This isn’t the first generation of game consoles to claim to be the end-all-be-all home entertainment hub, but this may be the first generation to actually accomplish it. Sony’s PlayStation4 was released last Friday the 15th and Microsoft’s Xbox One will be released this Friday the 22nd.
For hard-core gamers who couldn’t care less about home media specs, the decision about which to buy was made years ago. Brand allegiance runs deep. But if you’re looking to get the most out of what will likely be (by a wide margin) the most powerful computer in your home and engage cable content through your new system, the decision is already made - Xbox One is your machine.
The Xbox One “home screen” appears and operates similarly to any other app-based environment (like a tablet or smart phone). Just select your app and enjoy. Upon release, Xbox One will already be enabled with a few cable apps - specifically, Fox Now, FX Now, ESPN, and in the very near future, HBO Go. Each of these channel apps will offer a specialized TV experience with lots of original content. But perhaps more interesting than native cable apps, Xbox One allows you to plug your cable box directly into the device and navigate using “OneGuide”, Microsoft’s programming guide. Essentially, Microsoft will overlay OneGuide on top of your cable feed, creating an all-new way to engage with content. One known feature will be the ability to customize a screen to show only your most-watched channels. And of course, OneGuide will be navigable through voice and possibly motion gestures via Kinect 2.0. Keep in mind these are just some of the features known at pre-launch.
The content app marketplace turns on a dime. Innovation usually wins the day and it’s likely new TV apps will be added to Xbox One in the future. Are you considering buying an Xbox One? If so, let us know what feature you’re most looking forward to.