Microsoft unveils “ultimate” Xbox One
May 22, 2013
By Colin Mann
Microsoft has unveiled Xbox One, an all-in-one gaming and entertainment system it claims has been created for today and the next generation. Describing the device as “the ultimate all-in-one home entertainment system” Microsoft says it puts users at the centre of all their games, TV, movies, music, sports and Skype.
“Xbox One is designed to deliver a whole new generation of blockbuster games, television and entertainment in a powerful, all-in-one device,” said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our unique, modern architecture brings simplicity to the living room and, for the first time ever, the ability to instantly switch across your games and entertainment.”
Saying “Xbox On” launches a personalised Xbox One Home screen to discover what is popular on TV or see friends’ latest gaming achievements all using the most natural interface — the user’s voice. Other Xbox One features putting the user at the centre of living room entertainment include:
• TV on Xbox One. Navigate and watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through your Xbox One. Microsoft is committed to bringing live TV through various solutions to all the markets where Xbox One will be available.
• Home. Turn on your entertainment system with two powerful words, “Xbox On”, and a custom-tailored Home dashboard welcomes you with your favourite games, TV and entertainment.
• Snap. Do two things at once on the biggest screen in your home. Use Snap to jump into a multiplayer battle while watching your favourite movie, talk with friends on Skype while watching live TV, or track your fantasy team on TV as you watch the big game and more.
• Skype for Xbox One. Specially designed for Xbox One, talk with friends on your TV in stunning HD, or for the first time ever, hold group Skype calls on your TV.
• Trending. Stay on top of what is hot on TV by discovering the entertainment that is popular among your friends, and see what is trending within the Xbox community.
• OneGuide. Find your favourite entertainment easily, searching by network, name or time, all with the sound of your voice and presented in a tailored programme guide.
In addition to an attractive line-up of games coming to Xbox One, Microsoft also unveiled exclusive content partnerships with some of the top names in TV, sports and entertainment:
• Halo television series. Award-winning film-maker, director and producer, Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original Halo live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios.
• National Football League (NFL). A multi-year, landmark partnership will deliver the ultimate interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve both in-game and on the sideline. Microsoft says the NFL on Xbox will redefine broadcast experiences through innovations around Skype, Xbox SmartGlass and player-worn technology; add an all-new fantasy football solution for the biggest screen in the house; and create a personalised NFL destination only available on Xbox One.