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| XBox One |
As an owner of the 360, I was initially disappointed about the announcement of the XBox One. Then I thought to myself of what I was disappointed about. When I don't look at the machine as a gaming machine, I can eventually understand the stance of Microsoft and where they're attempting to position the XBox One.
As a HTPC
I've been contemplating the thought of making a HTPC in anticipation for Steam's Big Picture feature. In fact, I moved my desktop PC from the basement to the main floor so that I could test it out on the main television. What I discovered is that it worked out fairly well.I had some issues and when playing the games because not all of it is integrated nicely into steam. Even if the game did support the game pad, some had launchers that required the use of the mouse to manually click the 'Launch' button. When the game isn't fully supported, the only option is to just keep a keyboard and mouse beside the couch which I think is a major drawback for a HTPC setup.
With my HTPC, I'd also like to play the latest games available, which implies that I would need a relatively up to date graphics card, processor, and the most possible HDD and memory. All of these components can easily add up to over $1000.
Then, after my initial disappointment, I began to realize that many of my issues with the HTPC setup are resolved with the XBox One. At most, I expect the new console to be $500. That's not a bad price for a HTPC that allows you to play the latest games where the game pad is treated as a first class citizen. The keyboard and mouse issue is resolved with the Kinect 2.0 as a navigation between the menus.
As a Console
Of course, there are other problems with the XBox One as a HTPC. First of all, the HDD is only 500GB, which isn't much considering many of the games are going to require an install and the medium is a Blue Ray disc. I'd estimate that about 20-30 games can be installed before the entire drive is filled. Then there's the proprietary components, which are on a limited lifespan as soon as the box leaves the assembly line. Finally, and perhaps the most troublesome is that the features that are normally free on a generic HTPC are behind a pay-wall with the XBox One. This puts Microsoft in direct control of the prices of the One's software.Used game fee and 24-hr phone home requirement aside, what are the services that Microsoft has control over? The first and obvious one is the online multiplayer. Of course, we already know about that because it's been a paid service since Live's debut. Other services like streaming music, video, and whatever else becomes available will be a paid service. Sure, Microsoft will market these things as a benefit to the console which they can be. What troubles me the most is the fee required to use Xbox Live PLUS the additional fee for each service available. It's something that I do not agree with and what hinders my excitement for the One's release.
You know what the kicker is? If the XBox live pay-wall is successful, Sony will try their best do the same. They are a corporation after all and this is what's disturbing. Microsoft sets the tone for other console manufacturers by introducing this, if they're successful, other companies are sure to follow. Perhaps a more appropriate name is Pandora's Box.
Mixed
There are some positive aspects if I think of the XBox One as a HTPC. Still, I've always thought of my XBox 360 as a gaming console regardless of how much time I've spent watching Netflix on it. I'd like to think the same of the XBox One, but it's a tough concept for me to accept so far.My feelings for the XBox One went from disappointment to mixed. E3 is today and I hope Microsoft can impress by showing some compelling video games. After all, I can already watch Netflix on my 360/PS3/WiiU and I don't plan on getting any other service.
