XBOX ONE Review 2015

Xbox One Review 2015

The Microsoft system has greatly improved since its launch in 2013. Back then gamers were horrified by Microsoft’s plans to have the system always on, or as some would say, “always listening.” This paranoid reaction caused the software giant to do a 180 and reverse this feature. The more damaging issue was that used games would not function, thus putting an end to rentals and Ebay purchases. It is unknown how much this combination hurt sales of the system originally, but the Xbox One has gone on to seen healthy sales of over 6 million units since launch. This amount is more than tripled by Sony’s unprecedented 20 million units, but that is an extraordinary “out of the park figure.”

Specs

The Xbox One has become a center of the house media hub, the pillar of your digital entertainment. Offering cable services with no need for extra hardware. The Xbox One has an HDMI in port and functions as a DVR and also has an on screen menu, eliminating the need for the extra monthly rental fees of a upgraded DVR cable box. It provides music options, streaming, skype chat with your friends around the world, and will integrate with Windows 10 seamlessly. This version is a closer realization to Bill Gates’ original vision for the 360. As a pure media center it certainly surpasses the PS4 easily and handily.

The Xbox One measures 274 x 79 x 333 mm. It’s shape is exactly what the name implies, a box. It comes with a price tag of $349 without Kinect or $449 with Kinect. You get the console, power cable with the external power supply (something the PS4 does not have since the power supply is in the console,) one controller with batteries (yes unlike the PS4, the controller still requires batteries), an HDMI cable, and a headset with adapter.

Heat is dispatched through the top of the machine, which should help with the overheating issues both consoles experienced causing the infamous “red ring of death” or the “yellow light of death” for the PS4. This may have also contributed to the decision to keep the external power supply outside the box. The Xbox One does not seem to get as hot as the PS4.

The Xbox One has 3 3.0 USB ports, one on the left side and two in the back. The PS4 only has two. Other ports included are: ethernet connection, HDMI out, HDMI in, power, optical audio, and Kinect connection.

The processor is AMD technology with 8GB of DDR3 memory and 32MB of fast ESRAM, and a 500GB hard drive. Some units will offer a 1 TB drive. Sony is more forgiving when trying to upgrade your hard drive, to do so with the Xbox One will void your warranty. Many claim the Xbox One is faster than the PS4 but does not deliver the same resolution when playing some HD games.

Kinect

The Kinect is one of those things that people either love it or don’t use it. It did used to come standard with the Xbox One because it integrates so well with the rest of the media options. To obtain a lower price Microsoft does now offer the Xbox One without a Kinect saving $100 off the sticker price and almost 10% extra processor speed. The Kinect does allow you to play full body movement games but really shines in the convenience factor. It is very easy to say things like, ” Xbox call John,” Xbox record that,” “Xbox watch ESPN,” the list goes on and on. The things this system does are very futuristic, almost like living in the age of “The Jetsons.” It can do just about anything with a voice command. This makes navigation so convenient and you will get used to it really fast.

apps, Streaming & Sharing

The built in game editor is also another feature that shines and is far superior to the PS4. The PS4 does have a basic video editor but it does not compare to the Xbox’s far superior technology. If you want to become a Youtube star and post your game adventures online, the Xbox One has you covered. You can add voice over to your clips and even place a video of yourself playing the game in a picture in picture window. You can also upload videos to the cloud for further editing on a PC if necessary. The PS4 does not do either of these things. You can even stream your games and some games automatically record events like leveling up or awesome hits to provide you bragging rights to your friends.

Xbox calls applications “snap,” and they can run on the left side of your screen with your game. Multitasking at its finest. You can have a music player playing while destroying your enemies in your favorite shooter, or blast the theme to “Pirates of the Caribbean” while you sink ships in “Assassins Creed Black Flag,” or video chat your friends while playing, browse the internet or watch tv. Tremendous technology that the PS4 just simply does not offer.

SmartGlass

This is the second screen option for the Xbox one. You can use a mobile device to use as a remote, watch videos, remote start your system and begin downloads, make purchases, and many more things.

Exclusive Partnerships

Microsoft has been able to strike exclusive deals with some companies like, DISH, Activision, Sling TV and a partnership with EA. You get EA game trials like the giant Call of Duty Franchise 5 days before the official launch. The EA Access deal is $5 a month or $30 a year but you get to access to several EA games like PVZ Garden Warfare, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, Need for Speed, Battlefield 4, EA Sports UFC, and others. This is a great deal if you play EA titles and most gamers do.

EDIT

Microsoft had a superior showing at E3 this year. Announcement were made that the Xbox One will now become backwards compatible with the Xbox 360. Games will be added throughout the coming months. This was a huge announcement and certainly a big score for Xbox. They also announced a new platform where users may get games prior to release, a new controller that will run you $150, and some exclusive title coming in the future.

Conclusion

The Xbox One is a solid gaming system and a far superior media hub when compared to the PS4. We rank it 8 out of 10 stars.