Microsoft has revealed its new gaming console as a multimedia device that builds on consumer enthusiasm to use their consoles as a means to watch catch-up TV.
It is a clear bid by Microsoft to assert itself in the living room over the Smart TVs and cable/satellite devices it is looking to embrace and follows last month’s sale of the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV middleware business to Ericsson.
“We’ve powered it with a completely new software architecture that combines three new operating systems,” explained Marc Whitten, chief product officer from Microsoft’s IEB Division. “The best version of the Xbox operating system, so that game creators can take full advantage of the hardware, a version of windows that lets us build the best web-powered experiences quickly, and a third operating system that makes you switch between those operating experiences instantly”.
HD quality video will be a part of the new Xbox One that allows owners to connect the box to their cable or satellite tuner through the HDMI output.
In tandum with this the Xbox SmartGlass has the capability to turn a mobile phone or tablet into a second screen that can interact with the TV screen.
The interface of Xbox One is a hybrid between the look and feel of existing gaming consoles, including the Xbox itself, still the most popular console in the United States.
For the gamer there is a re-engineered version of motion technology Kinect, which also makes it possible to add voice commands to the process of changing channels.