The July issue of GameInformer has just been released online.
Although I was a bit upset at the fact that Xbox One did not make the front cover of the issue (Titanfall did, which I have to say looks like an astounding game) the magazine was filled with information about the Xbox One.
Kinect: New and Improved
The new Kinect actually surprises me with how far it has come from the original. I do own one myself. This new piece of equipment can record in 1080p, which is going to come in handy with the new Skype integration Xbox One has. The new system also will be able to better see in both dark and small rooms. Also, it is said to be able to ignore all environmental noises and just be able to hear the gamer’s voice. This is a major upgrade, especially to the people who already own a Kinect.
With the Kinect being shipped with the Xbox One console, I think many game developers are going to take advantage of the Kinect’s enhanced capabilities. I would be glad to see some new uses of the technology, something different, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
The new Kinect can also see our facial expressions now, which I really don’t see the point of. It is a bit on the uncomfortable side of life to hear, but I’m sure that no one is going to be exploited in any manner. Besides, you could just throw a blanket on it or something.
The Controller
The controller also looks like a great upgrade. Originally, switching from PS3 to Xbox 360 just felt better for me because of the controller. Regardless of all the rest of the stuff Xbox offers, the controller just made it perfect. The analog sticks weren’t too loose and it just fit perfectly in my hands. Now Microsoft has upgraded it with a better form, battery structure, and vibrations. I can’t wait to get my hands on this.
DRM Questions, Answered
GameInformer also asked questions about the used-game controversy and the always-on the internet details. Microsoft stated that a person would still be able to buy and sell used games, and that was it. People are just expecting a licensing fee, which isn’t actually bad at all because once you buy the disc and link it with your profile, you will be able to play it on any console without the disc. With the internet debate, Microsoft has said you can still play single player games and watch movies offline, but will still need to have consumers check in for updates. The time between check-ins has not been determined and the updates can be done in the console’s “standby” mode.
There’s still hope, guys. Don’t call it over until the finished product hits the shelves. You never know what you’re going to get!
