Xbox One focuses on more than games

By Sonya Davidson

The lead up to the release of the new Xbox One last week was exciting gamers got into party mode on the eve of the launch. Literally. As midnight approached, I ventured to Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronton where a line up was already in place just after work hours. At the head of the line was a group of dancing Zombies and everyone was in good spirits. With DJ "Doctor G" playing with the crowd, and throngs of media hovering, you just knew that this was a going to be a fun event! Yes, he did play Thriller! 

My 13 year old son patiently waited for a turn at playing Forza 5 on the Xbox One stations set up on site but these die-hard fans just wouldn't budge off their game play. It was okay, we hung out with the DJ anyway.  I have to admit that watching grown men play "Skylanders Swap Force" was pretty funny! 

Over at the Xbox One party (99 Sudbury) Microsoft brought in a very sexy McLaren supercar and positioned it nicely at entrance way to greet excited fans. It was that kind of night when a few of your favourite game characters came to life and posed for photo opps.

I've been attending a few Xbox One events over the past few months and most recently was invited to not play the games but to find out what else the console can do.

We aren't die-hard gamers like those in line that night but the boys have been asking for it already. The kids have had the opportunity to play when we went to the local Microsoft store but to turn around and drop $500 on a new console plus the games? I need some convincing. 

This recent media preview provided opportunity to check out some of the new features on the Xbox One and the WOW factor for me? The Xbox One is positioned as the ALL-IN-ONE Gaming and Entertainment system. Here are just a few cool features.. Each member of your family can now have a personal home page that can be customized to each individual preferences. You can "PIN" your favourite apps, videos, and TV shows to your homepage for easier access.

Microsoft also tracks your activity and likes to generate suggestions to give you a more tailored experience. I know some people get a little freaked out about this idea - it feels almost like someone's watching you. For me, it's like suggestion selling--catering to your personal taste and history of action. So, if you're playing "Call of Duty: Ghosts" you won't have content suggested to you that is more suitable for your 9 year old...and vice versa. Speaking of kids -  Microsoft reinforced to me that they take privacy and security seriously. Each profile comes with it's own privacy settings. Three levels are available to choose from: child, teen and adult.

VOICE COMMANDS: While the console sits on low idle mode it can be woken up by voice recognition - regardless of who it is. I could summon the console to open immediately to my personalized home page with "Xbox On" and it recognizes my voice. Want to launch into Netflix? just say "Xbox, go to Netflix"  A series of predetermined commands are provided. The trick here is that your voice levels are captured when you're creating your profile (Note: to identify the person it uses facial recognition to load a profile). Also, at the media preview, Xbox One rep mentioned that probably the furthest distance you could go is up to 10 ft away from the console in order for it to hear you clearly. 

SNAP: This feature allows for a split screen ability to have two different activities working at once. My first reaction is "why would you want to do that?" as a mom, I'm concerned about having kids be focused on what they are doing. One activity at a time. But there's a time and place for when this feature can definitely enhance gaming or social aspects. For instance, you and I could be watching a music awards show streaming on live TV through the Xbox One, while simultaneously skyping (you know, because I'll be L.A. in a plush hotel while you're here in the snow) and we can be making our snarky comments about who's wearing what and why twerking is so done now. Okay, that's just one example. 

SMARTMATCH: While you're waiting for other opponents to join in the game through Xbox Live, your Xbox One will find your ideal match player with similar skills levels. You won't need to stare at the wall until that other gamer arrives! Instead, you can go and do something else like watch the news on TV while you wait. 

RECORD THAT: You're having a wicked moment in your game play and it's intense. You know your friends won't believe you unless you've got proof. Voice command using "Xbox record that!" and it will immediately capture a video clip for you. When you're ready, take it one step further and edit in music and then share it with your friends. #BraggingRights 

There are many smart features on the Xbox One that are appealing to me and my family. I think Santa is considering it for Christmas. We'll let it settle into the market and test it out a few more times at the pop up shop in Toronto at Yonge and Bloor before we make a full commitment to plunk down $499 for the system plus games.