"Xbox One" Reveal Event

[LUKIE]

Doesn't which one is better come down to personal opinion on what games they prefer to play?

I have a PS3 solely for Final Fantasy and Formula 1. There was nothing I ever wanted to play exclusive on X-Box I couldn't play on my computer. I don't care to say either is better, because why does it matter?

They are going up against Apple even though Apple do not and have no plans to (least in principle) to try to corner the console market.

And to go back to this. Apple wouldn't dream of jumping on the console wars because iOS is an after-thought amongst developers and no one will want the added budget to re-code their games to release on it. It will be solely exclusive titles.

[SeanDMan]

Lukie go to hell.

[apsham]

I've owned both multiple times, and I've had a 360 a hell of a lot longer than I've had a PS3 - and when it comes down to it now that I can look back at what is essentially the end of this generation... it took a while for Sony to get their shit together, but pretty much ever since the end of the whole PSN debacle they've been absolutely killing it. I have full faith in them at this point and I think the PS4 is going to be the console to do it this time around. Microsoft got comfortable with their position and it was a good one to be in for a while, but when the biggest thing keeping me drawn to the system was its GUI and controller at that point - I took the switch back over to PS3 when I caught a good deal and DAMN. If Sony fixes some of the issues that they've had in the past when it comes to minor issues with the XMB GUI, it'll instantly take that point away from what I like about the 360 and there'll always be 3rd party controllers that I can buy on the other hand.

Plus this time around, I like what Sony is trying to do a hell of a lot more than what Microsoft is. At this point I have absolutely no belief that you can call a clear friggin' win for the One after all we've seen.

[King Ellis]

rider is a well established Sony fanboy, Summer is a well established MS fanboy, Ellis is a well established troll, etc etc

How am I trolling? :/

[Sousa]

rider is a well established Sony fanboy, Summer is a well established MS fanboy, Ellis is a well established troll, etc etc

Do you need a well established Nintendo fanboy?

...no?

Okay guys if you need me I'll be over here waiting for all the awesome Wii U games that are going to show up someday.

[apsham]

I dunno, you might have to fight Skummy for that.

[TKz]

It's good to see we lasted a little while before the objective look at all this went out the window.

[EWB's Best Poster.]

It's good to see we lasted a little while before the objective look at all this went out the window.

Ya I blame Sousa too

[Maxx]

Dreamcast 4 lyfe

[Dan]

Greeeeeaaat.

[livid]

Dreamcast 4 lyfe

Sega Saturn 4 EVA!

[Maxx]

Ur stupid

[Sousa]

It's good to see we lasted a little while before the objective look at all this went out the window.

Ya I blame Sousa too

I can't help it that your "next gens" are full of stupid.

Now if you'll excuse me, they're releasing Ocarina of Time again and I need to give them more of my money!

[jase12881]

I don't know. So far neither Sony nor Microsoft has shown me anything that blows me away. Sony basically showed off a controller and a couple games, and Microsoft focused on some neat (but of questionable use to me) technology and was mostly the typical corporate talk they tend to do at conferences (Fun drinking game: Take a drink during E3 everytime someone makes a claim that something will "revolutionize" something or uses the term "game-changer").

The more times has passed since Microsoft's conference the more I actually kind of like what I've seen of the Xbox One. The new controller looks like a quality design, and I can live with the Kinect when they stop trying to get me to buy shovelware or jump around like an idiot and give me something to actually use. That being said, some of the rumored restrictions have turned me off a little bit. The used game fiasco could be a deal breaker for me, but we will see.

I do have to wonder, in what world is moving my arm in a swiping motion to control the menus easier or more intuitive than pressing left or right on a controller? I mean it's cool but it seems like after a while it would just become something that's more annoying than practical. And the voice control probably works about half as well in practice as on the stage.

The whole used game thing is a funny issue though. Game developers use the same flawed logic they do for piracy: They assume that anyone who pirates their game or buys it used would have bought it at retail if it wasn't for the fact they could get it cheaper/free. Thus they see missed opportunity for sales. In most cases, if I buy a cheap game second-hand, it's because I was never interested enough in the game to buy it at retail, but since it's cheap, I figure I will give it a shot. I would never have purchased the game at retail even, in some cases, after a lot of time has passed and it's sitting at half-price or so. Game sales are the exception.

That being said, I think the reason Microsoft (and Sony, for that matter) are being coy about their plans for used games and always-on internet is that they've probably not decided what they're going to do in that respect yet, but they know they're going to do SOMETHING, so they cant unequivocally say "It will play used games just like the Xbox360" or "It won't require you to be connected to the internet to play your games"

Also, people have their own opinions when it comes to consoles and other tech, but let's be real: Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses.

I'm sure you can think of more, or disagree, but below are my thoughts on the strengths of each, based purely on my own experiences:

PS3

• More upgrade-able: Sony makes it easier to upgrade your hard drive by swapping out a laptop one, and generally isn't as restrictive on the OS
• You can use any bluetooth headset which means a larger range of options
• The option for up to 7 controllers at once
• Blu-Ray
• Free Online
• More Exclusives
• Controllers don't shut down randomly when battery gets low like Xbox360's sometimes do (In my experience)
• Controllers are chargeable with any USB cable and don't require Microsoft's proprietary connections
• Mine, at least, seems to freeze less than my 360.

Xbox360

• Better Online experience (Party chat, easier to see what friends are doing/achievements that load almost instantly, easier to get into and out of friend's games)
• Sturdier-feeling controller (although my Dual Shock 3 has been put through Hell and is still in great shape.)
• Gets -some- Triple A DLC before Sony (CoD, GTA, etc)
• Immune to issues a few games had with Sony (Skyrim for example)
• Better voice chat. Maybe because PS3 players have all different bluetooth headsets, it seems like the voice quality is much lower.
• It's exclusives are industry giants like Halo and Gears of War (although PS3 has God of War)

Personally speaking most of my friends have a 360, so that gets used way more, and I like the dashboard better.

But what I realized making this list is that the 360 and the PS3 are very similiar systems with most differences being minor. Hardware-wise the PS4 and XboxOne's specs seem to be closer even than the 360 and PS3, so I think as long as neither side takes a hard stance in the used games or always-online thing, this will be a virtual wash from a hardware perspective. The difference will come down to what games each one offers and whether Microsoft can transition the "all-in-one" nature of their console into a must-have experience, which I have my doubts about.

[Johnny Latino Heat]

Dreamcast 4 lyfe

Sega Saturn 4 EVA!

Who's Eva, and why does she apparently like Sega Saturn so much?

Regarding the X-Box One, the more I see, the more I dislike it, actually. X-Box 360 was the first current generation console I bought, and it was mostly because of the price and because I really, really wanted to play Dead Rising. Eventually after a couple of years I bought a PS3 (when the price went down) mainly for the God of War and Uncharted games, but slowly I found myself dedicating more and more time and money to the PS3 than the 360 and I spent months without even turning the 360 on, so I decided to sell the 360 and all the games I had and get the PS3 versions, and I haven't regretted it; if anything, I'm happier by the minute. If I do end up buying a next-gen console, it'll probably be the PS4, unless it's as horrid as the X-Box One seems to be (to me, at least).

[King Ellis]

Okay, so further developments:

http://majornelson.com/2013/06/06/details-on-xbox-one-connectivity-licensing-and-privacy-features/

Today we shared more information about our vision for Xbox One. In this vision we also have some of the details around digital licensing, connectivity, and privacy. After reading the posts, you’ll get a better idea of how we’ve designed Xbox One to amplify a new generation of Xbox Live.

How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One

With our modern architecture, Xbox One games will load more quickly, will be always accessible from the cloud, and there is no physical limit to the size or scope of the content provided.

Here are our platform policies and capabilities for game licensing – all of which will be made available when Xbox One launches later this year:

• Buy the way you want—disc or digital—on the same day: You’ll be able to buy disc-based games at traditional retailers or online through Xbox Live, on day of release. Discs will continue to be a great way to install your games quickly.
  
• Access your entire games library from any Xbox One—no discs required: After signing in and installing, you can play any of your games from any Xbox One because a digital copy of your game is stored on your console and in the cloud. So, for example, while you are logged in at your friend’s house, you can play your games.
  
• Share access to your games with everyone inside your home: Your friends and family, your guests and acquaintances get unlimited access to all of your games. Anyone can play your games on your console--regardless of whether you are logged in or their relationship to you.
  
• Give your family access to your entire games library anytime, anywhere: Xbox One will enable new forms of access for families. Up to ten members of your family can log in and play from your shared games library on any Xbox One. Just like today, a family member can play your copy of Forza Motorsport at a friend’s house. Only now, they will see not just Forza, but all of your shared games. You can always play your games, and any one of your family members can be playing from your shared library at a given time.
  
• Trade-in and resell your disc-based games: Today, some gamers choose to sell their old disc-based games back for cash and credit. We designed Xbox One so game publishers can enable you to trade in your games at participating retailers. Microsoft does not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers, or consumers for enabling transfer of these games.
  
• Give your games to friends: Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.
  

In our role as a game publisher, Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers. Third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends. Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners.

As we move into this new generation of games and entertainment, from time to time, Microsoft may change its policies, terms, products and services to reflect modifications and improvements to our services, feedback from customers and our business partners or changes in our business priorities and business models or for other reasons. We may also cease to offer certain services or products for similar reasons.

In the months ahead, we will continue to listen to your feedback as we meet with our partners in the ecosystem to bring additional detail about our policies.

We are excited about this new generation of games and entertainment and look forward to sharing more news with our fans.

Xbox One: A Modern, Connected System

Xbox One will deliver new benefits for gamers that are only possible with a system designed from the ground up to be ready and connected. Here are just a few examples:

• A new generation of games with power from the cloud: Because every Xbox One owner has a broadband connection, developers can create massive, persistent worlds that evolve even when you’re not playing.
  
• Your Xbox One is always ready: Xbox One is designed to run in a low-powered, connected state. This means your system, games and apps are always current and ready to play—no more waiting for updates.
  
• Stay connected to your friends: Never miss an opportunity to play games with your friends or to catch up with family on Skype. Use Skype in Snap mode to chat while you play games or watch TV. Or enjoy group video Skype calls with people around the world, all from the comfort of your living room.
  
• Access your entire games library from any Xbox One—no discs required: After signing in and installing, you can play any of your games from any Xbox One because a digital copy of your game is stored on your console and in the cloud. So, for example, while you are logged in at your friend’s house, you can play your games.
  
• Buy the way you want—disc or digital—on the same day: You’ll be able to buy disc-based games at traditional retailers or online through Xbox Live, on day of release.
  

Networking Technologies

A range of advanced technologies will make these scenarios possible, including:

• Superior wireless performance and coverage throughout the home: Xbox One is equipped with a gigabit Ethernet port and 802.11n wireless. With 802.11n, Xbox One can use the 5GHz wireless band which eliminates considerable interference from other devices in the home, such as cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and microwaves. Xbox One uses two wireless antennas, versus one in Xbox 360. This provides dramatically better coverage and sustained performance, which means faster internet speeds in more areas of your home.
  
• Faster connection to a world of smart devices: With Wi-Fi Direct, Xbox One can speak directly to smart wireless devices and connect to them through the cloud. This means your smartphone or tablet will interact with Xbox One seamlessly.
  
• Future proofed with power from the cloud: Microsoft has created a global network of more than 300,000 Xbox Live and Windows Azure servers, to help creators realize their visions of what is possible with a connected system.
  

Networking Requirements

To ensure Xbox One works optimally and can offer the experiences described above, it is designed with the following networking requirements:

• For an optimal experience, we recommend a broadband connection of 1.5Mbps. (For reference, the average global internet connection speed as measured recently by Akamai was 2.9 Mbps). In areas where an Ethernet connection is not available, you can connect using mobile broadband.
  
• While a persistent connection is not required, Xbox One is designed to verify if system, application or game updates are needed and to see if you have acquired new games, or resold, traded in, or given your game to a friend. Games that are designed to take advantage of the cloud may require a connection.
  

With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library. Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.

At Xbox, we’ve always believed in a connected world of games and entertainment. With Xbox One, we are planning for a connected future. We can’t wait to show you what’s to come.

How Xbox One and the new Kinect Sensor Put You in Control

Xbox One and Kinect offer easy and approachable ways to control your games and entertainment with your voice and gestures. By recognizing you, Xbox One can tailor personal experiences and customize content just for you.

At Microsoft, we prioritize your privacy. We understand that your personal data and privacy are important. Xbox One and Kinect will provide tools to put you in control of your data. These include:

• You are in control of what Kinect can see and hear: By design, you will determine how responsive and personalized your Xbox One is to you and your family during setup. The system will navigate you through key privacy options, like automatic or manual sign in, privacy settings, and clear notifications about how data is used. When Xbox One is on and you’re simply having a conversation in your living room, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded.
  
• You are in control of when Kinect sensing is On, Off or Paused: If you don’t want the Kinect sensor on while playing games or enjoying your entertainment, you can pause Kinect. To turn off your Xbox One, just say “Xbox Off.” When the system is off, it’s only listening for the single voice command -- “Xbox On,” and you can even turn that feature off too. Some apps and games may require Kinect functionality to operate, so you’ll need to turn it back on for these experiences.
  
• You are in control of your personal data: You can play games or enjoy applications that use data, such as videos, photos, facial expressions, heart rate and more, but this data will not leave your Xbox One without your explicit permission. Here are a few examples of potential future scenarios:
  • A fitness game could measure heart rate data to provide you with improved feedback on your workout, allow you to track your progress, or even measure calories burned.
  • A card game could allow you to bluff your virtual opponent using your facial expressions.
    

• You can use other inputs to control your games, TV and entertainment experiences: While it’s faster to find what you’re looking for using your voice and gesture commands with Kinect, you can use a controller, your remote controls or your smart devices instead. And you can use all of these devices when Kinect is paused.

We’ll have more information available as we get closer to product availability later this year.

[Ruki]

I like the sound of being able to play my games while at a friends house via the cloud.

Although, I am curious about the 'Family Access' stuff. Could I say that Ellis is my cousin and then play all of his games on my machine?

[King Ellis]

Disregard, just re-read that bit.

I guess it sounds that way. I thought they were doing away with that whole 'family' thing after they tried it on this gen with the whole 'admin' of the family account being able to share out XBL time and points. But maybe we could have an EWB group and just have a pool of games. That certainly doesn't sound like the anti-piracy/sharing thing that we've come to imagine from this Xbox One reveal.

[Summers]

Upto 10 family members. Well.. we do say ewb is like a family. Cousins! Brothers! This could be fun. >_>

[King Ellis]

I'm going to heavily assume you can't have 10 people all playing the same one game at the same time. Like, we couldn't set up a 'Dragons' family, buy a copy of FIFA and all play it. But if that 'family' had say FIFA, Madden, Forza 5 and Halo 5 licenced to it's account, I could be on Halo whilst Summ was on FIFA, Dan on Madden and Jimmy on Forza.

I mean, if there were no penalties for doing it I don't see why you wouldn't so long as you could police it amongst yourself fairly well and people stuck to the rules. Like you said that so and so had dibs on a certain game that week and no one else could go on it if the one guy wanted to play it, or if he came online and wanted to play whilst someone was on, they'd need to get off ASAP. In that sense, it seems pretty cool if you all chipped in for a single player game and then took turns playing it. Kinda like the PS3 at one point until they cracked down on it.