Xbox One: Everything from Microsoft's Xbox reveal event
Microsoft's Xbox reveal event went down today, where the company unveiled its next Xbox, called the Xbox One.
It's a cloud-based machine sporting an improved Kinect camera, along with a redesigned controller with a new d-pad and integrated battery compartment. The console itself has a Blu-ray drive, 500GB of internal storage and an eight-core x86 CPU paired with 8GB of system memory. In many ways, it's similar to the make-up of the PS4.%Gallery-189003%
In terms of UI and experience, the Xbox One's first standout feature is Snap mode, which allows multiple apps to run simultaneously on the console. At any time, either through gesture or voice-control, players can bring up other apps - an example given during the conference was using Internet Explorer to research movie times while simultaneously watching a movie.
Group Skype calls are also possible on Xbox One, and SmartGlass returns with some updated functionality. Xbox Live servers will also be increased for Xbox One through cloud computing, and Microsoft is making a big push for sports fans on Xbox One.
Contrary to popular belief, Xbox One isn't always online, but does require an internet connection. There is no backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 discs, nor with XBLA games, but Xbox One lets you play games while installing and supports up to 1,000 friends. Xbox One can even update Achievements based on player behavior and integrates new matchmaking tech.
As for games, Microsoft unveiled the next entry in Turn 10's flagship racing series, Forza MotorSport 5. Remedy's Quantum Break was also teased, and Microsoft has re-committed to Call of Duty by continuing its exclusivity deal on Call of Duty content, starting with Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox One. Finally, EA and Microsoft formed a "special relationship" and promise four EA Sports games for Xbox One: UFC, FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25 and NBA Live 14. These games are powered by EA Sports' next game engine, Ignite.
On the heels of Microsoft's Xbox reveal event, Ubisoft was quick to announce that Watch Dogs and Assassin's Creed 4 are coming to Xbox One, as are Battlefield 4 and Destiny.
Microsoft's last announcement involves Xbox Entertainment Studios, the new LA division responsible for coming up with original programming on Xbox. Nancy Tellem, who heads up the studio, revealed that Microsoft is teaming up with Steven Spielberg on a Halo television series.
