[chemgear]

Lots more coming up online now that the embargo is up. And more as the week goes on. Probably my last reading for tonight on Arstechnica below:


http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/1...om-revolution/

Xbox One review: More than a game console, less than a living room revolution

Limited multitasking and voice commands aren't worth an extra $100 on their own.

Conclusion

As a video game console, the Xbox One offers about what you'd expect from a new Microsoft console: a big, heavy box (though quieter than you might expect), more impressive specs (though less than what you might expect after eight years), an improved controller (though still with a few odd oversights), and some good exclusive games (more reviews are coming but look into Dead Rising 3, Forza 5, Powerstar Golf, and Zoo Tycoon). As the central hub of a living room entertainment complex, though, Microsoft has a much harder sell. The company needs to prove the Xbox really adds enough value to be worthwhile and to justify the extra cost of the included Kinect over its similar competition.

At this point, the voice control and multitasking functions that are meant to really set the Xbox One apart are just shy of being good enough to really push the system over the top. They're nice conveniences, to be sure, but there are enough kinks in the execution to limit their effectiveness. Even if those are smoothed out with future updates, it's unclear that these features are worth $100 (though that reason is separate from any compelling exclusive games or visual/computational powerhouses).

In short, buy an Xbox One if and when there are enough exclusive games to convince you it's worth the expense. At that point, the extra media features that the Xbox One brings to the table will be nice fringe benefits, and these options may be more stable and usable than they are right now. If you can live without those platform exclusives, though, and if you can do without fancy picture-in-picture and voice commands, look into saving some money on a PlayStation 4 instead.
The good

• System is nearly silent when running.
• Relatively energy efficient.
• Great looking lighting effects and detailed characters.
• Redesigned analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and d-pad are incredibly comfortable.
• Improved rumble motor and new rumbling triggers.
• Instant-on mode goes from power button to loaded game incredibly quickly.
• Clean, sparse menu helps you find what you need efficiently.
• Voice can be extremely efficient for launching games and apps and searching.
• Snapping video is the new picture-in-picture.
• Switching between apps is fast and snappy.
• Upload studio is a great little clip editor.
• TV pass-through is lag-free and easy to use.

The bad

• Case is boxy, heavy, and about as big as the original Xbox.
• Many launch games don't pack much of a visual punch.
• Controller still uses AA batteries and proprietary headsets.
• Voice commands fail a good 10 to 20 percent of the time.
• System requires incredible precision in what voice commands it will take.
• Voice is cumbersome and annoying in many apps.
• Most apps are nearly useless in snap mode.

The ugly

• Kinect auto-login works inconsistently.
• In-game recording was largely busted on my review unit.
• Switching from game to game can delete unsaved data without warning.
• Kinect IR remote doesn't have a learning function for unsupported hardware.

Verdict: Buy it if there are exclusives that appeal to you, not for the bells and whistles. Otherwise, save $100 and get a PS4.