Understanding How the Xbox One Operates

More than a decade ago, Microsoft made its entry into the gaming console industry with the launch of the original Xbox in 2001. This device was a powerful machine designed with future gaming in mind, featuring an internal hard drive and built-in broadband connectivity, both groundbreaking features at the time. Despite being ahead of its era, it struggled to turn a profit, though it offered other media capabilities, including CD and DVD playback, positioning it as a unique gaming system.

Microsoft changed the landscape of online multiplayer gaming in 2002 with the debut of Xbox Live, which allowed players to connect with others across the globe. This platform also gave developers the ability to provide downloadable content, enabling games to evolve and expand well after their initial release.

Released in 2005, the Xbox 360 was a more powerful gaming console, but with the rise of media streaming apps, it quickly became a central entertainment hub in many homes. However, it still had limitations, such as only allowing one task at a time, and some non-gaming features, like browsing the Internet with a game controller, were a bit unwieldy. The Kinect, introduced in 2010, added voice and motion control capabilities.

The Xbox One, the newest addition to the Xbox lineup, brings a range of new entertainment, social, and computing features, alongside major advancements in voice and motion control with the new generation of the Kinect. It’s now evolving into an all-in-one (or near-all-in-one) home media system. Microsoft aims for it to be the heart of your living room. With improvements like a faster processor, more memory, enhanced graphics, faster app switching, and multitasking abilities, it’s a big leap forward from its predecessor.

Keep reading to discover more about this device from Microsoft that’s not just for gaming.

Technical Specifications

The Xbox One is equipped with a Microsoft-customized 8-core AMD Jaguar x86 processor (CPU), 8GB of 2133MHz DDR3 RAM, and 32MB of high-speed ESRAM integrated into the processor. This is a significant upgrade from the Xbox 360's custom Power-PC CPU with 512MB of RAM.

The console is powered by an 853 MHz AMD Radeon GPU with 12 compute units (CUs), delivering an estimated 1.31 teraFLOPS. Approximately 10% of the GPU's processing time is reserved for system tasks like Kinect functions and running background apps, although Microsoft may allow developers to utilize some of this in the future. Additionally, 3GB of the RAM is allocated to running the operating system (OS).

The console features a Blu-ray drive with 720p and 1080p resolution support, upgrading from the previous console’s standard DVD player. For storage, it comes with a 500GB non-removable hard drive. Microsoft cautions that some of this space is used by system software, so the full 500GB won’t be available for games and media. The console also includes three USB 3.0 ports, and while there were plans to allow external storage via USB, that feature was delayed and will be available at a later date.

The Xbox One boasts a sleek black design, with a few rumored special edition white consoles. It measures approximately 13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches (33.3 x 27.4 x 7.9 cm). In addition to USB ports, it has HDMI-out and HDMI-in, an S/PDIF optical audio-out, an IR-out port, a Kensington Security Slot, and a port for Kinect. For internet access, it includes dual-band 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

The Xbox One package includes the Kinect 2.0 sensor, one wireless controller, a mono headset, a Category 2 4K-rated HDMI cable, a power brick, and a power cord.

The controller retains the same button, stick, and trigger layout as the previous model, but with over 40 enhancements for better comfort and control. The new Impulse Triggers are more responsive, featuring additional mini rumble motors to provide more precise directional feedback. Powered by AA batteries or a rechargeable kit (sold separately), the controller has a redesigned battery compartment integrated into a U-shaped circuit board, offering a more ergonomic grip and smoother thumb movement. The D-pad has been refined for better sensitivity, and the thumbsticks are smaller and textured for improved feel and functionality. Additionally, the A, B, X, and Y buttons have been slightly repositioned for a more intuitive experience.

The controllers are now fully wireless and feature infrared (IR) LEDs, allowing them to sync with the console at the press of a button when within the Kinect's view. For those who prefer a wired connection, the controllers can be plugged in via micro USB. This connection also powers the controller or charges the play and charge kit. Up to eight controllers can be connected at the same time.

Keep reading to explore the new features in Kinect 2.0 and the SmartGlass app.

Kinect 2.0 and SmartGlass

The Kinect, equipped with cameras and microphones, makes a significant leap forward with Kinect 2.0. This upgraded version may allow you to navigate menus and apps without the need for physical controllers. While the previous Xbox 360 console let you use voice commands through the optional Kinect to select and run items from the menu, this feature still exists on Xbox One with the 'Xbox select' voice command. Kinect 2.0 is designed to be more intuitive and responsive, supporting a wider range of commands that can be activated at any time, without relying on menus.

When you log in for the first time, Kinect will scan your face and create a skeletal model of you, establishing your biometric ID within the system. After this, the console will automatically recognize you and sign you in the moment you enter the room, displaying your personalized home screen. For privacy, your biometric data stays on your console, not in the cloud. If a command requiring an account login is given, Kinect will pinpoint the voice’s origin and use the biometric model to identify the speaker.

Kinect 2.0 offers a 60 percent wider field of vision compared to the original. With its active infrared (IR) camera, it performs well in low-light environments and uses 3D geometry to detect your position. Smaller hand gestures can now be used to control games and apps. It can distinguish between an open or closed hand, detect when you're off-balance, and even track your heart rate and facial expressions. The new Kinect can track up to six people simultaneously, a big improvement over the two-person limit of the previous version, and it recognizes more joints for each person. Thanks to its five-microphone array, it can isolate noise and determine who to listen to in a noisy room.

To turn on your Xbox, simply say 'Xbox on.' When the console is off, it stays in standby mode, listening for the activation command. The Kinect's integrated IR blaster can even send signals to other devices connected to the Xbox One, like your cable box or television.

Although Kinect comes bundled with the Xbox One, it is still a separate component. You have the option to turn it off through the settings or unplug it entirely. The Xbox One can still function without it, should you prefer not to use it.

A new and innovative way to control your console is available with the latest version of the Xbox SmartGlass app. By downloading it onto your iOS, Android, Windows Phone, or Windows 8 tablet or smartphone, you can turn your mobile device into a controller. The app allows you to use your device's touchscreen to move a cursor, swipe through screens, type with the virtual keyboard, or tap to select items. It's an especially handy way to navigate the Web. Additionally, developers can expand apps by adding second-screen functionality, such as offering game tips or movie commentary.

SmartGlass also lets you track your achievements and progress in games, watch recorded clips, send and receive messages, and pin content for easy access on your console. There are even rumors of the ability to transfer movies and TV shows between your mobile device and Xbox. However, the features available will differ depending on the operating system of your phone.

New Features With Xbox One

Similar to its predecessor, Xbox One allows you to download a wide variety of apps and pin your favorites to the home screen for quick access. However, unlike before, your home screen and digital content such as game downloads and saved spots are now stored in the cloud, making them accessible from any Xbox One console.

Xbox One now supports multitasking. By saying the 'snap' voice command, you can open a second app on the right side of your screen, next to the current activity. For example, saying 'Xbox, snap Internet Explorer' will bring up the browser alongside the existing app. You can easily switch between apps using the 'switch' voice command or by double-tapping the home button on the controller. This means you can Skype while watching a movie or search for game hints while playing. The second app will appear in a smaller window, like the old picture-in-picture feature.

Xbox One offers the convenience of effortlessly switching between apps. For example, if you're playing a game and say, 'Xbox, watch TV,' it will take you to TV while keeping your game saved in active memory. This means you can return to the game exactly where you left off, or switch to a new one without losing your progress. The system can hold up to 10 apps in memory at once, though this limit may drop if you're running apps that consume more resources.

Another improvement is that Xbox One handles updates and downloads in the background, rather than forcing you to wait while they occur when you power on the device or log in. This means you can continue enjoying your entertainment without frequent interruptions.

To access a wide range of premium features, such as Skype, multiplayer gaming, Game DVR, Upload Studio, The NFL on Xbox One, Internet Explorer, and the Xbox SmartGlass app, you'll need an Xbox Live Gold membership.

Television and Streaming Features

With Xbox One, you can connect your cable or satellite box via the HDMI-in port and enjoy TV through HDMI Pass-Thru. This feature allows the device to pass whatever the HDMI source outputs directly to your TV. As long as the HDMI device is compatible, you can connect various devices. During setup, you just need to provide your TV, other device model numbers, and cable or satellite provider information.

The Kinect's IR blaster is capable of sending signals to connected external devices like your TV, AV system, and set-top box. This lets you change channels, adjust volume, or mute your TV—all using voice commands. This functionality means you can watch cable TV without needing to switch TV inputs or use a remote. Plus, you can still receive multiplayer invites from friends.

Xbox One features a new OneGuide that consolidates TV listings, favorites, and streaming app channels into a single guide. Streaming services that have developed for OneGuide can also be included in this feature. Your favorites could be TV channels, in-app programs, or even personal media from SkyDrive (Microsoft's cloud storage service). This allows you to customize your guide with the content you're most likely to watch. You can use voice commands to pull up listings for specific channels or start playing shows, and even switch channels by saying, 'Xbox, go to the ESPN channel,' or 'Xbox, watch AMC.'

Unfortunately, Xbox One doesn’t allow you to schedule recordings on your DVR or view your scheduled recordings. To manage DVR functions, you'll need to switch back to your set-top box or another external DVR.

Several streaming apps are lined up for the new console, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant, Vudu, Crackle, TED, Machinima, Verizon FiOS TV, and Target Ticket. Major networks will also feature apps, such as ESPN, Fox Now, FXNow, Univision Deportes, CWTV, and HBO Go. While some may not be immediately available, they are expected to launch between the release date and spring 2014.

Streaming isn't limited to channels alone. You can also stream content directly from your SkyDrive cloud storage, with Xbox users receiving 7GB of free storage. Additionally, you can stream media from a Windows 8 PC to your Xbox One using the Xbox Video and Xbox Music apps. At launch, MP3 playback from local storage on your Xbox won't be supported, but this feature is planned for future updates.

The Xbox Fitness app offers a wealth of fitness resources, available for free with an Xbox Live Gold membership for a limited time. Xbox One is also the official gaming console of the NFL, and the NFL's dedicated app allows users to access stats, scores, news, video highlights, and manage their NFL.com Fantasy Football teams.

Gaming Advances and Features

Xbox One offers plenty of exciting upgrades for gamers. It features a faster processor, more memory, and enhanced graphics. You can even start playing games before they're fully installed. Multiplayer loading times are quicker, and, as mentioned earlier, you can leave a game and return to pick up where you left off. Your Xbox Live Gold membership will work across both Xbox One and Xbox 360, so you won’t need separate accounts or rush to ditch your old system. Plus, your Gamertag and Gamerscore will carry over from the Xbox 360. However, there is a downside: Xbox One doesn't support backward compatibility with older games, and your old controllers won’t work, so you'll need to start fresh with new ones.

Microsoft has removed the 1000-point cap on Gamerscore per game and now allows developers to add achievements regularly—whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly—giving players more chances to earn rewards without the need for extra game downloads. These achievements will be stored in the cloud. Additionally, timed challenges across specific titles or groups of titles will let you earn in-game rewards (but not Gamerscore points). Some challenges will even encourage community involvement rather than solo play. Xbox has also introduced a separate media achievement system for non-game apps to gamify activities like watching videos.

Artificial intelligence has also seen improvements. The SmartMatch feature now uses advanced algorithms to pair you with players who share similar playstyles. It will continue learning from your gameplay, matching you with better computer-generated opponents over time. The reputation system has been overhauled to isolate problematic players—those who are frequently blocked or reported—by matching them with other problematic players in multiplayer games. A negative reputation could earn you a red mark as a warning to others, and a group’s reputation will be determined by the player with the lowest score. There are safeguards to prevent people from unfairly lowering your reputation.

Xbox One introduces a new Game DVR feature that allows you to record up to five minutes of gameplay at 720p and 30 frames per second. Just say 'Xbox, record that' while playing. The console continuously records the last five minutes, so you’re always ready to capture unexpected moments. You can edit your clips, add voice-overs, and customize them using the Upload Studio app before sharing. At launch, you'll be able to upload via Xbox Live, with Facebook and YouTube sharing expected sometime in 2014. The Game DVR can also be set to automatically record special moments, like when you unlock achievements.

Xbox One will feature some standout game-related apps. Twitch, the popular platform for live broadcasting gameplay and engaging with other gamers, will be seamlessly integrated for easy sharing and social interaction. Additionally, Machinima is launching a revamped version of its app alongside the Xbox One, offering users access to walkthroughs, tutorial videos, reviews, and other useful resources.

Game Exclusives

As with most new console launches, Xbox One will have its own lineup of exclusive games and unique content from some cross-platform titles. On the release date, players can look forward to the action-packed Roman adventure 'Ryse: Son of Rome,' the zombie thriller 'Dead Rising 3,' the racing simulator 'Forza Motorsport 5,' the animal simulation 'Zoo Tycoon,' the fitness-focused 'Zumba World Party,' and a free trial of 'Kinect Sports: Rivals,' all available exclusively on Xbox One.

Several games will be available for digital download through Xbox Live, including 'Crimson Dragon,' 'LocoCycle,' 'Powerstar Golf,' and the popular fighting game 'Killer Instinct.'

More exclusive titles are expected to arrive during the launch window, which concludes in March 2014. These include 'Peggle 2,' 'Minecraft: Xbox One Edition,' 'Project Spark,' and the much-anticipated 'Titanfall.' While 'Titanfall' will be available on both PC and Xbox, it won’t be released on any other consoles.

Some major titles will be released on both Xbox One and its main competitor, Sony's PlayStation 4 (PS4). These include 'Battlefield 4,' 'Call of Duty: Ghosts,' 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag,' and 'Lego Marvel Super Heroes.'

'Call of Duty: Ghosts' and 'Battlefield 4' will feature downloadable content (DLC) exclusives on Xbox One. Additionally, 'Call of Duty: Ghosts' will allow you to transfer your profile from Xbox 360 to Xbox One if you upgrade. Both titles will also support second screen features via SmartGlass.

Social and Communication Advances

While voice chatting, messaging, and friending were possible on the Xbox 360, the Xbox One takes these features to an entirely new level. In addition to Game DVR video sharing, multiplayer matching, and community achievements, Xbox One introduces even more advanced social and communication features.

The updated Friends app now resembles features found in popular social networks. It allows you to add up to 1,000 friends and keep track of their Xbox One activities, based on their privacy settings. You can explore your friends' profiles and friend lists, while monitoring all their activity via a dynamic news feed. You can also check your own activities, achievements, reputation, friends, followers, and even watch your uploaded DVR clips. For your closest gaming circle, you can easily add them to your favorites for quicker access.

You can also follow users who aren't in your friends list and see limited details about their scores and achievements. If two users follow each other, they automatically become friends. However, if you're not comfortable with others viewing your information, you have the option to block your profile and prevent anyone from following you.

Xbox One now enables 1080p HD video calls through Skype, allowing you to connect with anyone else on a supported platform. A broadband Internet connection and Xbox Live Gold membership are required, along with compatible TVs, webcams, and messaging clients for all participants. The Group Video Chat feature lets you interact with up to three other people at once, and long-distance calls come at no extra cost.

You can run Skype alongside other apps, making multitasking a breeze. Even more impressively, Kinect can detect who’s speaking in the room, automatically focusing on the active participant by panning and zooming in. It can also adjust the view to include multiple participants when needed.

How It Compares to Sony's PlayStation 4

The Xbox One and PS4 share several similarities, such as closely related CPUs and GPUs, along with matching memory and storage sizes. However, there are some notable hardware differences that may impact performance.

The PS4 is powered by an 8-core single-chip x86 AMD Jaguar CPU, part of the same AMD 'Sea Islands' family as the customized CPU in Xbox One. It also features 8GB of 5500MHz GDDR5 RAM, which is faster than Xbox One’s DDR3 RAM, though Xbox One has additional integrated ESRAM. The PS4 includes a 500GB removable hard drive, whereas Xbox One has a similarly sized, non-removable drive, but future updates will allow external storage through USB.

The PS4 features a PlayStation-customized 800MHz AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next engine GPU with 18 Compute Units (CUs), which is six more CUs than the Xbox One's GPU, delivering up to 1.84 teraFLOPS of performance at peak.

Both consoles can display games in 1080p high-definition at 60 frames per second, although some games on Xbox One may run at slightly lower resolutions than on the PS4. Despite these minor differences, both systems offer impressive graphics that outperform their predecessors.

Both the PS4 and Xbox One support Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n connectivity. The PS4 also includes Bluetooth, while Xbox One relies on Wi-Fi Direct for device-to-device wireless communication. Both consoles offer HDMI and optical outputs, but Xbox One additionally features HDMI input, allowing it to stream video from cable or satellite boxes, a feature that the PS4 lacks.

The PS4’s new DualShock 4 controller introduces a touchpad and several comfort improvements, but it maintains a similar layout to the previous model. PS4 allows connection of up to four controllers, whereas Xbox One can support up to eight controllers at once.

The Xbox One comes with the Kinect as a standard accessory, while the PS4’s Eye (its motion- and voice-detecting device) is sold separately. The Kinect’s new model offers significant upgrades, including a 1080p resolution RGB camera compared to the Eye’s 720p. Kinect also features an IR blaster that uses infrared light to measure depth and see in the dark, a feature absent in the Eye, which instead uses two cameras for triangulating the user’s location. Additionally, the PS4 Eye no longer requires the Move controllers, though they are still compatible.

Both consoles leverage cloud computing for storing data and enhancing gaming and app experiences. They also support running multiple apps simultaneously, allowing users to quickly switch between them. Unfortunately, neither console offers backward compatibility for old games, which means you may need to hold on to your previous consoles for a while if there’s a title you can't live without.

Xbox One is expected to support media streaming from your PC, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, and some certified Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) devices, but only those that comply with Microsoft’s Play To standard. In contrast, the PS4 does not support DLNA and lacks the ability to play CDs or MP3s, though it can stream music via apps.

Similar to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 features a gaming DVR that lets you record up to 15 minutes of gameplay. Initially, you can share these recordings on Facebook, with YouTube support coming at a later time.

Both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 have apps for smartphones and tablets that allow you to control the console or access additional information. The PlayStation Vita can also be used with PS4 to control the console remotely or provide second-screen functionality. You can even play PS4 games remotely around the house using the Remote Play feature.

Sony initially offered more support to independent game developers, which could result in a wider variety of indie games on the PS4. However, Microsoft has now stated that all Xbox One consoles will function as free development units and will allow self-published titles, potentially with certification, marking a shift from their previous policies.

On Xbox One, an annual Xbox Gold membership is required for TV streaming, multiplayer online gaming, and Skype. On the other hand, PlayStation 4 allows streaming apps and video chatting for free, but to access multiplayer gaming, you'll need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus.

In the U.S., PS4 launched on November 15, 2013, priced at $399.99, which is $100 less than Xbox One. This price doesn’t include the optional Eye camera, priced at $59.99 as of November 2013. While PS4 is slightly more affordable than Xbox One, the choice often depends on personal preference or which console your friends prefer.

There have been notable controversies and issues with Xbox One, including the heavy advertising for its exclusive title, "Ryse: Son of Rome," developed by Microsoft as a launch title for the new console.

The Xbox One's journey has been fraught with controversy. Initially, Microsoft declared that users would be unable to freely buy or sell used games. They also mentioned that the console would need to connect to the internet at least once every 24 hours, even for offline gaming. Public backlash forced the company to reverse both policies, and now, you can play most games from a physical disc, regardless of your online status. An internet connection is only necessary for the initial setup and for downloading game or system updates, including a mandatory day-one update.

While many features still depend on an internet connection, at least gameplay won't be entirely unplayable if your internet or Xbox's servers experience issues. Plus, you won’t be forced to repurpose games you no longer enjoy as coasters. That said, the gradual shift from physical discs to digital downloads might eventually eliminate the ability to buy used games. If you prefer, you can buy Xbox One games in digital format rather than physical, and certain titles are only available for download.

The Kinect’s advanced facial and skeletal recognition features have sparked privacy concerns. If you're hesitant about these capabilities, rest assured that you can disable auto-login and the voice or gesture commands. Additionally, you can set up a password requirement on top of the recognition feature before logging in. Your biometric data is also said to be stored locally on your device rather than in the cloud. And, as mentioned earlier, Kinect use is optional — you can unplug it and use traditional controllers instead.

As of reports prior to the Xbox One's release, when you snap an app to your screen and run two audio-producing apps simultaneously, both will play sound at once. Unfortunately, there is no option to prioritize one app’s audio over the other unless either app offers a mute feature. While this issue could be resolved with future updates, as of November 2013, it's still unclear when or if this will be addressed.

The removal of the 1000-point per-game Gamerscore cap has left some players concerned about how they can fully complete all game achievements. However, Xbox has reassured consumers that despite the absence of a cap, developers will be required to follow specific guidelines, and the company will monitor for any misuse.

In a retail blunder, a few Xbox One consoles were shipped early by Target, nearly two weeks before the official launch date. In response, Microsoft banned these early units from connecting to Xbox Live, though the company promised to lift the ban as the release date drew nearer.

Reception and Availability

Feedback from those who have had the chance to test the device has been largely positive. However, since it hasn't been available for long, most reviews caution that home conditions may differ from the controlled environments in demos. Some users reported needing to repeat voice commands, but Microsoft assures that the system improves and becomes more precise with continued use. In most demonstrations, voice recognition performed fairly well. Many reviewers found the device's ability to switch between programs, pause games, and bring up simultaneously running apps to be as responsive as Microsoft claimed. Additionally, the graphics are reported to be breathtaking.

Despite some current issues, Xbox One's policies and system features are adaptable, so, like in the past, more changes and improvements are expected through software updates and new app additions. The console has plenty of room to evolve and get even better.

The Xbox One launched globally on November 22, 2013, priced at $499. The updated SmartGlass app, enhanced Xbox Live features, and several game releases were also available at launch.

As is typical with gaming consoles, initial availability is expected to be limited, but it should become more widespread over time. Additionally, following the usual pattern, the price of the previous console model may drop slightly to accommodate late adopters until they’re ready to upgrade to the latest version.