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Xbox One Game DVR, Skype, Smart Match are for Gold subscribers
Xbox One Game DVR, a feature that will allow players to record gameplay directly through the console, will be exclusive to Gold subscribers, as will Skype and Smart Match matchmaking. These features are in addition to the established parameters of Xbox Live Gold set on Xbox 360: Premium entertainment apps like Netflix will still require it, as will online multiplayer and those coming live NFL broadcasts. Microsoft hasn't said if self-publishing will require Gold. The Xbox One is slated to launch this November for $500 in North America, €500 in Europe and £430 in the United Kingdom. The Xbox One will initially be available in 21 different markets.
Xbox One incorporates 'Smart Match' matchmaking, 'Living Game' tech
Apart from its whiz-bang voice, motion and video capture features, the Xbox One also features some new tech under the hood to improve Xbox Live. In addition to a huge server boost and dynamic Achievements, the new Xbox Live will use a feature called Smart Match, which "uses advanced algorithms to pair players based on skill, language, and now reputation." Microsoft hasn't provided further details, but it sounds like reputation is the biggest difference between Smart Match and TrueSkill, Xbox Live's current skill rating system. TrueSkill only takes player skill into account when creating matches. Microsoft has also provided a little more info on the new persistent side of Xbox Live. Called "Living Games," the tech leverages cloud computing to create persistent worlds. The company adds that "your games stay in sync with the real world, which means the latest stats can be automatically fed into your sports games." Furthermore, "Advanced AI even allows your friends to play against your shadow when you're not available." We're assuming Microsoft got the idea after a late night viewing of Michael Keaton's 1996 comedy smash, Multiplicity.
