Xbox One is scheduled to launch in late 2013. Previous Xbox models were Xbox 360 and Xbox. If the massive success of these models is any indicator, the Xbox One should face huge popularity as well.
Some of the impressive features of this upcoming and promising game console are:
- Compatible with the x86-64 instruction set
- 8 core AMD CPU
- 8GB DDR3 RAM
- AMD DirectX 11.1 based GPU, 32MB ESRAM
- It has a Blu-ray disc reader, as well as CD and DVD (both single-layer and double-layer).
- Start voice command
With these features, there is no doubt that Xbox One will be an extremely powerful and promising gaming console that can take on the coolest games and bring a whole new definition to home entertainment. Xbox fans can’t wait.
However, there are some issues that may prevent Xbox fans from considering Xbox One. For one thing, this powerful new game console cannot support games made for both Xbox and Xbox 360. The reason for this is that Xbox One uses an Xbox or Xbox 360 hardware architecture. However, game developers are likely to release versions for Xbox one soon, so this may not be a big concern.
Another concern is that the Xbox One cannot function at all without an Internet connection. Therefore, those who have a restricted internet connection will not be able to use Xbox One to its full potential. To combat piracy, Xbox One requires online verification for single player games every 24 hours.
Also, game CDs can be shared between different consoles, but an unlock fee will need to be paid to play on a new console.
One feature that comes with the Xbox is the new and improved Kinect 2. The new Kinect features a 1080P video camera, unlike the VGA camera on the previous Kinect. It also has a microphone, which is used in the process of starting the voice command. The newly introduced motion controller can process 2 gigabits of data per second, making the gaming experience smoother.
Security issues?
Many tough questions have been asked about the Kinect. The fact that it can be turned on at any time with a voice command clearly shows that the Kinect is “listening” at all times. This, coupled with the fact that Kinect includes an impressive video camera and a wide range of microphones, and that you have to be connected to the Internet at all times, is very disconcerting.
Many people have expressed concern that having an Xbox One in their home will result in a breach of privacy, since all of this video and voice data is received by a source that is connected to the Internet at all times. Also, while Kinect features will only be used in certain games (where the game developer has included motion or voice sensor elements in the game), Kinect must be connected at all times for Xbox One to work. .
To allay fears about this privacy concern, Microsoft has stated that Kinect can be turned off completely. Unlike standby mode, where the Kinect can still receive voice commands, this mode will turn the Kinect off completely. This can be done at any time.
Microsoft has further stated that Kinect will come with comprehensive privacy settings that can be edited to your exact preferences. This is expected to help allay some fears that Xbox One will cause a breach of your privacy.
Xbox One seems to be a great gaming console that can really redefine entertainment. It remains to be seen, however, whether Microsoft will be able to address the issues that have arisen over the Xbox one, in particular security concerns, and attract and retain consumers.