While the Xbox One is still a couple of days away from its launch, reviews have started popping up all over the place. Microsoft, however, isn’t just billing it as a gaming console; it’s essentially been designed to integrate well into the typical household’s home theatre system with its TV functionality. Until we get our hands on an Xbox One, which will take quite some time considering Microsoft’s planned rollout, we’ll take a look at what those who have already had some time with the console have to say.Polygon praises Microsoft's views for the future, especially because of the Xbox One's new TV integration features. The voice controls apparently work quite well, thanks to the upgraded Kinect sensor, and the new ability to run apps and play games at the same time thanks to Snapping is a boon. The console also seems to have a great launch line-up with Forza Motorsport 5 and Dead Rising 3. The down side, however, is that the Kinect hasn't been fully integrated into the console yet. There's apparently no good example of how it can be used while actually gaming. The console itself also lacks a couple of features, such as Twitch streaming. However, the future looks bright for this one, especially for those who like watching TV.
The boxy design allows for silent operations
Eurogamer's hardware review brings up an important fact: the Xbox One proves how radically different Microsoft's and Sony's objectives for the next generation of consoles are. Sony's vision is for a sleek gaming machine with some camera functionality with the PlayStation Eye. Microsoft, on the other hand, has a broader vision for the market that may not be completely compatible with the needs and wants of the gamer. The company is aiming to change the way users interact with a TV at the expense of raw gaming prowess. However, according to Eurogamer, the pricing doesn't do Microsoft any favours, since the Xbox One costs $100 more than the PlayStation 4. Overall, Microsoft's vision for the future is getting much praise, since there are some great ideas at play. These ideas need some fleshing out, though.Joystiq praises the console’s new controller as being a great step in the right direction, mostly thanks to the redone d-pad. It does, however, point out that the console’s success will depend on the buyer’s need for their living room. The interface proves to be quite problematic at times because of how cluttered it is, but since it is heavily app-driven, it holds a lot of potential. The Kinect also gets some praise here, with Joystiq referring to it as "additive rather than obstructive". The online features are also well implemented. However, the price once again comes into question.
The Kinect has some neat ideas, but it apparently needs some improvement
According to Ars Technica, the Xbox One does what one might expect from a Microsoft gaming console with its improved specs, quieter design, an improved controller and a strong exclusive launch line-up. Sadly enough, though, the console is a hard sell for its TV features. The voice controls and multitasking capabilities are little more than conveniences, but the flaws limit their effectiveness to quite an extent. The review ends stating that the decision to pick up an Xbox One depends on whether there are enough exclusive titles to convince a buyer that it is worth the expensive price tag. The media features of the console manage to be decent fringe benefits, especially when they are more stable and usable down the line through updates. However, those who can live without the multitasking and voice commands are recommended a PlayStation 4 instead.The Verge's review says that while Microsoft has attempted to build a console that will last a decade, the Xbox One is just the blueprint for its plans. Currently, while the Kinect is a powerful piece of technology capable of impressive imaging feats, its use in games is limited and its voice controls don't prove to be a good way to navigate through the interface. The TV integration has problems with the interface of the console and a set top box overlaying each other and being a hodgepodge of controls. The console's games line-up is praised, however, especially thanks to Zoo Tycoon and Forza Motorsport 5. The launch line-up is definitely better than the PlayStation 4, according to The Verge. However, questions about whether one console is better than the other is purely subjective, with the advice being to buy the console which has the games you want.
The controller is a definite upgrade
The trend we noticed in these reviews are that Microsoft’s new console is a great step forward, but the company still has a steep hill to climb. Almost everyone has unanimously praised the launch line-up of games for the console, especially when compared to the PlayStation 4's disappointing launch titles. While the Xbox One has a few killer apps right out of the gate, like Forza Motorsport 5, Dead Rising 3 and Zoo Tycoon, the PS4, on the other hand, got some disappointing games like Killzone: Shadow Fall. Looking ahead it seems that the the Xbox One could overcome its initial media problems with some software updates down the line, thus giving it an edge in the battle for your living room.
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