The Xbox One had a rough ride since its launching in May. It was criticized for its unpopular features such as the mandated 24-hour online check-in and used games restrictions. However, such features are now removed and they are set to be "the ultimate all-in-one entertainment system - one system for a new generation," Microsoft described.

The black console integrates games, live TV, Web services and movies all controlled using Kinect's improved voice recognition ability and updated SmartGlass. It was believed to look a bit too VCR but Microsoft explains that the console is designed to make a statement, that it's an all-in-one entertainment system.

The Microsoft Xbox One comes with a Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0 ports, x64 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU, 8GB DDR3 RAM and 500GB hard drive. It has an 802.11n WiFi with WiFi Direct feature for exchanging data between devices, particularly the new Xbox controller. The Xbox One is like a mini-PC with specs that put the machine on a par with the PlayStation 4. It has not only an HDMI-out port, it also has HDMI-in, which interfaces set-top boxes to integrate the Xbox One with a TV. It is not compatible with any Xbox 360 games but the cloud might allow the streaming of games instead.

The Xbox One is always listening. The Kinect instantly responds to voice commands and hand gestures. It has the ability to switch among videos, music, games and live TV using simple voice commands. It can even immediately take you to HBO, for example. It also detects motion in only 13 billionths of a second. The sensor has a 1080p resolution and captures video at 60fps, which means it will look fantastic in HD TV. It has the ability to scan QR and download codes, an advantage over PS4.

The updated SmartGlass can let you start single player games from a tablet and view achievement leaderboards. "Smart Match" can also set up multiplayer matches with other players while you play single player games. Microsoft Points are now replaced with real money and friends are no longer limited to 100.

Microsoft removed the once-per-24 hour check-in mandate and used game DRM policy. It now only requires a one-time connection to setup and download a day one patch before gamers are free to play any disc-based game without having to go online like Xbox 360. Microsoft servers are now at an inconceivable 300,000 to ensure instant game and content access.

Xbox One launch titles at Gamescom 2013 and they are thus:

  • Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)
  • Battlefield 4 (DICE, Electronic Arts)
  • Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)
  • Crimson Dragon (Grounding/Land Ho!, Microsoft Studios)
  • Dead Rising 3 (Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft)
  • FIFA 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
  • Fighter Within (AMA Ltd., Ubisoft)
  • Forza Motorsport 5 (Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios)
  • Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft)
  • Killer Instinct (Double Helix, Microsoft Studios)
  • LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)
  • Lococycle (Twisted Pixel, Microsoft Studios)
  • Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
  • NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)
  • NBA LIVE 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
  • Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games, Electronic Arts)
  • Peggle 2 (Popcap, Electronic Arts)
  • Powerstar Golf (Zoe Mode, Microsoft Studios)
  • Ryse: Son of Rome (Crytek, Microsoft Studios)
  • Skylanders: Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)
  • Watch Dogs (Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft)
  • Zoo Tycoon (Frontier Developments Ltd., Microsoft Studios)
  • Zumba Fitness: World Party (Zoë Mode, Majesco)