput) that is. Please bear in mind that I don't intent to get a X1 myself.

The upshot is the concern raised by Oneguy is unfounded, even uninformed... probably. Cheers.



On another note... Jumping to call someone a troll for posting a link opposing your point of view is at best over-reacting... especially if they have not made personal remarks.


Also, we don't know exactly what SCE mean by not having to have "always-on" for the PS4 either. And no clear undertaking by them that they will support a 2nd hand market either. They could be splitting hairs too. Unless someone can provide a link that clears that up absolutely for sure then that's my understanding.



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This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 26 May 2013 @ 1:28

6526.5.2013 20:51

The XboxOne is just a big cable box that happens to play games...lol. Its Windows based based OS is just ripe for a hacker to gain control over the Kinect camera and spy on you; big brother is watching...lol. You're also going to have get antivirus for the thing because it's Windows and IE is installed on it. Then you're going to have to subscribe for everything in order to get the premium experience and content. Hey Xbox find me a good deal on a PS4...lol. Also, this thing is the size of a VCR, not including the huge Kinect gizmo; no vertical mounting for this beast...lol. The main highlights of the reveal was all about TV, guns and NFL; typical American...lol. Those execs at MS must have some serious red necks by now.

6626.5.2013 22:59

@ Kutulu1

Interesting point. I get the impression you do not know this... MS have a free real-time anti-virus & anti-spyware program called Microsoft Security Essentials (google MSE). They are not allowed to include it in Windows as standard because of anti-trust considerations. It is, however, the most popular AV in North America. It's considered very good and it's very very fast. I recommend it to all my clients. It's quite possible that if malware was a concern in the X1 then they would probably be allowed to discretely include it as long as they did not advertise it. It could purely be a hidden background service.


6727.5.2013 11:03

Originally posted by Jemborg:
@ Kutulu1

Interesting point. I get the impression you do not know this... MS have a free real-time anti-virus & anti-spyware program called Microsoft Security Essentials (google MSE). They are not allowed to include it in Windows as standard because of anti-trust considerations. It is, however, the most popular AV in North America. It's considered very good and it's very very fast. I recommend it to all my clients. It's quite possible that if malware was a concern in the X1 then they would probably be allowed to discretely include it as long as they did not advertise it. It could purely be a hidden background service.


Yes, I am aware of MSE. I use it on all of my computers. It's the best anti-virus I've ever used. MS did a really good job on that program. But I think my points are still valid. Windows is so common and the exploits for it are constantly being found; easily hacked for the person who has the smarts to do it. We do not need this extra headache in something that's supposed to be a game console. We do not need all of that bloatware to play a game. We need to be able to put a disc in and start playing, that simple.

6827.5.2013 18:23

Originally posted by kutulu1:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
@ Kutulu1

Interesting point. I get the impression you do not know this... MS have a free real-time anti-virus & anti-spyware program called Microsoft Security Essentials (google MSE). They are not allowed to include it in Windows as standard because of anti-trust considerations. It is, however, the most popular AV in North America. It's considered very good and it's very very fast. I recommend it to all my clients. It's quite possible that if malware was a concern in the X1 then they would probably be allowed to discretely include it as long as they did not advertise it. It could purely be a hidden background service.


Yes, I am aware of MSE. I use it on all of my computers. It's the best anti-virus I've ever used. MS did a really good job on that program. But I think my points are still valid. Windows is so common and the exploits for it are constantly being found; easily hacked for the person who has the smarts to do it. We do not need this extra headache in something that's supposed to be a game console. We do not need all of that bloatware to play a game. We need to be able to put a disc in and start playing, that simple.
Crock of shit. Sure, it's decent compared to the worst software on the planet, Symantec/Norton, and less resource intensive than the hellish McCrappee, but it's false positive rates, and it's resource utilization is F A R inferior to quality solutions like Panda, F-Secure, or any decent vendor.

No, MSE is the lazy man's way of "adding 'free' value" while telling a customer "no you're protected" while installing useless shit that makes a lot of noise but guarantees repeat visits and constant "upgrades".
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 27 May 2013 @ 6:24

6927.5.2013 19:13

I agree with Tarsellis, MSE is not good. I tried it and wanted it to succeed but had problems with it. I bought Norton 360 and I have loved it for the 2 years I've used it.

Just my very humble opinion.....

7027.5.2013 21:13

Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Oner:
And that's just the GPU...which does not factor in the ram differences & a purportedly overclocked CPU (2GHz I believe) on the PS4 over the One's. Now while it is still way too early to make clear claims of "fact" ~ I would have to say "50% more raw power" (again for just the GPU) <by reputable sources> is quite a difference at this point when it comes to what is most probably set in stone by now.

But we shall see.
Yeah... but a closer reading of one of those articles suggest that four of those GPU cores will be used for physx/CUDA type calcs making the difference 16% not 50% according to them (not that that would be a bad thing):

"So does the GPU difference translate into as large an advantage as it sounds? VGleaks' Orbis spec, again derived from platform holder documentation, suggests that four of these CUs are reserved for Compute functions, conceivably bringing the PlayStation's raw advantage down from 50 per cent to just over 16."

I agree completely. These claims of "50%" (hell some are actually saying it's higher) is just that, a simple claim until confirmed. But for arguments sake lets say it is 50% ~ what does that really offer us? I would much rather have (as you said) "physx/CUDA type calcs" for a better experience over a "raw power" calculation that means exactly what when it comes down to it in the real world? Probably not much until the whole systems components are actually factored (if it's OC'ed, ram speed etc).

Oh additionally while on this topic I just wanted to add that it is said the PS4 will support GPU Tessellation as well as an "extended DirectX 11.1+ feature set" (link here) though with the One being so close in architecture/design it would only stand to reason the One should be able to do the same. But at what difference? Who knows at this point.


Originally posted by Jemborg:
And the remarks about overclocking I would treat with suspicion atm... I've seen that sort of talk before.

We will have wait till E3... all verbal ejaculations are a bit premature atm. :)
Exactly ~ which is why I prefaced my comment about overclocking with "purportedly".


Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by oneguy:
This is retarded. As of now comparing gaming consoles, ps4 won. Most cable and satellite companies have decoders in their boxes that I'm sure wouldn't be given innately to the xboxone. And even comcast has said that it's done having unencrypted channels so even with a qam tuner you're not really going to be getting anything and if you do all the premium channels would need to be watched/ dvr'ed on the box you tv company is already charging you for. Xboxone, gimmie a break. Ps4 has already "showed their hand" so to speak by revealing so much of it's specs and I think xbox one knows it'd be suicide to show it's less enticing specs and have people make up their decisions based on that months before launch. Xboxone has a blu ray? B.F.D.
Excuse me for raising this again but are you suggesting that the US cable companies won't let their set-top boxes work with the X1's HDMI input (throughput?) port?
I can't speak for the One and US Cable companies at this time (well who can really) but I can speak from experience with my GoogleTV player (NSZ-GS7) and my Comcast DVR. Up until a few weeks ago the two worked perfectly with each other but then the DVR started acting up with a "this device is not HDCP compliant" blah blah blah pop up...so even new/current tech still have issues with throughput capable devices. What does that mean for the One and US Cable boxes? I dunno...but I wouldn't bet on it being 100% compatible in every instance.


Originally posted by Jemborg:
Also, we don't know exactly what SCE mean by not having to have "always-on" for the PS4 either. And no clear undertaking by them that they will support a 2nd hand market either. They could be splitting hairs too. Unless someone can provide a link that clears that up absolutely for sure then that's my understanding.
I have been following all the news pretty closely and never heard anything alarming about Sony in regards to DRM and/or Big Brother features. I am sure there will be the usual standard DRM and Used Game online pass fees that's already in place now for some games (consoles & pc) although it is confirmed the PS4 will not block Used Games (Link) but specifically about "always on" Big Brother Tech, Sony has been extremely clear about having never considering it ~ Link

Lastly I think this "one" (pun intended) takes the cake ~

Quote:
A patent filed by Microsoft last year, but only made public last week, wants to turn your Xbox 360's Kinect into an instrument via which large companies can monitor your media usage and, if you're found to be in violation of something, charge you for it....Basically, when you buy or rent something like a movie, you'll only be granted a "license" for a certain number of people to watch it. If Kinect detects more people in the room than you had a license for, it can stop the movie, and even charge you extra.
Link This is becoming downright comical. I mean, even if they don't get the patent passed it goes to show INTENT of what MS wants to do to their consumers/customers...and they already have had problems with this type of spying with Skype Link
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 27 May 2013 @ 9:41

7128.5.2013 00:51

Originally posted by Tarsellis:
Originally posted by kutulu1:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
@ Kutulu1

Interesting point. I get the impression you do not know this... MS have a free real-time anti-virus & anti-spyware program called Microsoft Security Essentials (google MSE). They are not allowed to include it in Windows as standard because of anti-trust considerations. It is, however, the most popular AV in North America. It's considered very good and it's very very fast. I recommend it to all my clients. It's quite possible that if malware was a concern in the X1 then they would probably be allowed to discretely include it as long as they did not advertise it. It could purely be a hidden background service.


Yes, I am aware of MSE. I use it on all of my computers. It's the best anti-virus I've ever used. MS did a really good job on that program. But I think my points are still valid. Windows is so common and the exploits for it are constantly being found; easily hacked for the person who has the smarts to do it. We do not need this extra headache in something that's supposed to be a game console. We do not need all of that bloatware to play a game. We need to be able to put a disc in and start playing, that simple.
Crock of shit. Sure, it's decent compared to the worst software on the planet, Symantec/Norton, and less resource intensive than the hellish McCrappee, but it's false positive rates, and it's resource utilization is F A R inferior to quality solutions like Panda, F-Secure, or any decent vendor.

No, MSE is the lazy man's way of "adding 'free' value" while telling a customer "no you're protected" while installing useless shit that makes a lot of noise but guarantees repeat visits and constant "upgrades".
All I can say is I've never had a virus in the 2 years I've been using MSE. My computer is on 24/7. I download 100's of GBs every month. Maybe you should look at what your doing that's causing you to get viruses. In the context of what the original article was about, the Xbox one is just ripe for a viral attack, with all of the little kids pointing and clicking on things that are viral. It will happen. There is not a single Antivirus out now that is 100% capable of detecting every strain that is released...lol. You must be doing some pretty funky shit to get repeat occurences of viruses...lol

7228.5.2013 02:56

i have a feeling the webcam will be always on with the xbox 1 (big brother does spy on us).i keep my mic muted and my webcam facing a piece of wood at the edge of my computer desk if im not using it.

also think they will allow used game but you will need a premium account to access any online features and certain aspects of the games.

due to it being based on windows,it will probably hacked fairly quickly so you will be able to run emulators and stuffed.

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