Microsoft Flexes Marketing Muscles with New Xbox One Ad

As the next generation of consoles inch their way toward release later this November, gamers have already started choosing which platforms they’ll be backing – some opting for both. Whatever side consumers find themselves on, however, there’s no denying that Microsoft had a less-than-stellar start with its Xbox One console. After flipping its stance on several controversial policies, Microsoft has kicked off its marketing campaign for the Xbox One with a new commercial that highlights the all-in-one aspect that the platform is named after.

The new trailer features a copious number of familiar gaming-related items, and even a pair of celebrities that have scored cameos, which make for what was likely a very expensive advertisement. For those who aren’t overly familiar with the source material that the various props are from, they all pertain to exclusive games that’ll be available for the system during or shortly after launch – with the exception of Zachary Quinto’s Spock and England’s captain Stephen Gerrard.

Titanfall‘s mech, Forza Motorsport 5‘s McLaren P1 (one of only three in the world), a legion of Roman warriors from Ryse, and a zombie from Capcom’s Dead Rising 3 all take up residence within the minute and a half long ad, creating a very entertaining, action-packed attention-grabber in the process. Overall, it’s definitely a love letter to those that have been following the Xbox One since it was first announced, and it also helps to enlighten potential consumers about the various entertainment features and games available on the system.

Xbox One’s November 22, 2013 release date is quickly approaching, so the official multi-million dollar ad campaign will kick off on October 27 – airing during Sunday Night Football on NBC. This is only the beginning for Xbox One commercials leading up to the Holiday season, so there’s no telling what other properties may make an appearance in future ads.

What do you think of Microsoft’s recent advertisement, Ranters? Does it make you want to buy an Xbox One?

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Xbox One Video Details Next-Gen Racing Wheels

If there’s one feather that Microsoft can place in its hat of next-gen exclusives, it is undeniably Forza Motorsport 5. Besides the fact that the series has become arguably the best racing simulation on the market, the development team at Turn 10 has played an integral role in shaping the Xbox One for developers.

That’s resulted in some of the most stunning graphics and promising cloud-based programming, but for true simulation fans, a great racer is only as good as its best racing wheel peripheral. To show what the next-gen can bring to the console’s peripherals, Microsoft’s Larry Hryb sits down with Branden Powell, master of accessories to take a look at the early offerings.

There’s no question that Forza 5 will be seen as a next-gen showpiece when launched alongside the Xbox One itself, so it stands to reason that the peripherals and accessories – if designed as well – can help the system gain momentum. With that in mind, it seems that Powell’s team has focused not only on improving the look and quality of the top-tier racing wheels, but the tools they make available to developers.

The current generation of consoles saw developers embrace the added dimension of rumble support and force feedback; so with Xbox One’s controller reinventing the concept to give developers more control, it makes sense that they would seek to do the same with their third-party racing wheels.

Powell does a good job explaining the prior use of force feedback seen in the Xbox 360′s racing wheels; developers may have had lofty goals, but the ultimate result was simply resistance added to the steering wheel. To be fair, that did add a new dimension to the experience, but for next-gen, there is serious room for improvement.

By refining the kind of resistance and feedback developers have at their disposal, it seems Microsoft is doing their part.

The Ferrari-branded Thrustmaster 458 Italia racing wheel doesn’t look to be too radically different from its Xbox 360 version, but is still likely to attract attention based solely on its supercar inspiration. However, the more racing-inspired Mad Catz wheel may end up being the more likely choice for early adopters. Aside from the ability to swap wheels in and out of the base, the range of motion and customization available in the foot pedals is a wise move.

In addition to the wheels, the video also gives a brief look at the N1 Gaming Sound Bar from Polk, designed specifically to get the most out of Microsoft’s soundscapes. The collaboration between Xbox Game Studios and Polk extends to more than just the Sound Bar, but it’s good to know that the team is already thinking of ways to make racing experiences more immersive.

How long it will take for the designers to get the most out of the new programming and precision available to them remains to be seen – as do the pricing details. Of course, the upgrades in both hardware and software mean that Xbox 360 wheels will not be compatible with the Xbox One. At this point that’s been somewhat expected, but it’s still a bit of a disappointment to enthusiasts who have nailed down their preferred setups.

What do you think of the next-gen racing wheels shown off in the video? Are your hopes high for what new hardware can make possible, or have racing wheels never been your cup of tea? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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‘The Stig’ Confirmed For ‘Forza Motorsport 5′

Our hopes for Forza Motorsport 5 went sky high after E3 2013, but motoring enthusiasts have a few more reasons to look forward to the Xbox One launch title - now that BBC series and magazine Top Gear provided a few more hints on how they’ll be helping shape the game experience.

The latest trailer for Forza 5 confirms that the series’ tamed racing driver ‘The Stig’ will not only be featured in the game, but will be challenging players to best his lap times. It’s just one of what looks to be many overlaps between Turn 10‘s racing franchise and the motoring series, and is sure to please the franchise’s most devoted fans.

Turn 10 established that their relationship with Top Gear – established in Forza 4 with a definite video gaming slant – would be growing even more extensive when we spoke to the developers at E3 2013. For starters, the classes of cars would no longer be divided by manufacturer or price, but grouped together by ‘spirit,’ under the tutelage of the motoring experts at Top Gear. Even so, exactly how visible the magazine – and the BBC series in particular – would be in the finished game was unclear.

Thanks to the above trailer, it seems the series will be very visible. Here’s the official announcement accompanying the reveal of The Stig’s ‘digital cousin’:

Yes, Internet, making his debut in Forza Motorsport 5 is the virtual version of our tame racing driver — though this one’s slightly different. He — or it — is allegedly beatable. But only if you’re really good. That means you lucky folks who plan on snapping up the shiny new Xbox One and Forza 5 next month will be among the planet’s first to take him on.

As you know, Forza 5 will feature the Top Gear test track, rendered in meticulous detail, including the follow-through and Gambon sections. Though the ramshackle shed where we store all of our crisps might not have made the cut.

In addition to the Top Gear test track and mysterious driver (whose identity is unknown, but regularly challenges F1 drivers) Forza 5 will feature not only a return of Jeremy Clarkson’s signature commentary, but he’ll be joined by both his co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May. In addition, the finished game will include “races inspired by Top Gear events,” but the producers wouldn’t provide any clarification. In other words: compact car soccer is a very real possibility (but don’t hold your breath).

These extra touches may seem trivial for casual fans, but the most devoted gearheads will no doubt be eager to see how the two brands continue to evolve their relationship. And if you fall into the latter category, be sure to take a look at the Limited and Day One Editions.

Think you’ll have what it takes to knock The Stig down a peg or two? Or is it the commentary from Clarkson, May and Hammond that you’re most looking forward to? Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

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‘Forza Motorsport 5′ Limited & Day One Editions Revealed

Nothing sells users on a flashy high-performance machine, like another flashy high-performance machine – or better still, hundreds of them. Forza Motorsport 5 will arrive alongside the Xbox One this holiday season, hoping to launch the fledgling console into a lucrative first-place finish. Decked out with dozens upon dozens over classic, modern and souped-up sports cars, Microsoft’s go-to driving title is already attracting plenty of attention, propelling the horse-powered racer onto 2013′s pre-order polls.

Following July’s online-activation pile-up, and subsequent recovery, fans ofForza 5 now have exactly two more reasons to get excited about the game’s November-time release. Announced this week, the Forza Motorsport 5 Limited &Day One Editions will offer gearhead gamers all manner of petrol-soaked incentives, from extra cars to stylish decals.

The packs include:

Forza Motorsport 5: Day One Edition
For $59.99 poll-position players will receive the ‘Day One Car Pack,’ featuring:
2010 Audi TT RS Coupe
2013 Ford Focus ST
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
A copy of Forza Motorsport 5 w/ commemorative ‘Day One 2013′ box art

Forza Motorsport 5: Limited Edition
Priced at $79.99, the collector’s set includes the ‘Limited Edition Car Pack,’ featuring:
2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback
2012 Aston Martin Vanquish
2013 Ford M Shelby Mustang GT500
2011 Maclaren P1
2013 SRT Viper GTS
VIP-level membership, which features:
The ‘Day One Car Pack,’ detailed above
An exclusive steelbook game case
A Forza 5 decal sheet (car stickers)
$9.99 worth of in-game car tokens
Double speed stat boosting
Special VIP-only multiplayer events
An exclusive in-game card badge
Exclusive ‘community gifts’ (requires Xbox Live Gold membership)
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
1987 RUF CTR Yellowbird
1991 Mazda #55 787B
2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor
2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

* All cars come equipped with high performance custom tuning & unique appearance touches. (Unaltered stock versions are also included in the full game)

Developer Turn 10 Studios has yet to declare whether any of these high-performance rides will make it into the game’s competitive multiplayer mode, though their inclusion is likely. Allowing studio-tuned cars like these to participate against less well-developed competitors is really no different than pushing fully-upgraded, launch day weapon sets in shooting games. Neither approach is fair, or particularly reflective of player skill, for that matter, meaning initial adopters should be prepared to face an unlevel playing field early on.

We’ll be hearing more from Forza Motorsport 5 at this year’s Gamescom expo in Germany. Attendees will be invited to go hands-on with an updated version of the title Game Rant previewed back at E3.

Are you excited to pick up Forza Motorsport 5 on release? Where can driving titles turn over the next-generation? Will day one special editions become a staple of next-generation sales strategy? Have your say in the comments below.

Forza Motorsport 5 will carve up the tarmac when it launches alongside the Xbox One console this November. Amazon.com have the game pegged in for a November 27th release date, with all existing pre-order purchases now being upgraded to the game’s new ‘Day One Edition’. Other participating retailers are expected to echo the move.

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Is ‘Forza Horizon 2′ In The Works?

Offering Forza fans another game in between the core numbered installments, Turn 10 Studios worked with Playground Games to develop Forza Horizon, a title that felt happily reminiscent of the more arcade-style Burnout games. With Forza 5coming as a key Microsoft launch title for the Xbox One – and one of the first games embracing the Xbox Cloud – could Forza Horizon 2 be the next game to follow?

According to details found on a vehicle technical artist’s LinkedIn page, Forza Horizon developer Playground Games might be working on a next-gen installment to the racing sim franchise.

Playground Games employee Yibo Liu explained on his LinkedIn profile that he has been “working as the only technical artist in the vehicle art team for an undisclosed next-gen Forza project.” Liu has recently amended his work experience and replaced the mention of Forza with “an undisclosed Xbox One project.” Oops!

2012’s Forza Horizon was the first installment in the Forza Motorsport franchise to be developed outside of Turn 10 Studios. The carnival-themed spinoff, which introduced the Horizon Festival, was developed by Playground Games, a team formed of developers from Bizarre (Blur) Creations, Codemasters (various racing sim franchises) and Criterion Games (the Burnout series and two Need for Speedtitles).

Forza’s usual development studio, Turn 10, is already at work on Forza Motorsport 5, which has been confirmed as an Xbox One launch title. If Playground is secretly working on another Forza project, its history with Horizon makes a sequel seem like the mostly likely possibility.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time rumors of a Horizon sequel have been circulated. Just a few weeks ago, a posting for an “unnamed Midlands-based racing developer” was listed by a job agency. The job description matched a posting on the Playground Games website word-for-word. According to the posting, the company is looking to recruit a Senior Environment Artist to work on “the next generation of their successful racing title.” The listing has since been removed from the job agency.

As far as concrete information about the racing franchise goes, fans can expect to see Forza Motorsport 5 in stores on Xbox One’s launch day. So far, 15 cars and four tracks have been confirmed.

As for the possibility of a Horizon sequel, we’ll keep you posted.

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‘Forza Motorsport 5′ Does Not Require Day-One Download

After reports came out last week that Forza Motorsport 5 would require gamers to download an online update prior to playing the game for the first time, Turn 10 Studios’ own Dan Greenawalt clarified the issue and stated that this was not, in fact, the case. Whilst gamers will need online connectivity to unlock deeper sections of the career mode, the base game itself will not require an online connection at anytime – meaning Forza 5 players without internet have nothing to fear.

We had previously called into question why the day-one update was called ‘mandatory’ when it was able to update in the background, so it’s good to see Turn 10 Studios clarify that it was a misinterpretation in their previous interview. Plenty of fans were in an uproar about the day-one online requirement, which seems to go in a stark contrast to Microsoft’s new offline-friendly attitudes.

However, that doesn’t mean that offline-only gamers are completely in the clear. Greenawalt confirmed gamers will, at the late-stage of the career mode, be asked to download an online update if they haven’t connected the game to Xbox Live at any point since purchasing the title. The update will then install new and updated drivatars, cars and tracks. If the player is unable to connect to the internet, they just won’t be able to finish the later stages of the career mode:

“The player won’t be blocked from playing the game, but deeper areas in the career mode were designed to utilize these additional cars and tracks.”

Though offline players won’t be able to truly finish the career mode, they are welcome to return to all the other offline-based activities the game has to offer. Those who download the update will be able to continue (and complete) the career mode.

Greenawalt also expanded on the drivatar system and its relation to online connectivity. The original disc will come preloaded with enough drivatars to cover all difficulty settings, and gamers can play against them at anytime when offline. However, those hoping to play against an Xbox Live friend’s drivatar will obviously face a different story:

“When you first connect Forza Motorsport 5 to the Live servers, you will download a set of Drivatar opponents for use in offline mode. This set of Drivatars will not necessarily contain your friends. From race to race as you stay connected, your friend’s Drivatars, cars, and paint schemes will be pulled into your races – as will updated Drivatar strangers and rivals based on your difficulty settings.”

What do you think, Ranters? Are you upset that the full career mode will require online connectivity, or are you content with the majority of the game being playable offline?

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‘Forza Motorsport 5′ Requires One-Time Online Activation

Forza Motorsport 5 is set to be one of the Xbox One’s prominent launch titles, releasing as an Xbox-exclusive title this November alongside games like Dead Rising 3 and Battlefield 4. While racing simulation fans are excited for what appears to be a well-polished title, those without any internet connection are in for a grim surprise if they purchase Forza 5 and proceed to bring – namely, that they won’t be able to play it without a mandatory one-time online activation.

Though the ability to play offline was a welcome change of features after Microsoft rescinded from their daily online requirement, it seems as though gamers who simply don’t have an internet connection won’t be able to play the game at all, unless they bring their Xbox One and a copy of Forza 5 to an internet-capable area for the one-time activation. The update will then download a plethora of drivatars, racetracks and vehicles, making it quite a hefty update.

During this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Turn 10 Studios’ own Dan Greenawalt explained the reasoning behind the one-time online activation. Beyond that, gamers will be free to explore the vastly detailed world at anytime, online or no:


“So when you first boot up the game, we’re going to ask you to log in, and when you log in you’re going to get the Drivatars and you’re also going to get a whole bunch of content: tracks and cars. Our production schedule is such that we are putting them in as late as possible and that means making them free as downloadable content on Day One.”

Essentially, Greenawalt is saying that since the game has to release as a launch title, the on-disc content must be finalized much earlier than November. To make up for this, once the disc is finalized, the studio will be working on a digital content update which gamers will be required to install when they first boot up the game. Thankfully, Greenawalt believes the update should be able to load in the background while players enjoy the disc-based game itself, though it might make one wonder why the update is considered ‘mandatory’ if the game can clearly be played without it.

Turn 10 Studios are putting in plenty of effort for the new Drivatar system, which supports the AI replications of online friends. The artificial intelligence learns how your friends play, and evolves the skills and decisions of each AI to reflect that of each human. Even when the humans are offline, players can play against a friend’s drivatar for some digital glory – and updating the drivatar database is one of the reasons Turns 10 Studios needed the one-time activation.

“All of the cloud and online features make the game far, far better – in fact, I’d even say revolutionary. The things we’re doing with opponents and Drivatar are not something that anyone can envision unless you’ve played it. But we’re trying to get as much of that into the unconnected, offline mode as well.”

It’s just a shame that the unconnected, offline mode requires that one-time internet roadblock. Here’s hoping that fans without internet have a charitable buddy when they pick up the game!

What do you think, Ranters? Do you mind having a mandatory one-time connection, or would you prefer it if Forza Motorsport 5 was capable of completely offline play?

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‘Forza Motorsport 5′ Hands-On Preview

As the new Xbox One approaches, the task of flaunting the console’s prowess falls to the first-party developers; and in that regard, Forza Motorsport 5 isn’t disappointing. Over the life of the Xbox 360 developer Turn 10 Studios has pushed their series forward, with graphics, user interfaces and physics that make Forza Motorsport the premiere racing simulation today.

Now that Forza Motorsport 5 has been detailed and demoed at E3 2013, it seems the team has found a way to make a near-perfect racer even better. Visuals are just one aspect of the improvement, but as a showcase for how the Xbox One’s hardware and cloud computing can have serious impacts on top end graphics and processing.

From the first appearance of the game’s loading screen, the term ‘refinement’ comes to mind – and stays there. Not only due to the classical music being played over slow shots of the McLaren P1 or Pagani Huayra, but the stripped down interface that is a far cry from the intimidating start menus of some competitors.

But the graphical upgrade of the overall game is by far the most noticeable change, and due in large part to Turn 10′s decision to move AI off of the console and into the cloud. Doing that allowed the implementation of a new engine, higher fidelity on both cars and the in-game environments, and was a top priority for the studio as word of a new console began to circle. When Microsoft first approached the studio about their hopes for the Xbox One, the ability to play in 1080p and at 60 fps were the first words out of their mouths.

And they got it, too. With improved framerate and resolution, the team was able to heighten the amount of details in their models down to individual scratches on the brake rotors, brush marks on aluminum, and dimpling in the middle coat of paint. These imperfections, ironically, are what the developers believe make Forza 5 the most realistic game they’ve made so far. We’d say it still falls short of being photo-realistic, but honestly, it’s hard to tell exactly how.

Having played Forza 5 firsthand, the improvements have unquestionably paid off. With improved detail in the roads, buildings, and grass, the few seconds it takes for the racer’s ‘eyes’ to adjust to the sunlight when emerging from a dark tunnel, or the glimpses of the dashboard reflected in the windscreen when the light hits just right, the passion of the development team is visible at every turn.

As for the classical music mentioned earlier? Well, Microsoft didn’t skimp in the audio department either. In pursuit of music as polished and evocative as the art of racing, Turn 10 worked with Lucasfilm and Skywalker Sound to craft a full orchestral score for all of the menus and gameplay. Rather than simple tracks, the music changes and responds to the driver’s actions on the fly; it may seem like an unncesessary decision, but hearing the swell of drums and strings as a race draws to a close proves that it was an inspired one.

If that sounds like a design choice that could only be made by game developers whose love of cars borders on the unhealthy, you’d be right. But that’s exactly what has made the Forza name a magnet for lovers of supercars, hypercars, and any other vehicle only available to the super-rich. In that respect, the alliance between Forza and the British automobile magazine/TV series Top Gear is alive and well, but no longer limited to branding, a test track, and narrated entries on each vehicle.

Instead, Turn 10 worked with Top Gear to organize their vast catalog of cars in a new way; categorizing them according to manufacturer, wheelbase, or performance seemed too clinical for the developers. In other words, it was missing the point. Now, vehicles are grouped together based on “spirit,” sorting cars that may be from competing companies, but were designed, for instance, to directly compete.

The same behind-the-scenes computing that helps suggest cars to players based on their previous choices and racing performances is what helps realize Forza 5‘s most intriguing addition: the all new Drivatar. Implemented in the previous game, the new stand-in for the player is far more nuanced and advanced than it was previously.

Simply put, the game pays attention to the player’s habits from race to race; where they understeer, where they oversteer, how accurately they hit the apex in turns, how aggressively they challenge on the inside or outside, and how underhanded they may be with the competition (pumping the brakes or initiating contact). When the Drivatar system is engaged – while out of the house, or even during a lengthy race – the game takes over, deciding at every moment how the player would most likely react in any situation.

The constant updates to the cloud means that online friends can race against not just lap times, but a real-time simulation of their rivals, with a loss earning credits for the victor whether they’re aware of it or not. It’s too early to say that AI has been replaced, but when Forza is first loaded on the Xbox One, it gathers an enormous variety of Drivatars from the cloud to populate races. That means no racers pasted to optimal lines or stacking up out of the starting blocks; just a random group of simulated racers generating a truly randomized experience.

The tuning and drive models haven’t changed what wasn’t broken, but the new changes could be a major improvement if they function as intended. Only time will tell if Turn 10 can outdo themselves yet again, but the early showings are a very good sign.

Forza Motorsport 5 will release exclusively for the Xbox One.

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‘Forza Motorsport 5′ Trailer; Will Be Xbox One Launch Title

It may not have been the most shocking element of Microsoft’s Xbox One reveal to hear that Forza Motorsport 5 would be showcasing the graphic potency of the new console, Turn 10 Studios didn’t let that stop them from delivering one heck of a trailer.

Jaw-dropping visuals in a cinematic trailer are nothing new to the franchise, but simulation racing fans will be glad to know that when the Xbox One hits store shelves later this year, Forza 5 will be right next to it. Check out the trailer now.

It was rumored that Forza 5 would be among the console exclusives being developed to accompany the console’s launch, and from all standpoints, the move makes sense. Even Sony recognized that a next-gen system requires a next-gen racing sim to help it shine – surprisingly not Gran Turismo 6 – and Turn 10 has distinguished itself in recent years as one of Microsoft’s most critically acclaimed exclusive studios.

With the jump to a brand new console, with brand new technical specs, it seems fitting that the announcement trailer should feature the McLaren P1 so prominently. As a hybrid supercar, the P1 – like Forza 5 – is somewhat of a bridge: between what was the pinnacle of development, and what the future may hold for the industry.

If there is one racing franchise of the last generation that truly scraped its way to the top of the heap – surprising more than a few players and developers in the process – it has been Forza. However, that also means lowered expectations are a thing of the past. While we wait to see exactly how Turn 10 manages to improve on the nearly-flawless Forza 4 (read our review), it’s comforting to see that the success of the spin-off Forza Horizon hasn’t affected the core vision for Forza Motorsport proper.

Although Horizon managed to exceed the usual quality of spin-off games (readthat review), the announcement trailer shows that racing the most exquisite cars in the world today is still Forza Motorsport 5‘s top priority. Again, we’d warn that putting too much emphasis on a well-rendered trailer isn’t a wise move for anyone. Hopefully the mechanics and online components of the upcoming game will be highlighted soon enough.

Until then, fans can look forward to yet another racing simulation that isn’t too bad to look at it. And it seems supercar manufacturers aren’t making ugly cars either.

What do you think of the trailer? Do you wish Turn 10 had revealed a bit more in the event? Is the lack of a more in-depth look cause for concern, or has the studio earned the benefit of the doubt in your eyes? Share your thoughts on Forza 5, and the possibility of other launch titles tipping the scales, in the comments below.

Forza Motorsport 5 is expected to release later this year, exclusively for the Xbox One.

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What You May Not Know About The ‘Xbox One’ [Updated]

Microsoft has lifted the veil and introduced the world to the Xbox One, the oddly name successor of the Xbox 360. We now have seen what the “big three” have to offer this generation and until the Steam Box, Ouya, and other new consoles grab a big market share, it’s the Wii U vs. the PlayStation 4 vs. the Xbox One.

Much of today’s presentation focused on the multimedia entertainment features Microsofts wants consumers to take advantage of in their living rooms, from a revamped Kinect system, more integrated and connected technologies and more general digital entertainment from the comfort of your home. Gaming may not have taken a backseat, but it certainly wasn’t the driving force as it was for Sony during the PS4 reveal.

Some of the biggest and most controversial topics for the media and gamers going into both Sony and Microsoft’s unveiling events surrounding a few key issues: always-online connections, backwards compatibility, and pricing. While we still don’t have prices or dates for either next-gen home console, we do have some details on the Xbox One that were only briefly touched on during the presentation, and in some cases, intentionally not mentioned at all for the obvious reason of avoiding negative buzz. Let’s highlight a few details Wired learned over the last few days:
The Xbox One is NOT backwards compatible, meaning Xbox 360 games – including downloadables – will not work on the next-gen platform. Wired was told by Microsoft that licenses for music and movies will be transferred though.
Installing games is mandatory, but you can play while it installs. Buy a retail disc and put it in to install and once you have, you no longer require a disc.
What if you trade/borrow/rent? Users will be prompted to pay a “fee” to install and once they do, they also no longer need a disc. That means no more lending or trading games, at least not in the way we’ve known for decades.
Always-online? Not quite. The Xbox works offline, however, developers can build games that use (read: require) the computational power of the Azure cloud – meaning those titles would inherently be always-online. Think of it as a compromise, bridging the gap. Microsoft wants developers to use this and you can count on more and more of them doing so. For example, Forza 5 is “built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud.” Uh oh.
The Xbox One will not function without its bundled Kinect sensor, which is always on and listening.
Xbox 360 controllers and accessories will not work on the Xbox One so purchasers will need to buy new everything.
The 500GB Xbox One hard drive cannot be replaced/upgraded, but the console does support external storage.
Xbox One lets players save and restart games at any point.

Did you know these things from watching the presentation?

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