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Xbox One Hard Drives Aren't Replaceable

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:54:04 +0000

Now that the dust has begun to settle from the Xbox One event, multiple Microsoft staff are getting asked all sorts of questions about the new system. Engadget spoke with senior developer of product planning Albert Penello to get the details about the system's 500 GB hard drive.

As it turns out, unlike the previous 360, users will be unable to remove the hard drive. This is an internal drive which is non-user-serviceable. There's no doubt that modders will probably find a way to replace the internal drives with something larger, but that action would probably void the Xbox One's warranty.

What happens if you manage to fill up all that space with game installs and downloads, though? Thankfully, you can attach external hard drives (likely not proprietary). These drives are set to have the same functionality as internal, meaning you can save all the same stuff to them. Just make sure that your external drives have USB 3.0 connectivity because that's how they'll plug into Xbox One.

Requirements to Use Xbox One as a TV Hub

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:26:56 +0000

One of the highly-touted features during the Xbox reveal event was how the system would interface with live TV. According to them, a whole lot can be done with this, such as turning the Xbox One into a personal channel of favorite shows, or simply watching a show without switching inputs. For as convenient as this seems, there are things people will have to consider before making use of these functions.

For one, just buying a shiny new Xbox One won't be enough. Users are required to connect the system through a supported receiver device, as well as access to a set top box to begin with. The device, and of course television network, are sold separately.

These features are also restricted to United States citizens at the moment. The hope is to get them out to other regions in the near future. Having television-related features on the system are likely to generate new sales but hopefully purchasers will be aware of the various caveats.

Not All Xbox One Games will be 'Always On' but Do Require Authentication

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:18:14 +0000

The whole "always online" concept may have some great intentions, but has been shown to gamers in very negative ways. In recent history we have both Diablo III and Sim City facing huge issues thanks to their constantly required internet connections and reliance on outside servers. As such, the rumors that Xbox One will be always online have been deflected, at least partially.

Microsoft is hoping that many developers will choose to make use of their Azure servers. If so, this takes the requirements off the developers to have sufficient servers as they can expedite their processes to Microsoft's cloud instead. Of course, if a developer chooses this route then the game will be an always online title.

Thankfully, this is not a requirement for developing on the new system. Developers can also choose to handle games as they have in the past, without having to go the always online route. All the same, Microsoft offered this initially confounding statement to CVG:

"Xbox One does not have to be always connected, but Xbox One does require a connection to the Internet."

So, basically, all games do require an online activation when you buy them and install to your system. Beyond that though, a persistent internet connection is dependent on the game in question.

Xbox One Has a Fee to Play Used Games - Update

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:38:19 +0000

Update: Or does it? Microsoft's Major Nelson has come out to say that everything other Microsoft representatives are confirming/denying about used games are just possible scenarios. The only thing the company is ready to confirm 100% is that there will be a way for users to trade and resell games at retail. The original news post is as follows.

One of the biggest rumors floating around years and months before today was whether or not the new Xbox system would be able to play used games. Some suggested this would be disallowed through online or system-based linking, while others said it was a ridiculous concept that Microsoft would not pursue.

As it turns out, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Players can indeed get used copies of games, but they won't be able to simply pop the disc in and play like they are used to. In order to play games, Microsoft told Wired that "all game discs are installed to the HDD to play". In doing so, the initial player authorizes their Xbox Live account and can play the game with or without the disc from then on out.

However, once a user gives that disc to a friend, sells it back to a store, or does anything else, the next owner will have to pay a (currently unspecified) fee to install the game on their own Xbox One. Is it possible to simply play a game without installing it to circumvent the fee? Possibly, but we don't know just yet. Finally, it was also confirmed that if you sell your game, once it gets activated with another account, it will be deactivated on your own.

Is this an acceptable way to handle used games?

Call of Duty: Ghosts Announced

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:34:13 +0000

Halo wasn't the only shooter getting some attention at the Xbox Reveal conference: The Call of Duty series got some love, as well.

Call of Duty: Ghosts was revealed today for next-gen consoles, and the Xbox One will get exclusive first release on DLC for the new game in this series. In this new installment, you'll be fighting against an oppressive dominating force, taking a different tone than other games in the Call of Duty series have. Also, you won't be alone; you'll have a canine companion on your team, and Activision says it'll be a companion "you'll care about".

You can check out some footage from the conference here:

What do you think of this new Call of Duty game?

Halo Continues... as a TV Series

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:11:52 +0000

Were you expecting information on Xbox's biggest franchises during their conference? Well, you weren't disappointed, though it might be quite what you expect.

With an appearance by Steven Spielburg came the announcement of a live-action Halo television series being produced. There was little else revealed about the new series in itself, but that alone is bound to get Halo fans interested.

What do you think of this franchise's transformation to a television series?

Assassin's Creed IV and Watch Dogs Will Be Available for Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:05:43 +0000

While there was a bunch of reveals and information at the conference today, Ubisoft decided instead to reveal some information via Twitter. One of their tweets today has given Microsoft fans some great news:

"We confirm that Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag and Watch_Dogs will both be available on #XboxOne."

Are you planning on picking up either of these games on the Xbox One?

The Xbox One Will Release This Year

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:55:31 +0000

The Xbox One has just been confirmed for a 2013 launch window. It was also mentioned that the release would be worldwide, but it wasn't said if this worldwide release would be simultaneous or not. Odds are it won't be, but we'll see.

Of course Microsoft didn't give an exact date or price due to E3 being just weeks away, but you won't have to wait very long before you know exactly when you'll get your hands on this new console.

Microsoft Promises 15 Exclusive Releases for Xbox One in the First Year

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:48:32 +0000

Everyone knows that the Xbox 360 has been a bit scant on exclusive releases. However, Microsoft hopes to change this with the Xbox One. We are promised fifteen exclusive releases for the new console within in the first year of its launch.

Better yet, eight of these games will be new IPs. It looks as though we have much to look forward to for Xbox One's first year!

There's a lot more to see, so make sure to keep checking here!

Forza 5 Revealed for Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:39:52 +0000

Microsoft has just revealed Forza 5 for their new console, the Xbox One. It was also just announced that the game will in fact be a launch title for Microsoft's newest console. While it didn't look to be too much different compared to current generation games, its certainly going to be a thorn in the side of Sony's recently revealed Gran Turismo 6.

Take a look at one of the cars below. Can you really tell the difference between this car and one from Forza 4? These racing games have just gotten too photo-realistic as it is to cause any waves in next generation announcements.

How stylish!

Xbox One Will Use Your Existing Xbox Live Membership

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:32:45 +0000

Good news--if you were worried about starting over again when you buy an Xbox One, worry no more! Today's conference revealed that you use the same Xbox Live account as before. No thinking of new usernames or anything!

Keep yourself glued here for more Xbox One information!

Every Xbox One Will Come With A New Kinect

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:25:57 +0000

It has just been revealed that each and every Xbox One will come bundled with the new Kinect. Considering how important it is to the system's new design, I can't say I'm surprised. What is surprising though is what this new Kinect 2 can do.

The darned thing can monitor your heart while you play! It was described as being so advanced that the technology behind it is similar to rocket science. I say its more like Skynet with each and every announcement.

The Xbox One Is Listening To You Even While Off

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:20:13 +0000

After the big reveal of the new Xbox One, it was revealed that the console will have a much more extensive list of voice activated commands that the user could use. The very first one they showed off was "Xbox One, turn on." The Xbox sprang to life and immediately went to the presenter's account.

But wait, there's more! Not only did they reveal that the console is listening to you while it is off, it is also listening for distinct voices. Without powering on it knows what you're saying and even who is saying what. This is pretty exciting technology in my eyes, but prepare for the tinfoil hats to come out any time now.

The Next Xbox Will Be Called Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:12:03 +0000

The next Xbox is here, and its called... the Xbox One?! Well, that was a surprise. Along with the name of the next Xbox being revealed came a video showing off the actual console itself along with the much anticipated controller.

Is that the new Kinect up there?

From what was shown of the controller, it looks an awful lot like the original Xbox controller. Original as in the first Xbox. Why was this controller hyped up so much in the press? We don't really know yet. But we'll be sure to update you when more information comes out.

Twitch.TV App Arrives on 360

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:24:57 +0000

One of the biggest trends over the past year has been the streaming of video games. In the old days, you might watch your friend play through a game or vice versa. Now, people only have to check out Twitch.TV to see if a game they're interested in is being played by someone. Streaming has even managed to become a new job for some who are extremely prolific and entertaining.

Today it was announced that a Twitch streaming app is available for the Xbox 360. Don't get too excited though as this is not a way to stream content yourself, but simply watch the streams of others on your TV set. Apparently, you can also only choose from the top 300 streaming channels through the app.

As with other entertainment apps on the system, they are inaccessible if you don't have an Xbox Live Gold account. We probably shouldn't expect streaming of a user's own content to be available anytime soon because Microsoft will probably follow Sony's guidance with that for their next system, not 360.

Doritos Crash Course 2 is Available Now for Free

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:58:29 +0000

If you've ever played Dorito's Crash Course then you basically know what to expect with a sequel. The advergame really has no relation to Doritos other than as its sponsor. Players must dodge obstacles in a variety of levels akin to the show Wipeout or its Japanese counterparts.

Players can even hit up Dorito's Crash Course 2 for some multiplayer. Both offline and online multiplayer are included although the online community for this game may not be bustling for long. Beyond that, there are some avatar items to unlock which will likely help advertise Doritos to your friends.

Why would anyone buy this game? Unless they are a diehard junk food fan it seems unlikely which is why Dorito's Crash Course 2 is entirely free. The original is also free so pick them up together if you are ever really bored.

What is your favorite/least favorite advergame (games promoting a specific company/service)?

Way of the Dogg Brings Snoop to XBLA

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:55:41 +0000

Early last month the word got out about a game called Way of the Dogg. As the name implies, the project is the idea of Snoop Dogg (or Lion). Regardless of its creation, the game has just launched today.

The announcement stated the game was coming to a bevvy of digital storefronts, including PSN and XBLA. So far, the game is only out on XBLA, giving Xbox owners the perfect timed exclusive to brag about. Regardless, 505 Games is still set on bringing Way of the Dogg to PSN (and iOS/Android) "soon".

It features rhythm-based fighting - looking a fair bit like Elite Beat Agents - which draws music from Snoop Dogg/Lion's own repertoire. A two-player multiplayer mode is also included, although it may be hard (or surprisingly easy) to get friends to play this title with you.

Monaco Still Not Ready for XBLA

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:56:33 +0000

PC players have been enjoying the singleplayer and local/online co-op of Monaco since it launched on Steam on April 24th. Initially, Xbox 360 owners were meant to get the game on the same day, but unfortunately it had to see a delay. As it turns out, what was expected to be a small fix appears to be larger and as such the game is being delayed further.

Yesterday a post was made to the official Monaco Facebook page which explains why the delay has been extended:

"As most of you know, we caught a bug that forced us to pull the release of the Xbox version of the game the day before release. It was a minor but important bug that was causing disconnects in online play. I submitted an update to attempt to fix the bug early in the week, but unfortunately it only half fixed the problem.

I'm working on another fix now that I'm hoping to submit this week. Once it's confirmed fixed it shouldn't take long to push it through and get the game out. I can't promise any particular dates since I don't control that end of things, but I do know that fans are starting to get a little impatient with the lack of information."

It's a shame that the game still isn't ready for XBLA, but on the plus side, Pocketwatch Games is taking this issue seriously. Unlike some other XBLA games, submitting a partially working release isn't something this developer will accept. It's a shame no date can be announced either but they have promised to provide updates about the process until Monaco is finally available.

Next Xbox to be Revealed on May 21st

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:07:09 +0000

Just a few months ago, Sony revealed their upcoming PlayStation 4 for the holiday season. Microsoft has had rumors and speculation thrown at it for a while now but still has made no official statement as to their next generation system. That will all chance in just a month as Major Nelson has announced the date for the company's reveal.

The "A New Generation Revealed" press event in Redmond, Washington is described as follows:

"On Tuesday May 21st, we’ll mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV and entertainment. On that day, we’ll be holding a special press event on the Xbox campus.On that day, we’ll share our vision for Xbox, and give you a real taste of the future. Then, 19-days later at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, we’ll continue the conversation and showcase our full lineup of blockbuster games. We are thrilled to pull back the curtain and reveal what we’ve been working on."

While there is no explicit statement of this being the next Xbox system they discuss, it is heavily implied and 99% likely. Of course, Microsoft would be putting themselves up against difficult odds if they didn't release a new system this year to compete with Sony.

Those who can't physically attend the event will still be able to watch via an official streams on Xbox.com and Xbox Live, or through Spike TV. Chances are other sites are set to host their own streams as well. Hopefully Microsoft is better able to manage a stream than Sony.

Do you think the rumors we've been hearing about the next Microsoft system are true?

Xbox Live Gold Free Weekend Now Live

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:15:49 +0000

Do you live in the United States, Canada, Latin America, or Japan? If so, then you're able to partake in this weekend's free Xbox Live Gold event. Every once in a while Microsoft unleashes one of these weekends in the hope that it'll attract more Silver members into the Gold bandwagon.

The current free weekend for Xbox Live Gold is happening right now. It started at 7 AM PST and spans over the weekend until the 22nd (Monday) at 10 AM PST. Gold has many features which are unfortunately locked behind a subscription, such as allowing multiplayer matches, Netflix and Hulu access, and more.

Major Nelson has given out a Borderlands 2 Golden Key Code as part of the celebration. As such, it's only going to be active this weekend. Call of Duty: Black Ops II is also hosting a double XP weekend which coincides with Microsoft's event. Give Xbox Live Gold a sample this weekend if you like and contemplate why their service isn't more like Sony's.