Buyer's Guide: 5 Most Important Key Features of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 You Should Know About
Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4 can be confusing for non-gamers who wanted to buy a new gaming console. Both are top-of-the-line gaming devices which can bring entertainment and maximum experience. Know which of the two suits you needs and within your budget.
Microsoft Xbox One
The newest Xbox version released by Microsoft in 2013 and designed to match the Sony PlayStation 4 with prowess and impressive features.
A. Gaming Experience
While Microsoft made the Xbox One for hardcore gaming experience, it also entails major entertainment and social media package which can be accessed using the Internet. Initially, Microsoft made a great deal of forcing owners of Xbox One to connect to the Web whenever playing games even offline to track down pirated or hacked software installed or being used by the console.
However, the company decided to lower its standards and only asks for an Internet connection during the initial set-up to work normally even in offline mode. Using the Live Gold subscription will get you access to 2 free games per month while it doesn't offer the same "Instant Game Collection" as with the PS4.
Xbox One does not support Xbox Live Arcade games that were previously purchased nor will allow Windows Phone games imported to the device regardless if the core OS is fused with other Microsoft platforms.
B. Entertainment
Xbox One supports a multimedia hub including Blu-ray/DVD combo drive for movie collection. But if you want to stream movies or TV shows from Netflix, you'll need to have the Xbox Live Gold membership which currently costs $59.99 per year with package of cloud storage access for games, movies and saved game data. Previously bought movies and other non-gaming content from Xbox Live works well with the Xbox One.
Xbox Music features the go-to place for download or streaming of new tracks and albums. It also works on phones, the Web and tablets.
C. Skype, Voice Control and Kinect
Microsoft Skype chat and video calling service is included to your Xbox One included with Voice Control and Kinect feature. Xbox One's Kinect allows voice control over the device and gesture support which tracks many aspects of movement which currently used in games as well.
D. Smart Glass
Counterpart of the PlayStation Vita, Smart Glass is an option to use a Windows Phone device, Windows 8/RT tablet, iOS or Android device as the second screen for the Xbox One.
E. Price Tag
According to IGN, Xbox One is set for release on November 2013 for $499.99 in the United States, £429.99 in the United Kingdom, €499.99 in Europe and AU$599.99 in Australia.
Sony PlayStation 4
A. Gaming Experience
PlayStation 4 supports online/multiplayer games and if you want to use it, you are required to have a PS Plus membership which costs $49.95 annually. It will include automatic system and game updates, 3GB of cloud storage and access to additional game trials, betas, demos and the Instant Game Collection. Each unit of PlayStation 4 comes with a free 14-day PS Plus trial membership to feel all benefits before you decide on cashing for the premium. PS4 gives you the option to download which one you prefer first - single player or multiplayer.
B. Social Networking
PlayStation 4 allows direct sharing of contents and connects with friends via Facebook or Twitter. Live on PlayStation feature in the XMB will let you know what your friends are playing and even gives you a chance to jump in to join or watch them.
C. Multimedia, PlayStation Store and Music Unlimited
Similar with its predecessor, PlayStation 4 supports multiple user accounts for the entire family but with a redesigned XMB that presents better overview of content when you log in. Aside from the Blu-ray disc drive, you are able to download content directly from the PlayStation Network, application support, streaming from Netflix, Amazon and Hulu Plus, 4K content capability and new Music Unlimited which access files across multiple devices.
D. PlayStation Vita
Sony confirmed the games streaming support to PS Vita through Remote Play. Games from PS4 would become compatible to the PlayStation Vita. However, there is no confirmation how many games are supported and if other contents such as app or videos are compatible.
E. Price Tag
TheNextWeb noted that Sony plans to release PlayStation 4 on November 15, 2013 while IGN notes PS4 price starts in $399 in the United States, £349 in the United Kingdom, €399 in Europe and AU$549 in Australia. Rumoured information from DailyMail noted that if PlayStation goes on sale, it will be reduced to $199 in the United States and €199 in Europe.