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Xbox One: Microsoft to change the way you watch TV

Xbox One

Today Microsoft unveiled its next generation gaming console the Xbox One, and it’s plain to see that it’s not just about games any more from Microsoft.

One of the most exciting things I saw during the unveil ceremony was the Xbox One’s ability to serve as a video switching device.  What this means is that you will have the ability to run every activity via the Xbox One.  Whether you want to play a game, browse the web, watch a movie, listen to music or watch cable television you’ll be able to do it without switching inputs on your TV or surround sound receiver.  Switching between activities will be possible with the game controller, your mobile phone, or with hand gestures and voice controls via the new and improved Kinnect sensor.

Call of Duty Ghosts

With Xbox One, Microsoft is finally offering a web browsing experience with Internet Explorer, and with “Snap” you’ll be able to multitask like never before.  Snap allows you to browse the web while watching a movie, watch TV while you’re looking for the perfect match making game on Xbox Live or any other combination you can think of.  It’s like picture in picture on steroids.

Microsoft also gave us a peak at what the game landscape might look like at the time of release.  Launch titles mentioned today are Forza Motorsport 5, Quantum Break and Call of Duty: Ghosts.  Microsoft also claimed they would release 15 exclusive titles in the first year, including 8 brand new franchises.

343 Industries announced a groundbreaking partnership with Steven Spielberg to release a live action Halo TV series.  It was unclear if it would be only available on Xbox One, or if it would be carried by a premium network like HBO/Showtime, or if it would be on one of the major networks.

Xbox One

Xbox One Controller Kinnect for Xbox One Xbox One

It’s clear that Microsoft wants to change the way you watch TV by incorporating the web, games, movies and TV shows into a single device; the Xbox One.

System Specs:

  • 500GB Hard Drive
  • 8GB RAM Memory
  • USB 3.0
  • WiFi
  • 64 Bit CPU
  • Blu-Ray
  • Windows kernel

Other features announced today:

  • Video conferencing with Skype
  • Real time interactive fantasy league updates with ESPN
  • Xbox One Guide for all TV program listings
  • Voice controlled search and navigation
  • Ability to record gameplay with Game DVR
  • 300,000 servers to power Xbox Live for Xbox One

Worldwide Release Date:  “This Year”