Microsoft is finally revealing the next generation Xbox at a live event today, as millions around the world tune in to find out exactly what Microsoft has up their sleeve to counteract the grand presentation of the PlayStation 4 this past February. The presentation started at a Microsoft campus in Washington.
The presentation begins with a video presentation showing various Microsoft employees, including Bill Gates discussing the next Xbox, and how the user will have a relationship with their television via the console. This is followed by Don Mattrick, who then reveals what he calls the "All in One System"---the Xbox One.
The Xbox One is sleek looking, but very boxy. But despite the very squarish design, the Xbox One looks like a futuristic version of the Xbox 360, while the controller looks like an updated Xbox controller. Xbox Kinect is included and is a very integral component to the Xbox One. The machine is voice activated and many of the features can be activated using simple voice commands, as demonstrated by Yusuf Mehdi. The Xbox One will allow users to switch between inputs with a simple voice command, and the Xbox One can be seen switching between cable TV, games, movies, and music almost instantly.
Gestures will also be recognized by the Kinect and "Snap Mode," that allows gamers to return to the home page with a two-handed gesture. Snap Mode also allows users to have two different apps running at once on a single screen, such as a movie and the internet. The user will be able to use Kinect to call other players using Skype, as well as have the capability to have group calls in HD.
The new homepage remembers the last game, movie, or song listened to and even has a trending area that displays what friends are up to, along with the rest of the world. From here Xbox One owners will be able to switch between all their available media with one voice command. The Xbox One will also have a TV Guide listing, so users will be able to check and see what cable programs they want to watch from the Xbox.
Live sports broadcasts will be enabled with the Xbox One and the NFL will be delivering exclusive content to Xbox One users. In addition, fantasy sports updates will flash on-screen, giving live updates to players without having to switch back and forth.
The presentation did not go too deep into the technical aspects of the Xbox One, but did reveal a few facts. Marc Whitten revealed that the Xbox One will have 8GB of RAM, comparable to the PlayStation 4. The device will have a Blu-ray player, also similar to Sony consoles. The new Kinect has a high-definition camera and can detect detailed hand and wrist movement, as well as a user's heartbeat. The controller has been redesigned with a more integrated battery compartment for ease of use and a newly designed d-pad.
We will bring more information about the Xbox One reveal event, including what games were shown and other special features about the console later today.
As for the price or cost of the console, Microsoft has not disclosed any details yet.