Jump to content

Xbox: Difference between revisions

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Rescuing 5 sources and tagging 0 as dead. #IABot (v1.1)
Line 11: Line 11:
| markets = [[World]]wide
| markets = [[World]]wide
| trademarkregistrations = [[World]]wide
| trademarkregistrations = [[World]]wide
| website = {{URL|http://www.xbox.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm}}
}}
}}


'''Xbox''' is a [[video gaming]] [[brand]] created and owned by [[Microsoft]]. It represents a series of [[video game console]]s developed by Microsoft, with three consoles released in the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth]], [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh]], and [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth]] generations respectively. The brand also represents [[application software|applications]] (games), [[streaming media|streaming]] services, and an online service by the name of [[Xbox Live]]. The brand was [[2001 in video gaming#Video game consoles|first introduced]] on November 15, 2001 in the United States, with the launch of the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox console]].
'''Xbox''' is a [[video gaming]] [[brand]] created and owned by [[Microsoft]]. It represents a series of [[video game console]]s developed by Microsoft, with three consoles released in the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth]], [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh]], and [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth]] generations respectively. The brand also represents [[application software|applications]] (games), [[streaming media|streaming]] services, and an online service by the name of [[Xbox Live]]. The brand was [[2001 in video gaming#Video game consoles|first introduced]] on November 15, 2001 in the United States, with the launch of the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox console]].


That original device was the first video game console offered by an American company after the [[Atari Jaguar]] stopped sales in 1996. It reached over 24 million units sold as of May 10, 2006.<ref name="gamers_catch">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621155352/http://www.xbox.com/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm |archivedate=June 21, 2008 |title=Gamers Catch Their Breath as Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Reinvent Next-Generation Gaming |accessdate=March 30, 2009 |date=May 10, 2006|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> Microsoft's second console, the [[Xbox 360]], was released in 2005 and has sold over 77.2 million consoles worldwide as of April 18, 2013.<ref name="WWUnits">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/77-million-xbox-360s-sold-6407243|title=77 million Xbox 360s sold|accessdate=April 24, 2013|publisher=Gamespot}}</ref> The successor to the Xbox 360 and Microsoft's most recent console, the [[Xbox One]],<ref>{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: Xbox One Confirmed as Name of Microsoft's New Console|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/465267/20130507/xbox-infinity-confirmed-name-new-microsoft-console.htm|accessdate=May 7, 2013}}</ref> was revealed on May 21, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/04/24/microsoft-confirms-next-gen-xbox-announcement|title=Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Announcement |publisher=IGN|date=April 24, 2013|accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> The Xbox One has been released in 21 markets in total, with a Chinese release on September 29, 2014. The head of Xbox is [[Phil Spencer (Microsoft)|Phil Spencer]], who succeeded former head Marc Whitten in late March 2014.<ref name="Spencer">{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/10/phil-spencer-major-nelson-interview/|title=Getting to know Microsoft's new Xbox lead, Phil Spencer|last=Gilbert|first=Ben|date=April 10, 2014|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=May 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/misc/2014/mar14/03-31corpemail.aspx |title=Satya Nadella email to employees on tuning our organization |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 31, 2014 |accessdate=April 6, 2014}}</ref>
That original device was the first video game console offered by an American company after the [[Atari Jaguar]] stopped sales in 1996. It reached over 24 million units sold as of May 10, 2006.<ref name="gamers_catch">{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621155352/https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/zh-SG/community/news/2006/20060510.htm |archivedate=June 21, 2008 |title=Gamers Catch Their Breath as Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Reinvent Next-Generation Gaming |accessdate=March 30, 2009 |date=May 10, 2006|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> Microsoft's second console, the [[Xbox 360]], was released in 2005 and has sold over 77.2 million consoles worldwide as of April 18, 2013.<ref name="WWUnits">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/77-million-xbox-360s-sold-6407243 |title=77 million Xbox 360s sold |accessdate=April 24, 2013 |publisher=Gamespot |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130425021304/http://www.gamespot.com/news/77-million-xbox-360s-sold-6407243 |archivedate=April 25, 2013 }}</ref> The successor to the Xbox 360 and Microsoft's most recent console, the [[Xbox One]],<ref>{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: Xbox One Confirmed as Name of Microsoft's New Console|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/465267/20130507/xbox-infinity-confirmed-name-new-microsoft-console.htm|accessdate=May 7, 2013}}</ref> was revealed on May 21, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/04/24/microsoft-confirms-next-gen-xbox-announcement|title=Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Announcement |publisher=IGN|date=April 24, 2013|accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> The Xbox One has been released in 21 markets in total, with a Chinese release on September 29, 2014. The head of Xbox is [[Phil Spencer (Microsoft)|Phil Spencer]], who succeeded former head Marc Whitten in late March 2014.<ref name="Spencer">{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/10/phil-spencer-major-nelson-interview/|title=Getting to know Microsoft's new Xbox lead, Phil Spencer|last=Gilbert|first=Ben|date=April 10, 2014|publisher=Engadget|accessdate=May 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/misc/2014/mar14/03-31corpemail.aspx |title=Satya Nadella email to employees on tuning our organization |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 31, 2014 |accessdate=April 6, 2014}}</ref>


== Consoles ==
== Consoles ==
Line 43: Line 43:
The '''Xbox One''' was released on November 22, 2013 in North America, as the successor of the Xbox 360. The Xbox One competes with Sony's [[PlayStation 4]] and Nintendo's [[Wii U]] as part of the [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth generation]] of video game consoles.
The '''Xbox One''' was released on November 22, 2013 in North America, as the successor of the Xbox 360. The Xbox One competes with Sony's [[PlayStation 4]] and Nintendo's [[Wii U]] as part of the [[History of video game consoles (eighth generation)|eighth generation]] of video game consoles.


Announced on May 21, 2013,<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |accessdate= May 21, 2013 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> the Xbox One now has a large emphasis on internet-based features; including the ability to record and stream gameplay, and the ability to integrate with a [[set-top box]] to watch cable or satellite TV through the console with an enhanced guide interface and Kinect-based [[voice control]].<ref name=verge-xbox1unveiling>{{cite web|title=Xbox One: a next-gen console with a focus on interactive TV and apps|url=http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4350918/xbox-one-microsoft-unveils-its-next-generation-console|work=The Verge|accessdate=May 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name=engadget-oneguide>{{cite web|title=Xbox One guide brings HDMI in/out, overlays for live TV|url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-hdmi-passthrough/|work=Engadget|accessdate=May 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Xbox One adds Smart Match, Game DVR|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-one-adds-smart-match-game-dvr-6408685|publisher=Gamespot|date=May 21, 2013|accessdate=May 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Why Microsoft’s Xbox One Won’t Kick the Cable Guy Out of Your House|url=http://allthingsd.com/20130522/why-microsofts-xbox-one-wont-kick-the-cable-guy-out-of-your-house/|publisher=AllThingsD|date=May 22, 2013|accessdate=May 22, 2013}}</ref>
Announced on May 21, 2013,<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22613948 |title= Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console |date= May 21, 2013 |accessdate= May 21, 2013 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> the Xbox One now has a large emphasis on internet-based features; including the ability to record and stream gameplay, and the ability to integrate with a [[set-top box]] to watch cable or satellite TV through the console with an enhanced guide interface and Kinect-based [[voice control]].<ref name=verge-xbox1unveiling>{{cite web|title=Xbox One: a next-gen console with a focus on interactive TV and apps|url=http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4350918/xbox-one-microsoft-unveils-its-next-generation-console|work=The Verge|accessdate=May 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name=engadget-oneguide>{{cite web|title=Xbox One guide brings HDMI in/out, overlays for live TV|url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-hdmi-passthrough/|work=Engadget|accessdate=May 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Xbox One adds Smart Match, Game DVR |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-one-adds-smart-match-game-dvr-6408685 |publisher=Gamespot |date=May 21, 2013 |accessdate=May 21, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130608003114/http://www.gamespot.com:80/news/xbox-one-adds-smart-match-game-dvr-6408685 |archivedate=June 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Why Microsoft’s Xbox One Won’t Kick the Cable Guy Out of Your House|url=http://allthingsd.com/20130522/why-microsofts-xbox-one-wont-kick-the-cable-guy-out-of-your-house/|publisher=AllThingsD|date=May 22, 2013|accessdate=May 22, 2013}}</ref>


Following its unveiling, the Xbox One proved controversial for its original [[digital rights management]] and privacy practices; while Microsoft touted the ability for users to access their library of games (regardless of whether they were purchased physically or digitally) on any Xbox One console without needing their discs, and the ability to share their entire library with 10 designated "family" members, all games would have to be tied to the user's Xbox Live account and their Xbox One console, and the console would be required to connect to the Internet on a periodic basis (at least once every 24 hours) in order to synchronize the library, or else the console would be unable to play any games at all.<ref name=XboxOneReceptionInternetMay2013Venturebeat>{{cite news |title=Deal with it: Xbox One requires an Internet connection |author=Jeffrey Grubb |publisher=[[VentureBeat]] |url=http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/deal-with-it-xbox-one-requires-an-internet-connection/ |date=May 21, 2013 |accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref><ref name="official_licensing">{{cite web | url = http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/license | title = How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One | publisher = Microsoft | accessdate = June 6, 2013 }}</ref> After an overwhelmingly negative response from critics and consumers (who also showed concerns that the system could prevent or hinder the resale of [[Used goods|used games]]), Microsoft announced that these restrictions would be dropped.<ref>{{cite news|title=Xbox One: Microsoft abandons controversial DRM restrictions|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/jun/19/xbox-one-drm-second-hand-restrictions-abandoned|date=June 19, 2013|accessdate=June 19, 2013|publisher=The Guardian|first=Keith|last=Stuart}}</ref> Microsoft was also criticized for requiring the Xbox One to have its updated [[Kinect]] peripheral plugged in to function, which critics and privacy advocates believed could be used as a surveillance device. As a gesture toward showing a commitment to user privacy, Microsoft decided to allow the console to function without Kinect.<ref name=polygon-privacyresponse>{{cite web|title=Kinect on Xbox One will not record or upload your conversations, Microsoft says|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/6/4403926/kinect-on-xbox-one-will-not-record-or-upload-your-conversations|work=Polygon|accessdate=June 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name="kotaku.com">[http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909 Kinect No Longer Mandatory For Xbox One (But Will Still Come With It) [UPDATE&#93;]. Kotaku.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><ref name=ext-onekinect>{{cite web|title=Xbox One no longer requires Kinect, but it’ll still come in the box, and you’ll still pay $500|url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500|work=ExtremeTech|accessdate=September 5, 2013}}</ref>
Following its unveiling, the Xbox One proved controversial for its original [[digital rights management]] and privacy practices; while Microsoft touted the ability for users to access their library of games (regardless of whether they were purchased physically or digitally) on any Xbox One console without needing their discs, and the ability to share their entire library with 10 designated "family" members, all games would have to be tied to the user's Xbox Live account and their Xbox One console, and the console would be required to connect to the Internet on a periodic basis (at least once every 24 hours) in order to synchronize the library, or else the console would be unable to play any games at all.<ref name=XboxOneReceptionInternetMay2013Venturebeat>{{cite news |title=Deal with it: Xbox One requires an Internet connection |author=Jeffrey Grubb |publisher=[[VentureBeat]] |url=http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/deal-with-it-xbox-one-requires-an-internet-connection/ |date=May 21, 2013 |accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref><ref name="official_licensing">{{cite web | url = http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/license | title = How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One | publisher = Microsoft | accessdate = June 6, 2013 }}</ref> After an overwhelmingly negative response from critics and consumers (who also showed concerns that the system could prevent or hinder the resale of [[Used goods|used games]]), Microsoft announced that these restrictions would be dropped.<ref>{{cite news|title=Xbox One: Microsoft abandons controversial DRM restrictions|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/jun/19/xbox-one-drm-second-hand-restrictions-abandoned|date=June 19, 2013|accessdate=June 19, 2013|publisher=The Guardian|first=Keith|last=Stuart}}</ref> Microsoft was also criticized for requiring the Xbox One to have its updated [[Kinect]] peripheral plugged in to function, which critics and privacy advocates believed could be used as a surveillance device. As a gesture toward showing a commitment to user privacy, Microsoft decided to allow the console to function without Kinect.<ref name=polygon-privacyresponse>{{cite web|title=Kinect on Xbox One will not record or upload your conversations, Microsoft says|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/6/4403926/kinect-on-xbox-one-will-not-record-or-upload-your-conversations|work=Polygon|accessdate=June 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name="kotaku.com">[http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909 Kinect No Longer Mandatory For Xbox One (But Will Still Come With It) [UPDATE&#93;]. Kotaku.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.</ref><ref name=ext-onekinect>{{cite web|title=Xbox One no longer requires Kinect, but it’ll still come in the box, and you’ll still pay $500|url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500|work=ExtremeTech|accessdate=September 5, 2013}}</ref>
Line 201: Line 201:
* Video file playback ([[MPEG-4|MPEG4]], [[Windows Media Video|WMV]], [[DivX]], [[XviD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/xbox-360-divx%5Cxvid-test/xbox-360-divxxvid-tested-it-plays-almost-everything-329769.php|title=Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Playback Tested (Verdict: It's Almost Perfect)|date=December 4, 2007|accessdate=June 24, 2008}}</ref>)
* Video file playback ([[MPEG-4|MPEG4]], [[Windows Media Video|WMV]], [[DivX]], [[XviD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/xbox-360-divx%5Cxvid-test/xbox-360-divxxvid-tested-it-plays-almost-everything-329769.php|title=Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Playback Tested (Verdict: It's Almost Perfect)|date=December 4, 2007|accessdate=June 24, 2008}}</ref>)
* Image slideshows
* Image slideshows
* Connectivity with Windows PCs for more codec support and external playback (compatible natively with [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]] and [[Windows Vista]], with [[Windows XP]] with downloadable utility)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm|title=Xbox 360 Media Download Center | publisher=Xbox (Microsoft)| accessdate =October 30, 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071029003930/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = October 29, 2007}}</ref>
* Connectivity with Windows PCs for more codec support and external playback (compatible natively with [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]] and [[Windows Vista]], with [[Windows XP]] with downloadable utility)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm|title=Xbox 360 Media Download Center | publisher=Xbox (Microsoft)| accessdate =October 30, 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071029003930/https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/pcsetup/alldownloads.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = October 29, 2007}}</ref>
* Keyboard support</div></div>
* Keyboard support</div></div>
|
|
Line 237: Line 237:
=== Xbox SmartGlass ===
=== Xbox SmartGlass ===
{{Main|Xbox SmartGlass}}
{{Main|Xbox SmartGlass}}
'''Xbox SmartGlass''' is a companion application for [[Xbox 360]] available for [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 10]], [[Windows Phone]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (version 4.0 and above)<ref name="Smart glass installation">{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/en-US/apps/my-xbox-live/my-xbox-live-android-install |title=SmartGlass installation &#124; Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref> and [[Windows Server 2012]]. It was announced by [[Microsoft]] during [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]] and released on October 26, 2012, coinciding with the release of Windows 8.<ref name="xblproductpage">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/smartglass |title=Xbox SmartGlass &#124; Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |date= |accessdate=October 18, 2012}}</ref> It connects with the [[Xbox 360]] and allows more interactive entertainment, allowing mobile devices to potentially serve as second screens and remote controller. Currently Windows 8 and Windows RT Tablets and PCs, Windows Phone (7.5 and 8) iOS devices, and Android smartphones (4.x) are compatible with SmartGlass,<ref>{{cite web|title=Xbox SmartGlass {{!}} Companion Application Xbox.com|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/smartglass/home#get-smartglass|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=March 18, 2013}}</ref> providing information such as ''[[Halo 4]]'' stats and ''[[Forza Horizon]]'' GPS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/smartglass/activities/ |title=Xbox SmartGlass |publisher=Xbox.com |date=October 22, 2012 |accessdate=October 24, 2012}}</ref> Users of Windows Server 2012 can currently download the application from the [[Windows Store]] after installing the Windows Desktop Experience feature in the Server Manager.<ref>http://mashable.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-preview/ Xbox SmartGlass Changes the Second-Screen Playing Field</ref>
'''Xbox SmartGlass''' is a companion application for [[Xbox 360]] available for [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 10]], [[Windows Phone]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (version 4.0 and above)<ref name="Smart glass installation">{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/en-US/apps/my-xbox-live/my-xbox-live-android-install |title=SmartGlass installation &#124; Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref> and [[Windows Server 2012]]. It was announced by [[Microsoft]] during [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012|E3 2012]] and released on October 26, 2012, coinciding with the release of Windows 8.<ref name="xblproductpage">{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/live/smartglass |title=Xbox SmartGlass &#124; Companion Application |publisher=Xbox.com |date= |accessdate=October 18, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20121020004513/https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm:80/en-US/live/smartglass |archivedate=October 20, 2012 }}</ref> It connects with the [[Xbox 360]] and allows more interactive entertainment, allowing mobile devices to potentially serve as second screens and remote controller. Currently Windows 8 and Windows RT Tablets and PCs, Windows Phone (7.5 and 8) iOS devices, and Android smartphones (4.x) are compatible with SmartGlass,<ref>{{cite web|title=Xbox SmartGlass {{!}} Companion Application Xbox.com|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/smartglass/home#get-smartglass|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=March 18, 2013}}</ref> providing information such as ''[[Halo 4]]'' stats and ''[[Forza Horizon]]'' GPS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/smartglass/activities/ |title=Xbox SmartGlass |publisher=Xbox.com |date=October 22, 2012 |accessdate=October 24, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20121025233846/https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm:80/en-US/smartglass/activities |archivedate=October 25, 2012 }}</ref> Users of Windows Server 2012 can currently download the application from the [[Windows Store]] after installing the Windows Desktop Experience feature in the Server Manager.<ref>http://mashable.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-preview/ Xbox SmartGlass Changes the Second-Screen Playing Field</ref>


== Software ==
== Software ==
Line 269: Line 269:
'''Kinect''' (stylized as '''KINECT''') is a [[motion sensing]] [[input device]] by [[Microsoft]] for the [[Xbox 360]] [[video game console]] and [[Windows]] [[personal computer|PCs]]. Based around a [[webcam]]-style add-on [[peripheral]] for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a [[game controller]], through a [[natural user interface]] using gestures and [[speech recognition|spoken commands]].<ref name="Natal 101">{{cite web |title="Project Natal" 101 |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/4/A/A4A457B3-DF5D-4BF2-AD4E-963454BA0BCC/ProjectNatalFactSheetMay09.zip |publisher=Microsoft |date=June 1, 2009 |accessdate=June 2, 2009 |archiveurl=http://blog.seattlepi.com/digitaljoystick/archives/169993.asp |archivedate=June 1, 2009}}</ref> The project is aimed at broadening the Xbox 360's audience beyond its typical gamer base.<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/06/microsofte3.html|title=E3: Microsoft shows off gesture control technology for Xbox 360|last=Pham|first=Alex|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=June 1, 2009|quote=The effort aims to attract a broader audience to Microsoft's console. Most of the 30 million Xbox 360s sold since November 2005 have been snapped up by avid young males drawn to complex shooter or adventure games such as Halo and Modern Warfare or R.P.Gs}}</ref> Kinect competes with the [[Wii Remote Plus]] and [[PlayStation Move]] with [[PlayStation Eye]] [[motion controller]]s for the [[Wii]] and [[PlayStation 3]] home consoles, respectively. A version for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] was released on February 1, 2012.<ref name="windowsreleasedate">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-commercial-program-announced.aspx |title=Starting February 1, 2012: Use the Power of Kinect for Windows to Change the World – Kinect for Windows Blog – Site Home – MSDN Blogs |publisher=Blogs.msdn.com |date=January 9, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2012}}</ref>
'''Kinect''' (stylized as '''KINECT''') is a [[motion sensing]] [[input device]] by [[Microsoft]] for the [[Xbox 360]] [[video game console]] and [[Windows]] [[personal computer|PCs]]. Based around a [[webcam]]-style add-on [[peripheral]] for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a [[game controller]], through a [[natural user interface]] using gestures and [[speech recognition|spoken commands]].<ref name="Natal 101">{{cite web |title="Project Natal" 101 |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/4/A/A4A457B3-DF5D-4BF2-AD4E-963454BA0BCC/ProjectNatalFactSheetMay09.zip |publisher=Microsoft |date=June 1, 2009 |accessdate=June 2, 2009 |archiveurl=http://blog.seattlepi.com/digitaljoystick/archives/169993.asp |archivedate=June 1, 2009}}</ref> The project is aimed at broadening the Xbox 360's audience beyond its typical gamer base.<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/06/microsofte3.html|title=E3: Microsoft shows off gesture control technology for Xbox 360|last=Pham|first=Alex|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=June 1, 2009|quote=The effort aims to attract a broader audience to Microsoft's console. Most of the 30 million Xbox 360s sold since November 2005 have been snapped up by avid young males drawn to complex shooter or adventure games such as Halo and Modern Warfare or R.P.Gs}}</ref> Kinect competes with the [[Wii Remote Plus]] and [[PlayStation Move]] with [[PlayStation Eye]] [[motion controller]]s for the [[Wii]] and [[PlayStation 3]] home consoles, respectively. A version for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] was released on February 1, 2012.<ref name="windowsreleasedate">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/kinectforwindows/archive/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-commercial-program-announced.aspx |title=Starting February 1, 2012: Use the Power of Kinect for Windows to Change the World – Kinect for Windows Blog – Site Home – MSDN Blogs |publisher=Blogs.msdn.com |date=January 9, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2012}}</ref>


Kinect was launched in North America on November 4, 2010,<ref name="releasedate">{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/5563148/microsoft-xbox-360-kinect-launches-november-4|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Launches November 4|publisher=[[Gizmodo]]}}</ref> in Europe on November 10, 2010,<ref name="EU launch date">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10996389|title=Kinect gets UK release date|publisher=BBC|accessdate=August 17, 2010|quote=''It will hit the shelves on 10 November, five days after the US.''}}</ref> in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore on November 18, 2010,<ref name="Xbox Kinect Australian launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/xboxkinect-release-date-australia/ |title=Xbox 360s Kinect given release date for Australia |date=September 1, 2010 |accessdate=September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect Singapore launch date">{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/1085935/1/.html |title=Kinect launches Nov 18 with StarHub tie-up|first=Jotham |last=Lian|publisher=ChannelNewsAsia.com}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect New Zealand launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/new-zealand-kinect-launch-date/ |title=New Zealand Kinect Launch Date confirmed! |date=September 17, 2010 |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> and in Japan on November 20, 2010.<ref name="Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/kinect-launch-japan/ |title=Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date |date=September 14, 2010 |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Purchase options for the sensor peripheral include a bundle with the game ''[[Kinect Adventures]]'' and console bundles with either a 4&nbsp;GB<ref name="US pricing" /><ref name="UK pricing" /><ref name="Euro pricing" /> or 250&nbsp;GB<ref name="250GB bundle">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-08-GBP300-kinect-250gb-bundle-confirmed|title=£300 Kinect 250&nbsp;GB bundle confirmed|date=September 8, 2010|accessdate=September 8, 2010|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Robert|last=Purchese}}</ref> Xbox 360 console and ''Kinect Adventures''.<ref name="US pricing">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |title=New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and "Kinect Adventures" — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package |date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |location=Redmond, Washington |accessdate=July 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100722110130/http://www.microsoft.com:80/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |archivedate=July 22, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="UK pricing">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |title=Say Hello to the New Xbox 360 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=March 18, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110224041334/http://www.xbox.com:80/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |archivedate=February 24, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Euro pricing">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AceyBongos/status/19004621612|title=Kinect bundled with slim 4&nbsp;GB Xbox 360 Arcade for $300, new console for $200 in August|author=Boyd, Graeme (AceyBongos)|date=July 20, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-bundled-with-slim-4gb-xbox-360-arcade-for-300-new-conso/|archivedate=July 20, 2010|accessdate=July 20, 2010|publisher=Twitter|quote=Euro prices are 149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4&nbsp;GB console bundle.}}</ref><ref name="250GB bundle" />
Kinect was launched in North America on November 4, 2010,<ref name="releasedate">{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/5563148/microsoft-xbox-360-kinect-launches-november-4|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Launches November 4|publisher=[[Gizmodo]]}}</ref> in Europe on November 10, 2010,<ref name="EU launch date">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10996389|title=Kinect gets UK release date|publisher=BBC|accessdate=August 17, 2010|quote=''It will hit the shelves on 10 November, five days after the US.''}}</ref> in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore on November 18, 2010,<ref name="Xbox Kinect Australian launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/xboxkinect-release-date-australia/ |title=Xbox 360s Kinect given release date for Australia |date=September 1, 2010 |accessdate=September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect Singapore launch date">{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/1085935/1/.html |title=Kinect launches Nov 18 with StarHub tie-up|first=Jotham |last=Lian|publisher=ChannelNewsAsia.com}}</ref><ref name="Xbox Kinect New Zealand launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/new-zealand-kinect-launch-date/ |title=New Zealand Kinect Launch Date confirmed! |date=September 17, 2010 |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> and in Japan on November 20, 2010.<ref name="Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date">{{cite web |url=http://123kinect.com/kinect-launch-japan/ |title=Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date |date=September 14, 2010 |accessdate=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Purchase options for the sensor peripheral include a bundle with the game ''[[Kinect Adventures]]'' and console bundles with either a 4&nbsp;GB<ref name="US pricing" /><ref name="UK pricing" /><ref name="Euro pricing" /> or 250&nbsp;GB<ref name="250GB bundle">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-08-GBP300-kinect-250gb-bundle-confirmed|title=£300 Kinect 250&nbsp;GB bundle confirmed|date=September 8, 2010|accessdate=September 8, 2010|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Robert|last=Purchese}}</ref> Xbox 360 console and ''Kinect Adventures''.<ref name="US pricing">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |title=New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and "Kinect Adventures" — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package |date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft |location=Redmond, Washington |accessdate=July 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100722110130/http://www.microsoft.com:80/presspass/press/2010/jul10/07-20KinectPackagePR.mspx |archivedate=July 22, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="UK pricing">{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |title=Say Hello to the New Xbox 360 |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=March 18, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110224041334/https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm:80/en-US/Xbox360/Consoles/Home?xbox_360_console_bundles |archivedate=February 24, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Euro pricing">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AceyBongos/status/19004621612|title=Kinect bundled with slim 4&nbsp;GB Xbox 360 Arcade for $300, new console for $200 in August|author=Boyd, Graeme (AceyBongos)|date=July 20, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-bundled-with-slim-4gb-xbox-360-arcade-for-300-new-conso/|archivedate=July 20, 2010|accessdate=July 20, 2010|publisher=Twitter|quote=Euro prices are 149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4&nbsp;GB console bundle.}}</ref><ref name="250GB bundle" />


The Kinect claimed the [[Guinness World Record]] of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days.<ref name="Gamasutra-record">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33430/Microsoft_Kinect_Hits_10_Million_Units_10_Million_Games.php |title=Microsoft: Kinect Hits 10 Million Units, 10 Million Games |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |publisher=Gamasutra |date=March 9, 2011 |accessdate=March 10, 2011}}</ref><ref name="CVG-record">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |title=Kinect cruises past 10&nbsp;m sales barrier |first=Tim |last=Ingham |publisher=CVG |date=March 9, 2011 |accessdate=March 10, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110311085030/http://www.computerandvideogames.com:80/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Guinness-record">{{cite web|url=http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |title=Kinect Confirmed As Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |accessdate=March 10, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110311213211/http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com:80/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}</ref> 24 million units of the Kinect sensor had been shipped as of January 2012.<ref name="24-million" />
The Kinect claimed the [[Guinness World Record]] of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days.<ref name="Gamasutra-record">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/33430/Microsoft_Kinect_Hits_10_Million_Units_10_Million_Games.php |title=Microsoft: Kinect Hits 10 Million Units, 10 Million Games |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |publisher=Gamasutra |date=March 9, 2011 |accessdate=March 10, 2011}}</ref><ref name="CVG-record">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |title=Kinect cruises past 10&nbsp;m sales barrier |first=Tim |last=Ingham |publisher=CVG |date=March 9, 2011 |accessdate=March 10, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110311085030/http://www.computerandvideogames.com:80/292825/news/kinect-cruises-past-10m-sales-barrier/ |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Guinness-record">{{cite web|url=http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |title=Kinect Confirmed As Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |accessdate=March 10, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110311213211/http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com:80/_Kinect-Confirmed-As-Fastest-Selling-Consumer-Electronics-Device/blog/3376939/7691.html |archivedate=March 11, 2011 }}</ref> 24 million units of the Kinect sensor had been shipped as of January 2012.<ref name="24-million" />
Line 295: Line 295:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{official website|http://www.xbox.com}}
* {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm}}
* {{Wayback|url=http://www.xbox.com/default.htm|title=Xbox|date=20010730111322}}
* {{Wayback|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm/default.htm|title=Xbox|date=20010730111322}}


{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes

Revision as of 20:12, 20 July 2016

This article is about the "Xbox" brand. For the 2001 console, see Xbox (console). For other uses, see Xbox (disambiguation).

XBOX
Product typeVideo gaming
OwnerMicrosoft Corporation
CountryMicrosoft Redmond Campus, Redmond, Washington, United States
IntroducedNovember 15, 2001; 22 years ago (2001-11-15)
MarketsWorldwide
Registered as a trademark inWorldwide
Websiteweb.archive.org/web/20010730111322/http://www.xbox.com/default.htm

Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. It represents a series of video game consoles developed by Microsoft, with three consoles released in the sixth, seventh, and eighth generations respectively. The brand also represents applications (games), streaming services, and an online service by the name of Xbox Live. The brand was first introduced on November 15, 2001 in the United States, with the launch of the original Xbox console.

That original device was the first video game console offered by an American company after the Atari Jaguar stopped sales in 1996. It reached over 24 million units sold as of May 10, 2006.[1] Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, was released in 2005 and has sold over 77.2 million consoles worldwide as of April 18, 2013.[2] The successor to the Xbox 360 and Microsoft's most recent console, the Xbox One,[3] was revealed on May 21, 2013.[4] The Xbox One has been released in 21 markets in total, with a Chinese release on September 29, 2014. The head of Xbox is Phil Spencer, who succeeded former head Marc Whitten in late March 2014.[5][6]

Consoles

Xbox

Main article: Xbox (console)
Xbox console with "Controller S"

The original Xbox was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console market. As part of the sixth-generation of gaming, the Xbox competed with Sony's PlayStation 2, Sega's Dreamcast (which stopped American sales before the Xbox went on sale), and Nintendo's GameCube. The Xbox was the first console offered by an American company after the Atari Jaguar stopped sales in 1996. The name Xbox was derived from a contraction of DirectX Box, a reference to Microsoft's graphics API, DirectX.[7][8]

The integrated Xbox Live service launched in November 2002 allowed players to play games online with or without a broadband connection.[9] It first competed with Dreamcast's online service but later primarily competed with PlayStation 2's online service. Although these two are free while Xbox Live required a subscription, as well as broadband-only connection which was not completely adopted yet, Xbox Live was a success due to better servers, features such as a buddy list, and milestone titles like Halo 2 released in November 2004, which is the best-selling Xbox video game and was by far the most popular online game for years.

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Elite, Right: Xbox 360 S and new-style controller
Main article: Xbox 360
File:XBOX Elite Controller (19701428953).jpg
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller

The Xbox 360 was released as the successor of the original Xbox in November 2005, competing with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. As of June 30, 2013, 78.2 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide.[10] The Xbox 360 was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information divulged later that month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The console sold out completely upon release in all regions except in Japan.[11][12][13]

The Xbox 360 showed an expanded Xbox Live service (which now included a limited "Free" tier called silver), the ability to stream multimedia content from PCs, while later updates added the ability to purchase and stream music, television programs, and films through the Xbox Music and Xbox Video services, along with access to third-party content services through third-party media streaming applications. Microsoft also released Kinect, a motion control system for the Xbox 360 which uses an advanced sensor system.

At their E3 presentation on June 14, 2010, Microsoft announced a redesigned Xbox 360 that would ship on the same day.[14] The redesigned console is slimmer than the previous Xbox 360 model and features integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, TOSLINK S/PDIF optical audio output, five USB 2.0 ports (compared to the three from older versions) and special port designed for the Kinect peripheral.[15] Older models of the Xbox 360 have since been discontinued.[16] The first new console to be released features a 250 GB hard drive, while a later less expensive SKU features 4 GB internal storage.

Xbox One

Main article: Xbox One
The Xbox One with the redesigned Kinect and controller

The Xbox One was released on November 22, 2013 in North America, as the successor of the Xbox 360. The Xbox One competes with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U as part of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

Announced on May 21, 2013,[17] the Xbox One now has a large emphasis on internet-based features; including the ability to record and stream gameplay, and the ability to integrate with a set-top box to watch cable or satellite TV through the console with an enhanced guide interface and Kinect-based voice control.[18][19][20][21]

Following its unveiling, the Xbox One proved controversial for its original digital rights management and privacy practices; while Microsoft touted the ability for users to access their library of games (regardless of whether they were purchased physically or digitally) on any Xbox One console without needing their discs, and the ability to share their entire library with 10 designated "family" members, all games would have to be tied to the user's Xbox Live account and their Xbox One console, and the console would be required to connect to the Internet on a periodic basis (at least once every 24 hours) in order to synchronize the library, or else the console would be unable to play any games at all.[22][23] After an overwhelmingly negative response from critics and consumers (who also showed concerns that the system could prevent or hinder the resale of used games), Microsoft announced that these restrictions would be dropped.[24] Microsoft was also criticized for requiring the Xbox One to have its updated Kinect peripheral plugged in to function, which critics and privacy advocates believed could be used as a surveillance device. As a gesture toward showing a commitment to user privacy, Microsoft decided to allow the console to function without Kinect.[25][26][27]

On June 13, 2016, Microsoft announced the Xbox One S, a slimmer version of the Xbox One, at E3 2016.[28]

Project Scorpio

Main article: Xbox One § "Project Scorpio"

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, announced Project Scorpio at E3 2016 on June 13, 2016, an addition to the Xbox One family, saying it would release in Holiday 2017.[29]

Comparison

Xbox Xbox 360 Xbox One
Console
Console Launch price
  • US$299.99
  • GB£299.99
  • €479,99
  • US$299.99 (Core) (discontinued)
  • US$399.99 (Premium – 20 GB) (discontinued)
  • US$249.99 (Premium – 60 GB) (discontinued)
  • US$479.99 (Elite) (120 GB) (discontinued)
  • US$299.99 (Arcade – 256 MB internal memory) (discontinued)
  • US$199.99 (Arcade – 512 MB internal memory) (discontinued)
  • US$299.99 ("Super Elite") (250 GB) (discontinued)
  • US$399.99 (Xbox 360 S – 250 GB + Kinect) (discontinued)
  • US$299.99 (Xbox 360 S – 250 GB) (discontinued)
  • US$299.99 (Xbox 360 S – 4 GB internal memory + Kinect) (discontinued)
  • US$199.99 (Xbox 360 S – 4 GB internal memory) (discontinued)
  • US$199.99 (Xbox 360 E – 4 GB internal memory)
  • US$299.99 (Xbox 360 E – 250 GB)
  • US$299.99 (Xbox 360 E – 4 GB internal memory + Kinect)
  • Kinect Bundle: US$499
    GB £399
    €499
  • Standalone: US$399
    GB £289
    €399
Release date Further information: Xbox 360 launch#Release dates and pricing November 22, 2013[30]
Discontinued —
Units sold 24+ million (as of May 10, 2006)[1] 77.2 million (as of April 18, 2013)[2](details) 3 million (as of January 6, 2014)[31]
Best-selling game Halo 2, 8 million (as of May 9, 2006)[32][33] Kinect Adventures (pack-in with Kinect peripheral), 24 million[34]

Best selling non-bundled game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, 14.23 million[35]

Titanfall[36]
Media CD, DVD CD, DVD, HD DVD (movies only) with add-on drive CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, USB Drive with supported media, DLNA Servers[37]
Accessories (retail)
  • Xbox Live Starter Kit
  • Xbox Media Center Extender
  • DVD Playback Kit
  • Xbox Music Mixer
  • Memory Unit (8 MB)
  • Logitech Wireless Controller (2.4 GHz)
  • More...

see Xbox 360 accessories

  • Media Remote
  • Stereo Headset Adapter
  • Official Stereo Headset
  • Digital TV Tuner (EU Only)
  • Play and Charge Kit

see Xbox One accessories

CPU 733 MHz x86 Intel Celeron/Pentium III Custom Hybrid CPU 3.2 GHz IBM PowerPC tri-core CPU codenamed "Xenon" 1.75 GHz AMD x86-64 eight-core CPU codenamed "Jaguar"[38]
GPU 233 MHz nVidia custom GeForce 3 NV2A DirectX 8.0 based GPU 500 MHz ATi custom Radeon X1800 DirectX 9.0c based GPU codenamed "Xenos" 853 MHz AMD Radeon HD 7000 series DirectX 11.1 based GPU codenamed "Durango"
Memory 64 MB DDR SDRAM @ 200 MHz; in dual-channel 128-bit configuration giving 6400 MB/s 512 MB of GDDR3 RAM @ 700 MHz 22.4 GB/s, 10 MB EDRAM GPU frame buffer memory 8 GB of DDR3 RAM @ 2133 MHz 68.3 GB/s,[37] 32 MB ESRAM GPU frame buffer memory
Video I/O

Various monitor resolutions available via VGA and HDMI/DVI (640×480, 848×480, 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×768, 1280×1024, 1360×768, 1440×900, 1680×1050 & 1920×1080)

Audio I/O
Online service Xbox Live (2002–10) XLink Kai (2003-present) Xbox Live
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Marketplace
Xbox Live Vision (webcam), headset
Xbox Live Video Marketplace
Windows Live Messenger
Internet Explorer
VideoKinect (Kinect sensor is no longer needed) 		Xbox Live
Xbox Store
Internet Explorer
Microsoft Edge
Skype
Backward compatibility — 50% of Xbox Library Limited
System software Xbox Music Mixer
DVD Playback Kit, Xbox Linux 		see Xbox 360 system software Xbox OS, Windows 8, Windows 10 (future)
System software
features 		Audio CD playback
  • 3D Blu-ray Support
  • DLNA Server Support
  • External Hard Drive Support
Consumer programmability Via Softmods and/or modchips; Modified Windows CE 2.x, Linux Development on PC with XNA Game Studio ($99/year subscription, binary distribution with XNA 1.0 Refresh)[41] ID@Xbox

Games

Main articles: List of Xbox games, List of Xbox 360 games, List of Xbox One games, List of Xbox Live Arcade games, List of Xbox Live Arcade Kinect games, List of Xbox Originals, List of Xbox 360 Games on Demand, List of Xbox games on Windows Phone, and List of Xbox 360 System Link games

Each console has a variety of games. Most games released on the original Xbox are backwards compatible and can be played directly on its successor, Xbox 360. Backward compatibility with Xbox 360 titles was added to Xbox One in June 2015, although titles requiring Kinect or USB peripherals will not be supported.

Online services

Xbox Live

Main article: Xbox Live

Xbox Live is an online service with over 40 million users worldwide (as of January 10, 2012).[42] It comprises an online virtual market, the Xbox Live Marketplace, which allows the purchase and download of games and various forms of multimedia. Online gaming on the Xbox first started on November 15, 2002 worldwide. The service is still active and continues to be played by gamers.

Xbox Live Marketplace

Main article: Xbox Live Marketplace

The Xbox Live Marketplace (XBLM) is a virtual market designed for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download purchased or promotional content. The service offers movie and game trailers, Video Store, game demos, Xbox Live Arcade games, Xbox Live Indie Games (Previously Community Games), Games on Demand (Xbox 360 and Xbox Originals), downloadable content such as map packs, gamer pictures, and Xbox 360 Dashboard themes.

The August 11, 2009 update added Xbox 360 games for download, the Avatar Marketplace, and renamed Community Games to Indie Games.

The Spring 2007 update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard relocated the Marketplace to its own "blade" in order to bring more attention to the service and make it more accessible to users. Although this has been obsoleted by the NXE update, the section has been implemented into three separate sections in the Dashboard: the Game Marketplace, Video & Music Marketplace, and Avatar Marketplace.

Downloaded content requires enough space on either the Xbox 360's hard drive, or an Xbox 360 Memory Unit. Selected downloads are placed in a queue and are downloaded whilst the console is powered on and is connected to Xbox Live. Users can choose to send certain downloads to the front of the queue to be downloaded first. Downloads are temporarily halted during certain times where games make use of Xbox Live's features (e.g. online multiplayer).

Xbox SmartGlass

Main article: Xbox SmartGlass

Xbox SmartGlass is a companion application for Xbox 360 available for Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Phone, iOS, Android (version 4.0 and above)[43] and Windows Server 2012. It was announced by Microsoft during E3 2012 and released on October 26, 2012, coinciding with the release of Windows 8.[44] It connects with the Xbox 360 and allows more interactive entertainment, allowing mobile devices to potentially serve as second screens and remote controller. Currently Windows 8 and Windows RT Tablets and PCs, Windows Phone (7.5 and 8) iOS devices, and Android smartphones (4.x) are compatible with SmartGlass,[45] providing information such as Halo 4 stats and Forza Horizon GPS.[46] Users of Windows Server 2012 can currently download the application from the Windows Store after installing the Windows Desktop Experience feature in the Server Manager.[47]

Software

Xbox 360 Dashboard

Main article: Xbox 360 Dashboard
See also: Xbox 360 system software

The Xbox 360's original graphical user interface was the Xbox 360 Dashboard; a tabbed interface that featured five "Blades" (formerly four blades), and was designed by AKQA and Audiobrain. It could be launched automatically when the console booted without a disc in it, or when the disc tray was ejected, but the user had the option to select what the console does if a game is in the tray on start up, or if inserted when already on. A simplified version of it was also accessible at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. This simplified version showed the user's gamercard, Xbox Live messages and friends list. It also allowed for personal and music settings, in addition to voice or video chats, or returning to the Xbox Dashboard from the game.

Xbox One Dashboard

Main article: Xbox One system software

Controllers

Xbox Controller

Original Xbox controller, first showcased in 2000
Xbox Controller S, which first shipped in 2002
Main article: Xbox Controller

Released in 2001, the Xbox control pad was the first controller made for the original Xbox. The Xbox controller features two analog sticks, a pressure-sensitive directional pad, two analog triggers, a Back button, a Start button, two accessory slots and six 8-bit analog action buttons (A/Green, B/Red, X/Blue, Y/Yellow, and Black and White buttons).[48] The standard Xbox controller (originally nicknamed the "Fatty"[49] and later the "Duke"[50]) was originally the controller bundled with Xbox systems for all territories except Japan.

Xbox 360 Controller

Main article: Xbox 360 Controller
Xbox 360 S Controller

Released in 2005, the Xbox 360 controller for the Xbox 360 succeeded its predecessor. A standard Xbox 360 controller features eleven digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks and a digital D-pad. The right face of the controller features four digital actions buttons; a green "A" button, red "B" button, blue "X" button and yellow "Y" button. The lower right houses the right analog stick, in lower left is a digital D-pad and on the left face is the left analog stick. Both analog sticks can also be "clicked in" to activate a digital button beneath. In the center of the controller face are digital "Start", "Back" and "Guide" buttons. The "Guide" button is labelled with the Xbox logo, and is used to turn on the console/controller and to access the guide menu. It is also surrounded by the "ring of light", which indicates the controller number, as well as flashing when connecting and to provide notifications. The left and right "shoulders" each feature a digital shoulder button, or "bumper", and an analog trigger.

Xbox 360 Kinect

Main article: Kinect
The Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor

Kinect (stylized as KINECT) is a motion sensing input device by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 video game console and Windows PCs. Based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a game controller, through a natural user interface using gestures and spoken commands.[51] The project is aimed at broadening the Xbox 360's audience beyond its typical gamer base.[52] Kinect competes with the Wii Remote Plus and PlayStation Move with PlayStation Eye motion controllers for the Wii and PlayStation 3 home consoles, respectively. A version for Windows was released on February 1, 2012.[53]

Kinect was launched in North America on November 4, 2010,[54] in Europe on November 10, 2010,[55] in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore on November 18, 2010,[56][57][58] and in Japan on November 20, 2010.[59] Purchase options for the sensor peripheral include a bundle with the game Kinect Adventures and console bundles with either a 4 GB[60][61][62] or 250 GB[63] Xbox 360 console and Kinect Adventures.[60][61][62][63]

The Kinect claimed the Guinness World Record of being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device" after selling a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days.[64][65][66] 24 million units of the Kinect sensor had been shipped as of January 2012.[34]

Microsoft released Kinect software development kit for Windows 7 on June 16, 2011.[67][68][69] This SDK was meant to allow developers to write Kinecting apps in C++/CLI, C#, or Visual Basic .NET.[70][71]

Additional information on the Xbox One Kinect was released on June 6, 2013, including information on how to turn off the "always on" feature.[72]

Xbox One Controller

Main article: Xbox One Controller
Xbox One Controller

The Xbox One console has a revised controller with forty improvements over the 360's controller. This new controller is built to work with Kinect. The Start and Back buttons are replaced with Menu and View buttons. It has impulse triggers that replace the regular triggers. The button with the Xbox logo will no longer bring up the Xbox Guide as the Xbox Guide Button on the Xbox 360 controller did. The button will now open up the dashboard without interrupting the game currently being played by the user. Once pressed again, the Xbox will resume the game.[73]

Xbox One Kinect

Main article: Kinect
The Xbox One Kinect sensor

Although featuring improved performance over the original Kinect, its successor has been subject to mixed responses. It has been praised for its wide angle, its fast response time and high quality camera. However, the Kinect's inability to understand some accents in English was criticized. Furthermore, controversies surround Microsoft's intentional tying of the sensor with the Xbox One console despite the initial requirements for the sensor being plugged in at all times having been revised since its initial announcement. There have also been a number of concerns regarding privacy.

References

  1. ^ a b "Gamers Catch Their Breath as Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Reinvent Next-Generation Gaming". Microsoft. May 10, 2006. Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved March 30, 2009.
  2. ^ a b "77 million Xbox 360s sold". Gamespot. Archived from the original on April 25, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Xbox One Confirmed as Name of Microsoft's New Console". Retrieved May 7, 2013.
  4. ^ "Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Announcement". IGN. April 24, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
  5. ^ Gilbert, Ben (April 10, 2014). "Getting to know Microsoft's new Xbox lead, Phil Spencer". Engadget. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  6. ^ "Satya Nadella email to employees on tuning our organization". Microsoft. March 31, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  7. ^ "11-X, WEP, Midway, CyberPlayGround, FACE – the rejected names for Microsoft’s first console" Archived 2013-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Karmali, Luke (July 6, 2013). "Rejected Names for the Original Xbox Revealed". IGN. Ziff Davis.
  9. ^ "Xbox Live's Major Nelson » Xbox LIVE being discontinued for Original Xbox consoles and games :". Majornelson.com. April 15, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  10. ^ "Earnings Release FY13 Q1". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  11. ^ "Shortages spoil Xbox 360 launch". BBC News. November 23, 2005. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  12. ^ "Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe by Storm". Archived from the original on June 3, 2012.
  13. ^ "Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments". Retrieved October 14, 2008.
  14. ^ "New Xbox 360 Shipping Today, Costs $299". Kotaku.com. June 14, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  15. ^ Dean Takahashi, VentureBeat. "Microsoft to Launch Smaller XBOX 360 Game Console." June 14, 2010.
  16. ^ Thorsen, Tor (June 14, 2010). "New $200 Xbox 360 planned, Elite & Arcade getting $50 price cut". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 17, 2010. Moore said that Microsoft is currently working on a second new Xbox 360, which will be offered at the arcade's price point of $200. He declined to say what functionalities the cheaper model would or would not have. […] One likely scenario is the cheaper model will essentially be a slim arcade with no Wi-Fi capabilities or a hard drive. […] Moore also said that going forward, all future models of the Xbox 360 would not have names and would only be designated by their memory capacity.
  17. ^ "Microsoft unveils Xbox One next-generation console". BBC News. May 21, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  18. ^ "Xbox One: a next-gen console with a focus on interactive TV and apps". The Verge. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  19. ^ "Xbox One guide brings HDMI in/out, overlays for live TV". Engadget. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
  20. ^ "Xbox One adds Smart Match, Game DVR". Gamespot. May 21, 2013. Archived from the original on June 8, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "Why Microsoft's Xbox One Won't Kick the Cable Guy Out of Your House". AllThingsD. May 22, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  22. ^ Jeffrey Grubb (May 21, 2013). "Deal with it: Xbox One requires an Internet connection". VentureBeat. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  23. ^ "How Games Licensing Works on Xbox One". Microsoft. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  24. ^ Stuart, Keith (June 19, 2013). "Xbox One: Microsoft abandons controversial DRM restrictions". The Guardian. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  25. ^ "Kinect on Xbox One will not record or upload your conversations, Microsoft says". Polygon. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  26. ^ Kinect No Longer Mandatory For Xbox One (But Will Still Come With It) [UPDATE]. Kotaku.com. Retrieved on August 23, 2013.
  27. ^ "Xbox One no longer requires Kinect, but it'll still come in the box, and you'll still pay $500". ExtremeTech. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  28. ^ Webster, Andrew (June 13, 2016). "Microsoft announces the Xbox One S, its smallest Xbox yet". The Verge. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  29. ^ Webster, Andrew (June 13, 2016). "Project Scorpio is a 4K-capable, VR-ready Xbox One launching next fall". The Verge. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  30. ^ http://majornelson.com/2013/09/04/xbox-one-to-launch-on-november-22-2013-in-13-markets
  31. ^ Thank You for an Epic 2013 January 6, 2014
  32. ^ Asher Moses (August 30, 2007). "Prepare for all-out war". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved November 24, 2007.
  33. ^ Morris, Chris (May 9, 2006). "Grand Theft Auto, Halo 3 headed to Xbox 360". CNN. Retrieved November 24, 2007.
  34. ^ a b Epstein, Zach (February 12, 2013). "MICROSOFT SAYS XBOX 360 SALES HAVE SURPASSED 76 MILLION UNITS, KINECT SALES TOP 24 MILLION". BGR.com. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  35. ^ "Xbox 360 Best Selling Games Statistics". Retrieved February 6, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Titanfall is Best Selling Xbox One game to date". Retrieved October 2, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ a b Microsoft Xbox One – Consoles – CNET Reviews
  38. ^ Cunningham, Andrew (September 3, 2013). "Xbox One gets a CPU speed boost to go with its faster GPU". ArsTechnica. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  39. ^ "Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Playback Tested (Verdict: It's Almost Perfect)". December 4, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2008.
  40. ^ "Xbox 360 Media Download Center". Xbox (Microsoft). Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  41. ^ "XNA Game Studio Express". MSDN (Microsoft). Retrieved October 30, 2007.
  42. ^ "CES: Microsoft Reveals Xbox 360 Sales To Date – IGN". IGN. January 10, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  43. ^ "SmartGlass installation | Companion Application". Xbox.com. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  44. ^ "Xbox SmartGlass | Companion Application". Xbox.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ "Xbox SmartGlass | Companion Application Xbox.com". Microsoft. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  46. ^ "Xbox SmartGlass". Xbox.com. October 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ http://mashable.com/2012/10/23/xbox-smartglass-preview/ Xbox SmartGlass Changes the Second-Screen Playing Field
  48. ^ "Inside Xbox 360 Controller".
  49. ^ "Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Tour". IGN. May 13, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2011. the original "Fatty" Xbox controller didn't have a specific public name
  50. ^ "Xbox's original beast of a controller making a comeback?". CNET. June 15, 2005. Retrieved October 16, 2011. Anyone who purchased the original Xbox during its launch window quickly came to know its behemoth of a controller, now nicknamed "Duke."
  51. ^ ""Project Natal" 101". Microsoft. June 1, 2009. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  52. ^ Pham, Alex (June 1, 2009). "E3: Microsoft shows off gesture control technology for Xbox 360". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 1, 2009. The effort aims to attract a broader audience to Microsoft's console. Most of the 30 million Xbox 360s sold since November 2005 have been snapped up by avid young males drawn to complex shooter or adventure games such as Halo and Modern Warfare or R.P.Gs
  53. ^ "Starting February 1, 2012: Use the Power of Kinect for Windows to Change the World – Kinect for Windows Blog – Site Home – MSDN Blogs". Blogs.msdn.com. January 9, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
  54. ^ "Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Launches November 4". Gizmodo.
  55. ^ "Kinect gets UK release date". BBC. Retrieved August 17, 2010. It will hit the shelves on 10 November, five days after the US.
  56. ^ "Xbox 360s Kinect given release date for Australia". September 1, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  57. ^ Lian, Jotham. "Kinect launches Nov 18 with StarHub tie-up". ChannelNewsAsia.com.
  58. ^ "New Zealand Kinect Launch Date confirmed!". September 17, 2010. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  59. ^ "Xbox Kinect Japanese launch date". September 14, 2010. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  60. ^ a b "New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and "Kinect Adventures" — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package". Redmond, Washington: Microsoft. July 20, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  61. ^ a b "Say Hello to the New Xbox 360". Microsoft. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ a b Boyd, Graeme (AceyBongos) (July 20, 2010). "Kinect bundled with slim 4 GB Xbox 360 Arcade for $300, new console for $200 in August". Twitter. Archived from the original on July 20, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2010. Euro prices are 149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4 GB console bundle.
  63. ^ a b Purchese, Robert (September 8, 2010). "£300 Kinect 250 GB bundle confirmed". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  64. ^ Alexander, Leigh (March 9, 2011). "Microsoft: Kinect Hits 10 Million Units, 10 Million Games". Gamasutra. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  65. ^ Ingham, Tim (March 9, 2011). "Kinect cruises past 10 m sales barrier". CVG. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ "Kinect Confirmed As Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device". Guinnessworldrecords.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  67. ^ Orland, Kyle (February 21, 2011). "News – Microsoft Announces Windows Kinect SDK For Spring Release". Gamasutra. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  68. ^ "Microsoft: "Kinect SDK Coming In March."". Gadgetsteria.com. February 21, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  69. ^ Knies, Rob (February 21, 2011). "Academics, Enthusiasts to Get Kinect SDK". Retrieved March 18, 2011.
  70. ^ "Kinect for Windows SDK beta launches, wants PC users to get a move on". Engadget. June 16, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  71. ^ "Microsoft releases Kinect for Windows SDK – latimes.com". Latimesblogs.latimes.com. June 16, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  72. ^ "Xbox One Kinect: Only Peeping If You Want It To". All That Gaming Stuff. June 6, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  73. ^ Lowensohn, Josh; Franklin, Eric (May 21, 2013). "Xbox One controller gets programmable trigger buttons, design refinements". CNET. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Xbox&oldid=730719738"