Microsoft Xbox One launched: All the features you need to know

Eight years, after the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft has launched its successor the Xbox One, which it claims is “the all-in-one entertainment console”. The company says that it will be available for sale by the end of this year but it has not yet revealed the price.

However games from the Xbox 360 won’t work on the new Xbox One, although Microsoft says it will continue to make games for the older machine. Nor will the console require a constant Internet connection. Here’s what is new in the Xbox One:

Tech specifications: The gaming console has 8GB RAM, a Blu-ray drive, and a 500GB onboard hard drive, HDMI in and out. It comes with an 8-core CPU and GPU SoC (system on a chip) and the SoC has been crafted by AMD. The console supports 802.11n Wi-Fi as well as USB 3.0 connectivity.

Better Kinect: Kinect sensor has seen some serious upgrades in terms of the the camera and voice control, body movement detection etc and its bundled with the console now. The camera resolution is 1080p and is capable of capturing wide angles. It can also capture video at 60 frames per second. Oh, and the sensor can also read your heartbeat as you exercise, and tell whether you’re smiling or not.

Xbox One and the controller is seen in this product image. AP

You can use the voice control on the Kinect to carry out tasks on the Xbox One such as setting up profiles and even turning the console on. You can also dictate activities to Xbox One. There’s also gesture recognition tech for controlling the system with your hands.

Snap Mode: This will let you run two activities simultaneously. Skype has also been introduced to Xbox universe and you can make Skype calls while running another activity on the Xbox. The Xbox One also has a distinct Windows 8 user interface, along with the Xbox OS and you can switch between the two.

New Xbox controller: Not much has changed as far as the controller is concerned, though unlike the Xbox 360 controller which used AA batteries, this will use integrated rechargeable batteries.
According to ExpertReviews, the start and the select buttons are gone, replaced two new buttons with which look like they will trigger a menu and multi-tasking respectively.

Xbox Live:  It comes with a TV guide which users can navigate by voice commands. The TV guide has a trending section that displays the most popular shows among your friends and the entire Xbox community. Instant Switch feature will you make the switch from gaming to Tv with just a voice command as well.

The console also has deeper Smartglass support, which will let you use your smartphone or tablet on the gaming console to perform secondary functions such as changing channels, etc. There’s also a dedicated game Digital Video recorder to capture and share your winning moments with friends during a game.