With the Xbox one already out, and the hype come and gone many are still considering purchasing the console as a gift for their kids, friends or themselves. This article will discuss things to know before buying an Xbox One among other things. The Xbox One console is the newest Xbox model on the market since the Xbox 360 that arrived in 2005. Although there are various versions of the Xbox 360, this new console is likely to be around for the next 5-10 years.
10. Voice Control
One of the things to know before buying an Xbox One is that it comes with Kinect 2.0 which enables users to turn on the console with their voices. Voice control is also useful in various apps and actions on the console.
Unfortunately the voice control is not 100%, and will not suffice to totally replacing the remote for daily use. It works about 85-90% of the time which is not a bad percentage, but certainly not enough to call it consistent. You may just find yourself repeating a few phrases such as “Xbox, Xbox go to Explorer,” and that may be annoying. Considering that Microsoft is widely known for delivering Xbox updates, this glitch will become better over time.
9. Designed to be an Entertainment Center
Xbox One comes included with a HDMI In connection that can be connected with Xbox 360, cable box or PlayStation 4. This will enable you to view TV programs using the Xbox One, and be able to change channels through the Kinect voice control. According to Microsoft, this feature makes the Xbox One a center for your entertainment. With the Kinect 2.0 you can even switch on your TV.
8. Xbox One Connectivity Cables Are Not Available
Another thing to know before buying an Xbox One and 8th on our list is that Xbox One connectivity cables are not available. If your HDTV is not compatible with HDMI, then you’ll be required to purchase a newer HDTV for use with the Xbox One. This may not be an issue for gaming enthusiasts, but if not you may have to upgrade or you won’t be able to use the Xbox One. HDMI component cables can be purchased from eBay, but also bear in mind that an HDMI copy protected won’t work as well.
7. External Storage and Games Install are Not Yet Supported
When you insert a game into the console, it will take about 40GB of memory installing the game to its hard drive. Certain games may be played during installation, but some may require waiting for installation. Replacing the hard drive or external storage will cause it not to work during launch.
Storage management doesn’t seem to exist on the Xbox One, and not much clarity on the amount of available space on its 500GB drive. Although Microsoft say they will manage storage automatically, no one seems to know how this will happen. External storage is not yet supported and the hard drive cannot be replaced like on the PS4.
6. The Xbox One Will Last a Decade
One of the things to know before buying an Xbox One is that your console is for the long-run. Several complaints on Xbox One reviews are lack of games, that is great games that don’t look at least $500 better than the 360 version. Xbox One has a pretty good gaming line-up, and although some games at launch may not look better, there’s something worth remembering.
When you buy the Xbox One, you are buying for today’s games and for the future. Unlike the iPhone and iPad, you won’t get a newer Xbox One version the following year and the year after. As time progresses, games will start looking a lot better and it will be good to approach your purchase as a 10 year investment.
5. The Xbox One Controller is Familiar, but Newer
Although the Xbox One Controller is designed specifically for the Xbox One, it resembles features Xbox 360 users like, but adds a headphone port meant to deliver amazing sounding audio and vibration on the triggers.
4. Take Your Games and Dashboard to Friends
When you visit a friend and play on their console, you can log in using your ID and get access to your dashboard and games. You will only get the games if they were purchased digitally, however the positive side is you’ll get access to big names such as Need for Speed Rivals, Call of Duty and more. You will need to download these, and it will depend on your connectivity.
3. Xbox One Live Subscription for Streaming Apps
You can use Xbox Live to watch TV without paying any subscriptions, but for Netflix, ESPN, Redbox, Hulu Plus and more you will need to pay subscriptions for Xbox Live. This something to know before buying an Xbox One. Although PS4 entertainment apps are free, Microsoft wants gamers to join Live, which also enables multiplayer games.
2. Web Browsing, Multitasking and More
Xbox One will allow users run several apps simultaneously, such as playing Forza 5 and searching for games using Explorer to search for more games and guides. You can even watch TV and play the Xbox One to enjoy the multitasking experience. You can also access apps such as Xbox Music and Skype from your dashboard.
1. Accessories Will Take a While
On the final and top aspect regarding things to know be buying an Xbox One is that accessories from other third party sources will take some time to arrive. Turtle Beach headphones have just arrived, but more are scheduled for later in the year and years to come.
So Game Lovers This was for you only, Have a good day!
