Microsoft made slew of Xbox announcements at its much-hyped "A New Generation Revealed" event, which was live streamed online and broadcasted on TV on Tuesday.
Viewers were treated to the new Xbox One console and its features, such as voice-recognition control for all things entertainment, a TV guide, Skype integration and a new Kinect sensor, among other things.
Microsoft also revealed a Halo TV series (produced by Steven Spielberg), EA Sports Ignite, NFL partnership, Forza Motorsport 5, Quantum Break and Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Naturally, you all had a lot to say, and we gathered your knee-jerk reactions to each feature that Microsoft highlighted. Be sure to sound off in our poll, below.
Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One. Do you like the name?
“Xbox One is designed to deliver a whole new generation of blockbuster games, television and entertainment in a powerful, all-in-one device,” said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our unique, modern architecture brings simplicity to the living room and, for the first time ever, the ability to instantly switch across your games and entertainment.”
The Xbox One is pretty dope! I see what they did with their name making everyone say 'Xbox won' lol. Take my money now please. #XboxReveal
— Ron Oliver (@RPOIII) May 21, 2013
#XboxReveal Xbox One is designed to make me feel like Tony Stark.
— Kirb. (@OnlyOneKirb) May 21, 2013
Watching #xboxreveal - new essential living room device even for non-gamers. cable TV integration is key - no switching inputs
— Rich DeMuro (@richdemuro) May 21, 2013
I appreciate they went right into showing you actual features being demonstrated, not just having numbers thrown at us #xboxreveal
— Martin (@jawncastmart) May 21, 2013
TV on Xbox One and 'Xbox On' Feature
Microsoft's description: "Navigate and watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through your Xbox One. Microsoft is committed to bringing live TV through various solutions to all the markets where Xbox One will be available. Turn on your entertainment system with two powerful words, 'Xbox On,' and a custom-tailored Home dashboard welcomes you with your favorite games, TV and entertainment."
Live TV on the Xbox One *with* picture-in-picture is a masterstroke. Well done, Microsoft. @majornelson #XboxReveal
— JonahFalcon (@JonahFalcon) May 21, 2013
Xbox One can voice-switch between live TV, movies, games and web near instantly. I can already feel my attention span shrinking. #xboxreveal
— Omar L. Gallaga (@omarg) May 21, 2013
I'll take gesturing with my hands or using my voice for navigating TV watching over using any sort of controller. #XboxReveal
— Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb) May 21, 2013
Trending Social TV Capabilities
Microsoft's description: "Stay on top of what is hot on TV by discovering the entertainment that is popular among your friends, and see what is trending within the Xbox community."
"TV on Xbox will immerse you." "For the first time, TV will be truly personalised." "TV will become social." Lofty claims… #XboxReveal
— Daniel Krupa (@danielkrupa) May 21, 2013
#xboxreveal Actually I don't want a "social TV experience". I like watching the shows I like, not the shows other people like.
— Robert Moir (@RobertoMoir) May 21, 2013
Am I the only one that doesn't want TV to be more "social"? The watercooler talk's for the next day - when I'm watching, shh! #XboxReveal
— Shawn Drotar (@SDrotar_EAGC) May 21, 2013
Snap Mode
Microsoft's description: "Do two things at once on the biggest screen in your home. Use Snap to jump into a multiplayer battle while watching your favorite movie, talk with friends on Skype while watching live TV, or track your fantasy team on TV as you watch the big game and more."
Okay, Snap Mode is rad. Now you can accept a Skype call with your mom while middle schoolers on Xbox Live insult her. #XboxReveal.
— Dan Casey (@osteoferocious) May 21, 2013
#xboxreveal Snap mode is the crack cocaine for ADD console owners.
— John Kirriemuir (@GeoShore) May 21, 2013
I'm never saying 'snap mode'. #xboxreveal
— Jennifer Michelsen (@GUNNARSjem) May 21, 2013
Skype Integration
Microsoft's description: "Specially designed for Xbox One, talk with friends on your TV in stunning HD, or for the first time ever, hold group Skype calls on your TV."
Oh, and look!@skype is built in to the new @xbox One.Just like on @windowsphone.:)#XboxReveal
— Ben Rudolph (@BenThePCGuy) May 21, 2013
Finally! A device I can use Skype on! #XboxReveal
— CEO Kaz Hirai (@KazHiraiCEO) May 21, 2013
Wait, it has a Skype camera?Dang, I guess that means no more Skyping in my underwear. #XboxReveal
— Timothy Bishop (@Lost_CapriSun) May 21, 2013
Xbox OneGuide for TV
Microsoft's description: "Find your favorite entertainment easily, searching by network, name or time, all with the sound of your voice and presented in a tailored program guide."
I wonder if the new @xbox One will work just like that for @directv? That #XboxOne guide is HOT! #XboxReveal
— Kyle R (@WinPhanKyle) May 21, 2013
"Thanks to Xbox One's live guide, you never have to pick up T.V. Guide ever again!" #XboxReveal
— Drew Powers (@drewpowers) May 21, 2013
"The Xbox One Guide". Essentially a digital TV Guide. Nothing too special, but voice channel flip. #XboxReveal
— Film Thrasher (@FilmThrasher) May 21, 2013
New Kinect Sensor
Microsoft's description: "The completely redesigned, revolutionary 1080p Kinect is more precise, more responsive and more intuitive. Its unparalleled vision, motion and voice technology let you reach into games and entertainment like never before by dramatically expanding its field of view and fidelity. It works in nearly any lighting condition, recognizes precise motion control from a slight wrist rotation, and distinguishes your voice even in a noisy room using advanced noise isolation."
Xbox One will have BluRay, 500GB, 8 GB RAM, WiFi Direct and 64-bit architecture. New Kinect sensor paired w/ system #XboxReveal
— Brian Tong (@briantong) May 21, 2013
New improved Kinect sensor shipping with Xbox One #XboxReveal Do I still need to move my furniture for it?
— Andrew Freedman (@Andrew_Freedman) May 21, 2013
The new Kinect sensor doesn't just read your heartbeat. It can read your soul. #XboxReveal
— Matthias Shapiro (@matthiasshap) May 21, 2013
EA SPORTS Ignite
Microsoft's description: "FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, NBA LIVE 14 and EA SPORTS UFC from EA SPORTS will change the way consumers experience and play sports games. Driven by the new EA SPORTS Ignite engine, these new EA SPORTS games will deliver massive innovations in human intelligence, true player motion and living worlds. Adding to its commitment to Xbox One, EA SPORTS also announced the promise of exclusive content to be revealed in the coming months."
EA SPORTS IGNITE True Player Motion: players can plant, pivot and cut with agility and precision. #EASPORTSIGNITE #XboxOne #XboxReveal
— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) May 21, 2013
EA Sports' Ignite engine and Kinect 2.0 will allow you to flop like your favorite atheletes in the comfort of your living room. #XboxReveal
— Dan Casey (@osteoferocious) May 21, 2013
'Forza Motorsport 5' Racing Game
Microsoft's description: "Forza Motorsport 5 from Turn 10 Studios is the latest edition of the highest-rated racing franchise of the past 10 years. Built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud, no game better delivers the sensation of being behind the wheel. Forza Motorsport 5 sets a new bar for racing games and will be available exclusively for Xbox One at launch."
why is your first exclusive a racing game?!?! #xboxreveal
— [MAXLVL]BOVICE47 (@BOVICE47) May 21, 2013
Every console launches with a racing game that I invariably purchase then never see again after the first day! #xboxreveal
— Mike Patterson (@nycmikewp) May 21, 2013
#XboxReveal Really. A racing game. The standard one that everyone has because it comes with the console. Yup. Real popular.
— Alexander Jackson (@rikku_dude5) May 21, 2013
Microsoft's description: "Award-winning filmmaker, director and producer, Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original Halo live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios."
Live action Halo TV series done with Spielberg. Take a shot when you hear the word Transmedia! Exciting. #XboxReveal #XboxOne
— Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb) May 21, 2013
Can we work on a good Halo first before a television series.... #xboxreveal
— Katherine (@KatieKornowa) May 21, 2013
HOLY STEVEN SPIELBERG HOW MUCH DID THEY PAY HIM #xboxreveal HALO TV SERIES WHATTTTT
— Alvin (@direcow) May 21, 2013
'Quantum Break'
Microsoft's description: "Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment is a revolutionary entertainment experience from the creators of Max Payne and Alan Wake that blurs the line between gaming and TV by integrating drama and gameplay into one seamless, uniquely immersive experience. How you play the game impacts the show, and the show informs how you play the game."
Check it out guys, I already gif'd that incredible Quantum Break trailer bit.ly/1a1DEQO #XboxReveal
— Jared Rea (@jaredr) May 21, 2013
I literally have no idea what Quantum Break is about. I trust it'll be good, it's Remedy, but where's the actual gameplay? #xboxreveal
— Scott Pytlik (@ScottPytlik) May 21, 2013
Did we just become best friends?YUP!RT @agentm: Quantum Break is Quantum Leap crossed over with Point Break?! YES, PLEASE?! #xboxreveal
— Jose "FUBAR" Sanchez (@donfubar) May 21, 2013
NFL Partnership
Microsoft's description: "A multiyear, landmark partnership will deliver the ultimate interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve both in-game and on the sideline. The NFL on Xbox will redefine broadcast experiences through innovations around Skype, Xbox SmartGlass and player-worn technology; add an all-new fantasy football solution for the biggest screen in the house; and create a personalized NFL destination only available on Xbox One."
Microsoft announces a partnership with the NFL w/ apps that manage your fantasy football stats that nobody will know how to use. #XBoxReveal
— Noah Antwiler (@TheSpoonyOne) May 21, 2013
NFL integration with fantasy football pretty clever. This is mostly an entertainment show. #XboxOne out this year, games at E3 #XboxReveal
— Michael Pachter (@michaelpachter) May 21, 2013
Hey, Microsoft? I watch the NFL in bars. With friends. Show me some video-games. #xboxreveal
— Bob Chipman (@the_moviebob) May 21, 2013
'Call of Duty: Ghosts'
Microsoft's description: "Call of Duty: Ghosts is the next generation of Call of Duty and a stunning leap forward for the franchise. It delivers an all-new world, an all-new cast of characters and an all-new story, built on a new, next-generation engine. The next-generation technical innovations built to support the incredible gameplay advancements make this the most beautiful and immersive Call of Duty experience yet. Activision and Microsoft also announced the renewal of their close partnership that will see both the return of the Call of Duty Championship, presented by Xbox, as well as all-new downloadable content debuting first and exclusively on the Xbox platform."
"We're not doing the safe thing this time!" "Oh that's great news, what are you doing??" "A new Call of Duty" #xboxreveal
— David Philip Graham (@ultradavid) May 21, 2013
Oh boy call of duty. And the legion of 12 year olds rejoice. #xboxreveal
— Nick Landis (@Lanipator) May 21, 2013
Have to say, Sony’s event had more interesting games. I have little to no interest in Halo, Call of Duty, Forza or EA Sports. #XboxReveal
— Samuel Axon (@SamuelAxon) May 21, 2013
100% guaranteed that your dog is going to die during a cutscene in CoD: Ghosts and be hailed as the emotional moment of the year #XboxReveal
— Justin Wong (@FuzzyOtterBalls) May 21, 2013
Are there actual ghosts in COD Ghosts? I want a ghost dog. And a ghost jungle. And ghostly bruises on my arms #xboxreveal #ghosts
— Chris Armstrong (@Snoog) May 21, 2013