LG
05-24-2013, 03:35 AM
UPDATED: The voice-controlled “all-in-one” system allows users to switch seamlessly between watching live TV, listening to music, watching a movie and browsing the Internet, while running apps.
Microsoft unveiled a new system Tuesday that fuses video gaming, music and interactive television, all of which is designed to be easily controlled with arm motions and voice commands.
Dubbed Xbox One and due out later this year, the system includes access to Skype and lets users watch TV, play games and talk with friends simultaneously via a split screen on a single TV set.
The aggressive move into living rooms nationwide was previewed at an event at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash., and coincided with the announcement that Steven Spielberg would executive produce a live-action TV series based on the Halo video game available exclusively on Xbox One.
The Halo TV show will be the first from Xbox Entertainment Studios, an entity created in September and run by former CBS executive Nancy Tellem.
Also signing on to Xbox One is the National Football League, which will allow Microsoft to create exclusive interactive content around NFL programming. While executives weren’t specific on Tuesday, the content is expected to include a bold move into fantasy football.
Xbox One is also a Blu-ray disc player but it will not replace the cable or satellite box, nor will it replace the DVR. It will, though, make those devices work more in concert with video-gaming, music and Skype.
The voice system, which is designed to work well even when background noise is present, allows users to switch channels, bring up a guide for a specific channel, display a custom home page containing a user's favorite TV shows and music, and more, all done with simple, spoken commands.
The Xbox One will compete with Wii U, Nintendo’s next-generation gaming system launched in November, and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 4. It’s also likely taking aim at Apple TV, Roku and other boxes that deliver TV shows and movies on demand.
Xbox One’s 5 billion transistors and other advanced technology will keep things loading fast, according to Microsoft, and will help the user jump between video games and TV shows almost instantly and without changing TV inputs.
“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,” said Don Mattrick, Microsoft’s president of interactive entertainment business.
Microsoft also said several updated game titles are in the works for Xbox One, including Forza Motorsport 5 from Turn 10 Studios; Call of Duty: Ghosts fromActivision; Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment; and four sports games from Electronic Arts.
THR
Microsoft unveiled a new system Tuesday that fuses video gaming, music and interactive television, all of which is designed to be easily controlled with arm motions and voice commands.
Dubbed Xbox One and due out later this year, the system includes access to Skype and lets users watch TV, play games and talk with friends simultaneously via a split screen on a single TV set.
The aggressive move into living rooms nationwide was previewed at an event at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash., and coincided with the announcement that Steven Spielberg would executive produce a live-action TV series based on the Halo video game available exclusively on Xbox One.
The Halo TV show will be the first from Xbox Entertainment Studios, an entity created in September and run by former CBS executive Nancy Tellem.
Also signing on to Xbox One is the National Football League, which will allow Microsoft to create exclusive interactive content around NFL programming. While executives weren’t specific on Tuesday, the content is expected to include a bold move into fantasy football.
Xbox One is also a Blu-ray disc player but it will not replace the cable or satellite box, nor will it replace the DVR. It will, though, make those devices work more in concert with video-gaming, music and Skype.
The voice system, which is designed to work well even when background noise is present, allows users to switch channels, bring up a guide for a specific channel, display a custom home page containing a user's favorite TV shows and music, and more, all done with simple, spoken commands.
The Xbox One will compete with Wii U, Nintendo’s next-generation gaming system launched in November, and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 4. It’s also likely taking aim at Apple TV, Roku and other boxes that deliver TV shows and movies on demand.
Xbox One’s 5 billion transistors and other advanced technology will keep things loading fast, according to Microsoft, and will help the user jump between video games and TV shows almost instantly and without changing TV inputs.
“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,” said Don Mattrick, Microsoft’s president of interactive entertainment business.
Microsoft also said several updated game titles are in the works for Xbox One, including Forza Motorsport 5 from Turn 10 Studios; Call of Duty: Ghosts fromActivision; Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment; and four sports games from Electronic Arts.
THR