Xbox One News: Release Date Potentially Leaked, Microsoft Discusses Kinect, Profiles

The Xbox One's release date may have been leaked, and Microsoft gives new details about the device in a new Q&A session.

A leaked email given to Kotaku states that the Xbox One will be released at midnight on November 8, one week before the PlayStation 4 is launched. This email comes from an unnamed source that works for a company that handles marketing that handles signage and product placement for Walmart. The source passes along an alleged email from a conference call listing the planned midnight events the retail chain will have. Listed among the release dates of Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts is the Xbox One. However, a big red flag is that, while all the other midnight launch events are listed as confirmed in the email, the Xbox One release date is not listed as confirmed in the email. While this is a more credible source than many previous leaks about the Xbox One's release date, nothing can be confirmed until Microsoft comes out and says the release date for the next-gen console.

Though Microsoft has not commented on a release date for their newest console, they did answer several fan questions about the device on IGN. Chief Xbox One Platform Architect Marc Whitten answered several questions about the device, including information about the Kinect. Whitten revealed that the company will not be selling clips to mount the Kinect, and where the device is best placed:

"We recommend locating Kinect in the middle of your television, either above or below the screen on a secure surface. We anticipate there will be some third party mounting offerings in the future."

Whitten also discussed voice recognition, specifically for turning off the Xbox One using voice commands:

"We are focused on ensuring that we have great voice support which includes understanding which person is speaking in the room. Additionally, for actions that are potentially destructive, we have a confirmation dialog which will be the case for "Xbox Off."

Finally, The Microsoft exec was asked about setting up the Xbox One. Specifically, he was asked about importing a profile and settings into the new console. Whitten responded with the following:

"There is a quick setup to get your system connected and up-to-date. After that, getting your profile is as simple as entering your account's email address and password."

Look out for more news on the Xbox One as the November release window for the console draws closer and closer.