May 21

Xbox One’s ‘Snap Mode’ lets you use two apps simultaneously

Posted in: Today's Chili

Xbox One's 'Snap Mode' lets you use two apps simultaneously

Phones, tablets and game consoles typically offer single-screen experiences, that is, one app on screen at a time. Microsoft is challenging that idea, announcing what it calls “Snap Mode” at its next-generation Xbox event, taking a stab at home console multitasking. It’s essentially a port of a well-known Windows 8 feature: separate apps can be pinned to the edge of the television’s screen in isolated panels, allowing gamers to use Xbox apps while playing a game, or watch TV while simultaneously using Internet Explorer . Combined with the lightning-fast app switching Microsoft showed off on stage, it’s definitely a big step forward for couchside computing.

Check out our Xbox One reveal liveblog right here.

Filed under: ,

Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , , , , ,
May 21

A new gamepad for a new game console: Microsoft’s next-gen wireless controller revealed

Posted in: Today's Chili

A new gamepad for a new game console Microsoft's nextgen wireless controller revealed

Despite the few protestations gamers have with the Xbox 360 wireless controller, Microsoft is apparently updating its much-loved input device for the next-generation, Xbox One. At first glance, the controller looks rather similar to its successor, though there are definitely some design tweaks in tow. For starters, the renowned “Xbox button” has been moved up a bit, making room for a couple of different others in the central place where it used to be located.

What’s more, and in what’s perhaps the biggest change, the triggers now have a built-in rumble system, which Microsoft’s calling “Impulse Triggers.” There’s now also a redesigned D-pad that takes on a more traditional “cross” look, while the thumbsticks are slightly shorter and have a design around the edge which, presumably, should help keep your thumbs gripped with more ease. The battery compartment, meanwhile, is much smaller than the previous version. We”re likely to hear more about the One’s gamepad soon, so we’ll be updating this post as more info comes in.

Ben Gilbert contributed to this report.

Gallery: Xbox One controller

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
May 21

Microsoft unveils its next game console, the Xbox One

Posted in: Today's Chili
DNP Microsoft unveils its next game console, the TKTK

Microsoft debuted the Xbox One this afternoon live from a tent on its Redmond, WA. campus, putting to end months of speculation about the company’s next-generation video game console. The console will be available “later this year.” Microsoft exec Don Mattrick called it out as an “all-in-one” box. The core strategy is “simple, instant, and complete.” It was debuted alongside a new gamepad as well as a new Kinect motion camera.

The system itself is all black and features a two-tone finish with both matte and gloss in equal measure; a slot-loading Blu-ray optical drive sits out front on the left face, while a power button with the traditional incomplete circle symbol is emblazoned on the right side (which looks to be touch-based). A new Kinect was also unveiled, and it powers the console — “Xbox On” is being trumpeted as the most important feature. There’s instant switching from the Xbox One dashboard to live television (which seems to confirm that HDMI-in rumor), and a live demo is showing off impressive speeds. “Switching between live tv and all your games and entertainment is now as simple as using a remote,” Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi said. He also demonstrated gesture controls for the console’s UI, quickly snapping back to the dashboard with a pinch command.

Gallery: Xbox One

Filed under: , ,

Comments

No Comments | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,