We’re now weeks, just months away from the Xbox One and though we’ve been a little removed from our monthly editions Ask enConnected for a bit, we’re getting things back to normal around here and finally bringing back the column. Before we get to this month’s questions don’t forgot to submit your questions to our Twitter, Facebook or email.
What do you think about the next Xbox?
Q. What features do you think users should be excited for in the next Xbox?
If it was up to me, I’d say the best thing about the Xbox One should be the way the users are finally able to switch use do more than one thing at the same time. Multitasking, is something the Xbox 360 can only dream of, and I think being able to instantly switch between games and things like Skype is awesome.
My second favorite feature? The fact that they didn’t name it the Xbox 720. Seriously, if they’d have named it that I’d have led a branding riot in the streets and providing the napalm myself.
Xbox LIVE
Differences between the Xbox 360 and Xbox One
Q: The Xbox One seems to deliver all of the features of the Xbox 360 in a newer updated package. Do we lose any functionality?
Though it wasn’t really publicized, a note at the very bottom of Microsoft’s press release on the Xbox One has a choice snippet that a lot of people seem to have overlooked at the very least. ”Some Xbox Live content and features available on Xbox 360, including avatar content and some apps, are not available with Xbox Live on Xbox One”.
If that statement is to be believed, and you know –since it’s from Microsoft it is, we can expect some things to be missing, however as we haven’t had any time with the console or its version of Xbox LIVE, that could be anything.
Don’t get me wrong, we don’t yet know if the things that are missing will impact most users experience in any meaningful way. Still, it would be great to have that kind of information from the outset.
Xbox LIVE
Q. Xbox Live IDs, Gold Memberships family. Cab I use multiple IDs on the new console?
As of yet, Microsoft hasn’t talked much about the Xbox One’s unique version of LIVE, but we can’t imagine that you wouldn’t be able to use multiple Gamertags/Microsoft Accounts. The question really is, how will a change in Microsoft Accounts effect the functions of the console. Sadly we just don’t have enough information just yet.
Gaming and Accessories on the New Xbox One
Q: I’ve heard this new Xbox requires you to be always connected to the internet. Is that true?
Based on the comments made by Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg on GametagRadio, the Xbox One will need to be connected to the internet at some point. Those days, of taking your console and going out to a cabin without an internet connection to play your games seems to be over. I say ‘seems’, because we don’t yet know much about how often the console will need to check in or even if it will need to check it at all.
That being said, Mr. Greenberg’s words on that podcast were incredibly clear. If you want an offline video gaming experience, the Xbox 360 is your thing.
Q: Will the Xbox One let me play my Xbox 360 games and use my current controllers?
Absolutely not, Microsoft has been straight forward on this from the outset. Under no circumstances will the Xbox 360 titles you have play on the Xbox One. The same is true of Xbox LIVE Arcade titles, and anything you purchase from the Xbox 360’s Games on Demand Library.
For that reason alone, trading in your Xbox 360 to purchase an Xbox One is a bad, bad idea especially, if you’ve already invested a significant amount of time and money into titles for the console. While we’re on the subject it appears, Xbox 360 controllers won’t be making the jump to the Xbox One either.
Q: Will I have to use a Kinect?
Yes and no, I think. Yes, you will be required to have a Kinect sensor plugged into the Xbox One, however the jury is out on if you’ll be required to use the functionality it provides. On the plus, at least you won’t have to pay for it separately this time, each Xbox One will come with a Kinect in the box.
Of course, if you hate motion gaming for some reason, or don’t like things watching you, we can’t help you there. Also, Rockwell called, he says hi.
Q: Will my Xbox 360 controller rechargeable battery packs work on the new Xbox One controller?
Microsoft hasn’t been incredibly clear on this one. However pictures of the back of the Xbox One controller don’t really reveal any place where an Xbox One controller might be able to except the battery pack from the Xbox 360 controller. We did email the company for further details, but I have to be honest, I’d expect to hear something about this at the company’s E3 event next Monday, not before.
We’ll keep adding to these questions over time so that you can get a more accurate picture of how Microsoft’s next generation console works and if it’s something you’re ready to spend your hard earned money on. Remember to submit your questions on Twitter or on our Facebook page.
