Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Higher priced, yes. Less powerful, not really. By all accounts the sytems are virtually identical. What the PS4 wins in one category, the Xbox makes up for in another. However, only the Xbox can guarantee that every user will be connected to the cloud via broadband and can offload a ton of data. This could actually give the Xbox the edge once devs figure out how to utilize it. Plus, the Xbox runs on Windows and porting games over will be easier than on the PS4.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I don't know if it will be easier or not, since I don't believe we know what OS the VG portion will be and how similar it will be to each other and PCs.

I will be getting both (unless something changes in the next few months) and hope they will both be awesome.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

:lol: :up:

Regarding server offloading, yes the PS3.5 will be able to do it, as Sony confirmed, but they made it sound like this would happen on the studios' servers, not Sony's. Even if it was on Sony's servers, they're not exactly known for their robustness, are they? Microsoft, with Azure, is about as good as it gets in that department. It's one of the things they do extremely well, and is a major part of their business. Amazon, to my knowledge, is the only mainstream competitor, so maybe Sony uses them... I really don't know.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

It technically does have a less powerful graphics processor so it isn't incorrect to say "less powerful". So while it's great calculations will be off-loaded from the CPU, it isn't going to help render graphics on the GPU. There is potential for some cool AI calculating though.

It will also help that fact the Xbox One has less accessible, slower memory for games to use (5gb@2133MHz vs 7gb@5500MHz on the PS4). Originally it was reported the PS4 would run at 2.0GHz CPU vs. Xbox Ones 1.6GHz but that was a rumor and I don't know what it wound up being.

Also, the Xbox One does not run on Windows for games, I still have no idea where people got that idea. The stripped down version of Windows 8 included on the system is there for applications such as Skype. The system runs Hyper V at the base level allowing the two operating systems (stripped down Windows 8 and Xbox OS) to be run simultaneously and swapped seamlessly.

Pro: The Xbox One will have a badass app market.
Con: The OS eats up 3GB of RAM.

In the end, both systems run AMD/ATI Radeon graphic cards and support Direct X 11 which means easy programming and porting for both platforms. Most games next gen will be developed on the highest end PCs available and scaled down accordingly.

The Xbox One is an impressive piece of hardware from what I've seen and the TV integration looks great, but the PS4 certainly appears to be the better pure gaming machine. Both machines will play their part in essentially pushing console gaming into the PC realm, the Xbox One is more diving into the deep end, the PS4 is taking a drift dive. In 6 years they'll basically be at the same place, but the initial confusion over game discs will do a lot more harm than good for the Xbox One, it needs to be established among the masses that they're basically one time use installation discs and nothing more.

It may not be visible to everybody but the jump to x86 is pretty huge and should substantially cut down development cost and time.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Well to be fir about the "Xbox One will run Windows" plug....here is a good article from ZNet....

Microsoft's Xbox One: What's Windows got to do with it?...May 21, 2013


Microsoft officials told Wired.com back in April something similar. From the Wired story:

"The Xbox One simultaneously runs three separate operating systems. First comes the tiny Host OS, which boots the machine and then launches two other hard-partitioned systems: the Shared partition, an environment that runs any apps (Skype, Live TV, Netflix, etc.) and helps provide processing power for the Kinect sensor and its gesture and voice controls; and the Exclusive partition, which is where games run. Because of the way memory is apportioned in the Shared partition, you can switch between apps with little to no load times, and even snap them into another app or game to use both at the same time."

Before today's Xbox event, Windows SuperSite's Paul Thurrott had said the next Xbox was built on top of the Windows 8 core. If I were a betting woman, I'd guess the Shared partition described in the Wired piece is based on the Windows NT kernel.


Update after Xbox reveal...

.In an under-the-hood architecture panel following the Xbox One reveal, Boyd Multerer, Director of Development for Xbox, confirmed that the team started with Microsoft's Hyper-V hypervisor in building the Xbox One operating system. Multerer said the team stripped out all the general-purpose "goop" to create an OS that allowd two virtual machines to run in side-by-side partitions. One of the partitions runs apps; the other runs games.

"David Cutler built the hypervisor that does the switching back and forth," Multerer confirmed.

The new Xbox One interface looks quite similar to the Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 one, with a tiled look and feel. It runs Internet Explorer and Skype, just like any Windows PC/device. Also like Windows 8, the Xbox One includes snapping support. Microsoft officials demonstrated during the Xbox reveal how users will be able to "snap" applications, movies and games allowing them to multitask.

Another Windows 8 similarity: Xbox One is optimized to work in different power states, depending on the game or application that's running. The console remains in a low-power state so that when a user says "Xbox On," it will be able to power up quickly. This sounds a lot like Connected Standby in Windows 8.



http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-xbox...it-7000015684/


And regards to Sony releasing nothing more than a PS3.5, might as well say MS released a Xbox 560 then. Both machines are every bit six times the power than their current models and we've only scratched the surface as to what we'll see fom both 2-3 years from now.

MS has it's cloud service and PS4 will have one in 2014

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

yeah, the Xbox 360 already looks like Windows 8 so no big surprise there. I figured Windows 8 would be the base OS with Xbox OS loading separately but the hypervisor solution made more sense when they announced it. Didn't know somebody had actually said Windows 8 core originally.

Also, the PS4 was originally designed with 4GB of GDDR5 in mind. During a meeting with Gearbox developers it came up that it wasn't enough and so they doubled it. I don't know what MS originally had in mind, they're a lot more strict with their details, but I'm certainly curious now. While these numbers seem insane by console standards, using standard PC hardware also has its disadvantages.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I'm still waiting for someone, anyone to tell me why the Kinect is mandatory on the One. Yes I understand that it gives TV integration, allows you to Skype and can turn the unit on and off with a voice command, but nothing about it seems like it should really be required to use the console for gaming. As much as I may disagree with the every-24 hr check ins, at least I can understand it from a functional standpoint. The live-in Kinect spy totally baffles me (and may preclude me from ever getting a One if there isn't a wireless camera considering my home theater set up). One of my friends has an awesome home theater with a huge protection screen. I guess he's out on this system as well.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

The MS line is that Kinect is mandatory so developers can always assume it is there. That said, that doesn't mean that devs HAVE to use it at all. They can ignore it, too, and if they do (and most will, I hope), then playing those games will be done as they always have; with a controller, and that's it. Still, MS should get their heads out of their asses and unbundle it.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I think they wanted the Kinect there for navigation (hell Samsung ripped it off and put it in their TVs) and so any game could implement Kinect controls without having concern of alienating players that might not have a Kinect. Unfortunately MS fails to realize it's still a peripheral device, one that a lot of people don't want and won't utilize. People can go into their conspiracy theories about NSA surveillance but I'll pass that one on to paranoia.

I look at it like the Wii, all consoles came with the motion remote even if you didn't want to use it and just wanted the traditional gamepad. What console sold the most last gen? The Wii, because of the novelty and Wii Sports. Microsoft is probably hoping to duplicate similar success by making the system Kinect-centric, and they may have if the Kinect 1.0 didn't already come out and wear out its welcome.

Your buddy may be screwed if he puts his AV equipment in a closet ... from using Kinect-centric games. The first thing I'm turning off if I get an Xbox One is the "watch" feature that sees if people are in the room or not. Or I'm putting an action figure with my face taped on it in front of it.

I'm sure Microsoft actually did have the best intentions with the Kinect being included, I don't think the NSA surveillance being confirmed (c'mon we all knew it was happening), PRISM, etc; all hitting right now helped things out.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

This is a huge drawback for me too. My house has a unique layout. Basically, my home theater and bedroom are open to each other. When I use the Kinect, you can see my bed in the background. It's fine for short gaming sessions and I unplug it when it's not in use. But I don't want an always-on webcam pointed at my bedroom.

And frankly, I rarely use the Kinect and wasn't going to buy one on the next console. So I'm also upset at having to use (and pay for) an accessory I don't want.

Although I'm annoyed with some of the other aspects of Xbone, I can probably live with them. However, this really pushes me over the edge.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

This shouldn't need to be repeated, but...

http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/privacy
Privacy by Design: How Xbox One and the New Kinect Sensor Put You in Control

Xbox One and Kinect offer easy and approachable ways to control your games and entertainment with your voice and gestures. By recognizing you, Xbox One can tailor personal experiences and customize content just for you.

At Microsoft, we prioritize your privacy. We understand that your personal data and privacy are important. Xbox One and Kinect will provide tools to put you in control of your data. These include:

You are in control of what Kinect can see and hear: By design, you will determine how responsive and personalized your Xbox One is to you and your family during setup. The system will navigate you through key privacy options, like automatic or manual sign in, privacy settings, and clear notifications about how data is used. When Xbox One is on and you’re simply having a conversation in your living room, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded.

You are in control of when Kinect sensing is On, Off or Paused: If you don’t want the Kinect sensor on while playing games or enjoying your entertainment, you can pause Kinect. To turn off your Xbox One, just say “Xbox Off.” When the system is off, it’s only listening for the single voice command -- “Xbox On,” and you can even turn that feature off too. Some apps and games may require Kinect functionality to operate, so you’ll need to turn it back on for these experiences.

You are in control of your personal data: You can play games or enjoy applications that use data, such as videos, photos, facial expressions, heart rate and more, but this data will not leave your Xbox One without your explicit permission. Here are a few examples of potential future scenarios:
A fitness game could measure heart rate data to provide you with improved feedback on your workout, allow you to track your progress, or even measure calories burned.
A card game could allow you to bluff your virtual opponent using your facial expressions.

You can use other inputs to control your games, TV and entertainment experiences: While it’s faster to find what you’re looking for using your voice and gesture commands with Kinect, you can use a controller, your remote controls or your smart devices instead. And you can use all of these devices when Kinect is paused.

...
You may not want to believe that MS cares about your privacy, but the statements made above will be put to the test by consumer rights organizations, because if they're lying about any of it, they'll be destroyed in court. I think this is separate from the whole PRISM debate, and I get the concern... but do you really think MS would put themselves in a position where every Kinect it watching you 24/7, when they've explicitly said it won't be, just so they can watch you have sexy time in your bed?

This isn't all directed at you, TheBigDave... but I see this argument over and over, and the only basis is that, because PRISM exists, and Microsoft was implicated (and every implicated company is trying their damnedest to prove that their involvement is not at all what has been suggested), it automatically means spying on you is the real purpose of Kinect, and I think that's bullshit, regardless of which console people want to buy.

And yet, I still fucking hate Kinect because it's a stupid accessory.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Nope. Now it's a stupid, mandatory part of the next generation console.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Won't this only get worse with them updating the OS every year? That's been the problem with the 360 getting far more bloated than they ever imagined. I'm not a fan of the crossbar on PS3, but it does run smooth as silk and isn't in your face at every turn.

Like everything about the X1, it's a convoluted excuse.

They can still pack a Kinect in with every console without requiring it to be plugged in. If a game requires it, we can dig the dust magnet out of the closet and plug it in. This way, everyone still has one and devs can develop based on that knowledge, but still gives users the option of using it or not.

I'm of the mindset, they are banking on users not turning off certain settings and boom, they can generate all kinds of ad revenue from targeting what the thing sees in the room.

And yeah, I'm a projector guy so not wireless blows. If I had the option of plugging it in and draping a cord for a select few games, I'd let it slide.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I've heard all those assurances before, and they don't mean much to me. I don't feel comfortable unless I can unplug it. And I don't think you can do that.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

You can certainly unplug it when you're done playing, you just have to replug it in before booting back up.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Windows 8 uses less resources than Windows 7.
Windows 7 uses less resources than Windows Vista.
If those are any indication, I think this will be a non-issue.
The 360 came out before Vista, and has always been run by a team in MS that did not work at all with the rest of the organization. The XO is bringing these groups back together a bit.

I think that's exactly how it should work. :up: All that would take is a firmware upgrade. That way, MS can say "yes, every user has one of these things... in a box in the storage room."

I really think that that's absolutely insane. Maybe they'll show ads for My Little Pony if they see short humans or fat white guys in their late 20's, but I don't think they'll go, "Hey, you have 1000 DVDs in your room. You should consider Netflix!"

Ditto. Still not sure how I'm going to handle the Kinect under my screen if my electronics rack is 20 to 30 feet away (along the wall), in a closet.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

^ they already said the thing can track where on the screen your eyes look (aka, which ads you're actually viewing). So yeah, it's an ad machine accessory disguised as a gaming device. :)

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I am also in the projector crowd and my consoles, receiver, and cable box sit in the adjacent room. This was one of the main reasons I sold my Kinect when we moved into this house (and the fact that none of the family was playing with it anymore).

So if this fucker is required to always be plugged in, can it be in another room and facing the wall? The required collection on this thing is retarded. Include it in the package if you want but why the required hook-up? It literally makes no sense.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

And having something in my house that can listen to all my conversations creeps me out as well. Point the damn thing at a wall but it can still listen to you. Fucking creepy man!

I know they say you can turn it off but how do you know it still isn't listening to you? And if you are ballsy enough to turn big brother off, does it stay off permanently and you have to keep manual switching it off every time you change games or turn off your X1?

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I'm plenty informed and easily favor the PS4. Why do you assume others aren't?

I anticipate a tutorial online on which wires to cut inside an Xbox One Kinect to disable the mic and camera permanently about 5 minutes after launch. If I get an Xbox One, I'll just wrap the dumb thing in gaffe tape and dump it on the floor behind my TV.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

I seriously doubt that either of these consoles hit 70 million. Too many people have moved to playing games casually on their phones and tablets. Hell, even I have spent more time on my phone playing Candy Crush than on my console, where I have plenty of the newest games to play.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

Good point. I use the global mute setting on the 360 and that has been somehow reset a couple times over the years. I don't know it's been reset until I hop in a mp game and hear the twelve year olds coming out the surround speakers.

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

And I said it before and I'll say it again: if the Kinect weren't mandatory, they could have released a base console without one easily at the $399 price point. Forcing that stupid camera on us screwed themselves over twice.

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Yeah, I'd probably pay extra for a version that doesn't force a Kinect. The fact that they're charging more for something most people don't care about is idiotic.

It's like if ROB was mandatory for the NES

Re: Xbox One: This Thread Requires An Always On Internet Connection
 

If it was $399 without a mandatory webcam, I would buy it. I don't like the DRM, used games policy and internet connection bullshit. But I loved the 360, so I'd be willing to live with it.