QOTW: How would you change the Xbox One?

by Parm Mann on 16 May 2014, 16:30

Tags: Xbox

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"The all-in-one gaming and entertainment system created for today and the next generation" ... "Puts you at the center of all your games, TV, movies, music, sports and Skype" ... "Games push the boundaries of realism, and TV obeys your commands" ... "The more you interact with Xbox One, the more it gets to know you and learns what you like" ... "Built to amplify an all-new generation of Xbox Live" ... "Completely redesigned, revolutionary 1080p Kinect"

It all sounded too good to be true, didn't it? And perhaps it was. The prospect of sharing digital games on an always-connected device that recognised your every move seemed forward-thinking when Microsoft first took the wraps off the Xbox One almost a year ago on May 21, 2013.

Since then, however, sales have lagged behind the rival PlayStation 4, forcing Microsoft to drastically reconsider its initial vision. An Internet connection is no longer required, digital downloads cannot be shared or resold, and in an effort to lower the price, the much-vaunted Kinect will soon limp on as an optional extra.

These are major alterations, yet has Microsoft done enough to convince would-be buyers? Only time will tell, but as the Xbox One continues to play catch-up, let's put the question to you: how would you change the Xbox One? Whether you agree with Microsoft's existing alterations, or have ideas of your own, let us know using the comments facility below.



HEXUS Forums :: 45 Comments

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Hmmm, give it a mouse and keyboard and call it a PC.
make it gaming console and not a TV add on, yes by all means have things to use like the 360 but there is no need to try to convert everyone to use it.
What would I do?

I really don't know. Based on a couple of those now-reversed decisions, I ruled out XBO just prior to launch, so haven't paid much attention to other features, spec, etc.

One option might be a “light” version. Given that they're apparently doing a Kinect-free version, maybe do one with decent but lower cost spec, and make that the Kinect-free version. And then really trim the price. Because the price point, on top of the Kinect issues, was my major concern. It was a LOT more than I paid for my 360. And, frankly, more than I want to pay for a console.

I'm one of those gamers that's not gaming-mad enough to pay for high-end PC graphics cards. Not least, it's because while graphics may be impressive, a GOOD game is still a good game with graphics setting set on medium on a PC, not necessarily on max. So, maybe target an XBO-Light at my end of the market - no Kinect, more modest spec, and lower price. Trouble is, I've largely already got that, called X360. So maybe an ‘upgraded’ 360 that runs XBO games. And yes, I'm aware of hardware implications, so the upgraded X360 will have more in common with XBO than 360 - I'm talking about market positioning, not hardware base or software compatibility.

But then, what do I know? As I said, given those early decisions, I ruled out the XBO and pretty much ignored it after that. I'm still more likely to go PS4 than XBO, short of a radical announcement.
The only thing I can complain about really is the horrible interface found on the netflix application.

It's a pile of the proverbial and its functionality is limited. Other than that the game switching and tile interface works well when I'm playing a few games.
Just to throw my 2 cents in… I much prefer my XONE compared to my PS4.

It's a much better addition to the livingroom, and since I have both I'm not bothered about graphics or performance. I like the option of saying Xbox On for my TV to come on and choosing channels through Kinect (although I would like if the microphones were a bit better as I really need to shout! Maybe an addon for people with loud Home theater systems or big rooms!).

Only addition I'd make is the ability to access Videos from my network media server (DLNA/Serviio/etc.) for the time being…