Xbox One News: New Details About Local Multiplayer for Games, Voice Recognition Appear Before Release Date

With the release date for the Xbox One fast approaching on Nov. 22, Microsoft is constantly updating gamers on the next-gen console's software and features. Recently, at the Tokyo Game Show the company revealed to Gamespot that the Xbox One will be able to support 24 players for local co-op games.

The Xbox One will also reportedly support eight different controllers and headsets in addition to 16 Smartglass tablets for use on one single console. While it is unlikely that developers will create games that allow 24 players in local co-op, it will be interesting to see how Smartglass changes the way developers use local co-op and if developers begin bringing back the feature.

Microsoft also explained the limitations of the Xbox One's voice command. Using the Kinect, users will be able to turn on the Xbox One and television by saying "Xbox One," but the input for the television will not change, so users who have multiple devices will still have to use the remote control. Microsoft went on to reveal that the current Xbox One voice activated volume controls will only raise or lower the television's volume by one increment at a time.

Microsoft also discussed how the Xbox One will handle multiple Xbox Live profiles. If players have filled out their information for their voice and face recognition locally, the Xbox One will sign them in once the Kinect identifies them. If one person specifically wants to sign in to the device, they can raise their hand to make the Xbox One focus on them. This could be a problem if many people are in a room at once when the device is used and if users frequently move their hands while talking.

Finally, Microsoft explained that a big reason for the uncertainty of the Xbox One's launch in many Asian markets stems from the fact that the localization of the voice recognition software for the console is taking longer than the company expected.

The Xbox One will launch in North America on Nov. 22, and the console is expected to compete immediately with the PlayStation 4 from Sony, which launches a week earlier on Nov. 15. The console will be available for $499.