The Controller

Impulse Triggers – Xbox One’s Wireless Controller sports four vibration motors – a small one behind each trigger that adds precise and directional haptic feedback to the finger tips, and a larger in each grip for large scale rumbles.

Higher Quality Headset Audio – The data transfer rate between the controller and console has been improved (up to 250Mbps), allowing for higher fidelity audio in communication headsets. In-game chat over Xbox Live, according to the team, will be in many cases clearer than talking on a phone. The Xbox One audio chat headset now streams 24 kHz at a 16-bit resolution uncompressed both downstream and upstream compared to the Xbox 360 headset that streamed 16 kHz downstream and 8 kHz upstream at a 14-bit resolution compressed. (Source: IGN)

Thumbsticks – The thumbsticks are built for precision and comfort. They’re smaller and outlined with a knurled texture for better grip. Competitive gamers will be pleased to hear the sticks require 25 percent less force to move, allowing you to adjust your aim in a first-person shooter or execute a half-circle sweep in a fighting game faster and more accurately. The controller also uses advanced electronics that reduce thumbstick deadzone in the center.

D-Pad – The old Xbox 360 D-pad is replaced by a new design that pays homage to classic controllers and is architectured to deliver more precision and tactile feedback for gaming. The D-pad’s cross shape is honed to provide accurate cardinal direction input, sweeping movements and combinations – important factors for sports and fighting games, and other experiences.

Buttons – The A, B, X and Y buttons are lower to the controller with tighter spacing, making the transition between each one smoother. A new, three-step manufacturing process gives these buttons a more premium look, as if the letters on them are suspended in 3-D space. The size and placement of the Xbox button has also changed so the view and menu buttons are more accessible.

Seamless Connectivity – Each controller uses a combination of invisible reflective technology and LEDs to send a patterned infrared signal to your console and Kinect sensor. Not only does this make pairing the devices seamless, but it enables Kinect to associate the controller with whoever is holding it. This introduces innovative experiences, such as player switching, where a split screen display can swap positions on the TV if users change seats on the couch.

Low Power State – If you’re watching a movie or need to step away from the TV, the controller enters a low power state that conserves your battery. The moment you pick it up again, it will be ready for use without having to resynch with the console.

Angled Triggers and Bumpers – The triggers and bumpers are carefully designed for performance and comfort. The specific angling allows for a natural fit for your fingers, and the triggers require a lighter pull, so squeezing it repeatedly is an easier and more precise action.

Internal Battery Cavity – The compartment that houses AA batteries is built into the interior of the controller, providing more room at the bottom for your fingers to grip.

Micro USB Port - Located on the top of the controller a standard Micro-USB cable is capable of operating the controller without batteries. When the controller enters wired mode the internal antennae will be turned off and internal batteries will not be used. If you have a play and charge kit, sold separately, the Micro-USB cable is capable of charging the official rechargeable battery but will not recharge rechargeable AA batteries.

IR Sensor – Located on the top of the controller a IR sensor helps the Xbox One identify controllers and help determine when controllers are passed between players. (Source: Mashable)

Sync Button - Combined with the IR sensor and Kinect if you point your controller at the Kinect and hold down the Sync button you can Sync to the console without having to use the sync button on the console itself.

The Kinect

The new Kinect uses a 1080p wide-angle time-of-flight camera (in comparison to the VGA resolution of the previous version), with improved accuracy over the last generation and the ability to sense input in low light conditions using active IR. The new Kinect can track up to six players concurrently. Users can turn on and off the console from standby mode using voice commands.

The recommended play space for the Kinect 2.0 is 1.4m (4ft. 7in.) for single player, or 1.8m (6ft.) for two player operation, depending on the game, application, sensor placement, and other factors.

This post was edited on 9/4/13 at 1:31 pm