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.
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.
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!
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.
Just as the console wars were beginning to cool down, Microsoft and Sony set about getting everyone hot under the collar by announcing the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. We're just a little bit giddy about both, and for different reasons, and we know you're all counting down the days until you can pick your next generation console of choice off the shelves too.
With the dust having settled on the Xbox One used-games policy that marred the announcement of the Redmond console, gamers can finally get down to looking forward to the great titles set to grace the forthcoming console. Microsoft has already confirmed that first-party games will cost the consumer $60 before tax, and since value added tax is regular throughout the UK, this equates to around £50 for British gamers.
Looking ahead towards the next generation Xbox One, Microsoft is planning a new reputation system for gamers on Xbox LIVE, which will ensure serious gamers can play other hardcore enthusiasts, while those whimsical, genial folk looking for a bit of lighthearted enjoyment will be able to. Essentially, the three tier system will enable the pros to do serious battle, while also offering the noobs a little respite to, well, be noobs, and will ensure a more balanced gaming experience for all involved.
The Xbox 360 may have enjoyed a slight victory over the PlayStation 3 in terms of market share, but when it comes to Japan, there is only one winner. What with Sony being a Japanese company and all, there's a very lopsided favoritism towards the next-gen PlayStation 4, which is perhaps why Microsoft doesn't seem too bothered about getting the Xbox One out to that particular market. According to Yasuyuki Higuchi, a Japanese VP of the Redmond-based outfit, the Xbox One won't be reaching Japan until 2014, with the nation having been dealt the rather unflattering label among the software maker's "tier two."
