The Xbox One will go head-to-head with the PlayStation 4 when it releases later on this year, and thanks to some confirmation straight from Redmond, we now know exactly where the forthcoming Microsoft console will be launching initially. Unfortunately, the company's claim that the Xbox One would be releasing in 21 countries from the get-go was actually a bit of an ambitious target, and today, it has emerged that only an initial 13 markets will see the third-generation Xbox.
Microsoft has just confirmed that its upcoming Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out on 17th October to consumers, which ties in nicely with previous reports. The update, which will hit the various markets across the world periodically over the course of the 24 hours thereafter, brings a whole host of small changes from Windows 8 that collectively make for a better overall user experience.
Since announcing the Xbox One, Microsoft has been doing quite a lot of back-tracking, and as well as rethinking its Xbox One used games policies and DRM, the company has now stepped out and admitted that in actual fact, the Kinect sensor is not required in order for the console to function. Hitherto, Microsoft has said that the bundled second-gen motion sensing peripheral would need to be connected for the purpose of the console's operation, but while that may be true of certain features, it's not essential for all tasks.
Although most Xbox LIVE users get their fill of the online multiplayer experience through the Gold membership, Microsoft also used to run a "Home Gold" package designed to target families. For $99 per year, everybody in the family could have their own little piece of the sprawling universe that is Xbox LIVE, but having stopped accepting signups for the family package earlier on this year, it doesn't look as though it will be carrying through to the next generation. With that said, there's plenty of good news for those currently tethered to the Home Gold plan, for not only will all sub-accounts get their very own Xbox LIVE Gold membership, but Microsoft is throwing an extra three months into the bargain.
One of the most exciting things about a new tech product is the process of unboxing, and thanks to sites like YouTube, we can get a taster of that feeling through the scores of videos detailing the wonderful process of opening up a brand new gadget. In the case of the Xbox One, we needn't wait for the release, for Microsoft’s Larry Hryb, better known to most as Major Nelson, has just released a clip showing his very own unboxing video of the forthcoming Microsoft console. You can check the video out right after the jump!
The Microsoft Xbox One should be hitting the market later on this year, and in anticipation of the big release, the Redmond company is doing everything it can to whet the appetites of consumers. We've already feasted our eyes on the console's new design and most of the key accessories, and today, the software maker has released yet another couple of videos allowing us to take a closer look at the new controller and some of the other important Xbox One accessories. The clips are only around 40 seconds long, but give enough of an insight to be deemed a must-watch for any prospective Xbox One owner. You can check the videos out after the break!
As many a hardcore gamer will tell you, no endless kill-streak on Call of Duty, perfect goal on FIFA, or snipe on Halo is worthwhile if it cannot be recorded, shared and relived time and again. The Xbox Game DVR allows users to do just this, but according to Xbox LIVE's Marc Whitten, the resolution will be restricted to just 720p/30p, irrespective of the resolution of the game.
In a move that is likely to grab the attention of those potential consumers sitting on the fence, Microsoft have taken the decision to slash $100 off the price of Surface Pro. The Redmond based company is no stranger to price reductions when it comes to the Surface. It was only last month that they reduced the price of all Surface RT hardware by $150, a move that many seem to think signals the company's intention to refresh the line in the near future.
Microsoft's Xbox One will serve as one half of the next-gen games console battle, and while many fans of the powerful upcoming machine have been busily deciding which launch titles to select as the holiday release draws ever closer, the folks of T3 have instead been dreaming of a smartphone built with the new console in mind. Justifying its 'Xbox One smartphone' concept, T3 imagines a device born through lack of Windows Phone apps and CEO Steve Ballmer's "one Microsoft" mantra, and with a typically solid-looking Nokia build and a set of eye-watering features to match, we actually kind of wish this were a real product.
The upcoming next-gen console battle is so very nearly upon us and in anticipation of the release of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this holiday, both Microsoft and Sony are naturally trying to score as many points with the gaming world as they possibly can. Recognizing that the graphics performance of its Xbox One is, at least on paper, inferior to that of the PS4, Microsoft has been working on pushing the boundaries further in this department since the console's announcement back in May.
