re: XBox One Unpacking Pics and Early Reviews

Okay, quick review.


Keep in mind I've only got it setup, update installed, and Forza & NBA2K14 installed. I've played about 30-45 minutes of each.


Wow. Is all I could say initially. This xbox has come sooo far since the 360. It's almost night and day. And with the HyperV OS the One is running, the possibilities are endless.

It took me about 5 minutes to go thru the initial launch setup and 5-7 minutes to d/l the Day One update.


When we all saw the showcases and reviews of how you could quickly and simply switch in and out of games, applications, and television. I thought, that looks really good, but will it be that simple and smooth in production. Well, it is. It's nimble, simple, and there is no lag at all. Not being tied to an application and having to back all the way out or save your progress alone is incredible.

The TV integration is a really nice feature to have. I know the PSTards boast that they've been doing this using PIP for 10 years now. bullshite, but anyhow. Not having to actually pick up my DVR or TV remote and being able to seamlessly Snap in my cable. Tell it what channel tune into. All the while I'm still gaming in the main pane. Didn't have to pause or look away.

The Kinect voice control recognition are drastically drastically improved from the first generation of Kinect. I had SportCenter blasting and it still only picked up on my voice and new exactly what I was saying. I haven't used Skype or any camera features with it yet tho.

I mean...just the ability to:

"Xbox On."
Hello, Kyle
"Xbox, play Forza Motor Sports 5"
Instant launch. to whatever point I was last at. Midgame. Pause menu. Customization screen.
"Xbox, Snap. Watch TV.....Channel ESPN"
Now i'm watching Sportscenter while taking a curve in a Lambo at 175 mph. Not having to pick up a controller, switch components, add PIP, and navigate to the channel I watch. Don't even have to look at the sidescreen. it's just there, when I want it, and how it want it.
"Xbox. frick a PS4. AMIRIGHT?"


The Controller. Expect a different controller here than you are used to. It feels lighter and more comfortable in your hands. The battery pack not being on the back of the controller is nice. It allows you to grip the controller differently and more naturally. The D-pad buttons are more efficient and responsive. Not sticky or you don't have to mash them. The grip texture on the sticks are a huge bonus. The rumble triggers take gaming to another level. In Forza you feel your engine powering up and feel when you hit a curve or when someone bumps you. Not just an entire controller vibrating. The placement of the bumper are interesting and take some getting used to. At first I was struggling, but once I realized that instead of picking my index fingers up from the triggers I should just shift or roll my index fingers into the bumpers it was much easier to use, more efficient, and more ergonomic.


Installing games take about 10-15 minutes before you can play. So, I'll likely be doing downloadable titles from here on out instead of disc. This is no major problem as you can be doing 9000 other things or even playing another game while you wait.


And yes, the graphics are beautiful and stunning as you would expect from next gen. I highly highly doubt anything PS4 has looks anywhere close to Forza. It's gorgeous.



Well, I gotta run to a holiday event. I hope this holds a few of you over til your XBOnes show up this evening.