150°

Microsoft Is Trying to Win You Over

CCC Says: "After several months of the current-gen consoles now being with us, Microsoft has again altered its strategy of how to distribute as many Xbox Ones as possible to the world at large. Last time, it was to withdraw the requirement to have the console require an always-online connection (a concept I believe should only be reserved for MMOs and similar genres), followed shortly after having the console itself work without the Kinect plugged in."

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dispatches.cheatcc.com
corvusmd3621d ago

...you know, just in case someone wasn't convinced you're a biased fanboy. "Nope, no matter what MS does they won't win ME over"

NatureOfLogic_3621d ago (Edited 3621d ago )

It's what MS attempted to do when they had only one successful gen is the reason they won't win me over. #NoDRM never forget

To add to that, all of the lies, 180s and bad pr.

URNightmare3620d ago Show
insomnium23620d ago

@corvus

Battered wife syndrome much?

B1663r3620d ago

He could just be a honey badger and doesnt care if people think he is a fanboy or not...

tbone5673620d ago

For 8.5tb of storage, no power greater than X.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3620d ago
kingdip903621d ago

And in my case, personally it is not working.

It's not a bias against microsoft I've had fun on xbox consoles in the past but I can't trust someone who says one thing is truth and does another.

I'm not investing in such an uncertain future.

Mikelarry3621d ago (Edited 3621d ago )

you do make a fair point, i used to think like that but i am willing to give them a chance. phil spencer this new guy seems to get it i have taken a plunge and i am now a proud owner of the xbone. sony messed up big time last gen and i gave them a chance so i could see no wrong in giving MS another go as they have reversed everything that pushed me a way from the xbox in the first place now i cant wait for e3 as both reveal all those in geoff keighley words " earth shattering announcement" :)

Naga3621d ago

To be fair, every major player still in this industry has - at some point in the past - said one thing and done another.

Naga3621d ago (Edited 3621d ago )

@ Kingthrash360

That's a very debatable claim. I'm not saying it's necessarily false, as I simply don't have enough evidence either way, but I find it questionable to say the least.

Can you do me a favor and provide a source for where Microsoft claimed that 1080p was the same as 720p? I hadn't heard that one.

Regarding the flip-flop on Kinect (and let's include always-online not being "like flipping a switch" while we're at it)... I think a certain measure of leeway ought to be given here. Because at the time they made all of those statements about Kinect, I really believe that they had ZERO intention of dropping Kinect. I think they had every intention of sticking to their guns... until the guns backfired in the sales department. So in order to survive, they went back on their previous claims.

Is that a lie, per se? Eh... not really, because they really intended for that to be true. Rules of market survival forced them to change their mind.

Same goes for the always-online bit. I really don't believe it was quite like flipping a switch. Making the change they did - a complete overhaul of their product's operational model - likely had them jumping through their asses.

There could certainly be other instances that aren't so easy to explain away or understand; by no means am I trying to make a complete defense. But insofar as it pertains to Microsoft's recent history, I think the context of the gymnastics event of 180's they've been conducting makes their behavior at least a little bit more understandable.

Is that fair to say?

kingdip903621d ago

@naga

No it isnt fair to say.

When a couple gets married when they make their vows as a general rule they make them with the intention to honor them and be true to one another. If one 9 them cheats they get called out on their betrayal and are rightly vilified for it.

As for the comment about how this was for survival, that's not up for debate. Microsoft said something was impossible when it was not, on account of both the always online and the kinect they said they were vital to the console, in the way my heart is vital fore to live, meaning xbox one couldn't function without them.

Whether the changes were for survival or not those comments were lies plain and simple.

Naga3620d ago

@ Kingdip90

Comparing this situation to the violation of marriage vows is, quite simply, a ridiculous exaggeration.

Furthermore, they never said that debundling the Kinect or removing the always-online requirement would be "impossible". They may have given that impression through their resistance and through insisting that each was fundamental to their intended design of the Xbox One experience... but they never said it was impossible.

They said they wouldn't do either, and they did both. Granted. However, I believe they fully intended to stick to their guns and for their statements to remain true. The fact of the matter is that marketplace pressure necessitated they change course and alter their intended vision for the Xbox One experience.

So in order to make us happy, and in turn increase sales... and really to even survive in the market... they fired the minds behind the old vision - arguably the ones driving the old policy - and changed directions.

For you to make the bold claim that they ought to be vilified for catering to the demands of gamers is utterly preposterous.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3620d ago
truefan13621d ago (Edited 3621d ago )

Edit: In an effort to not get banned, lets just say ALL companies lie, including MSFT, sony, and Nintendo. Sony lied a ton last gen and have mislead people more than a few times this gen, MSFT has backtracked on several issues already this gen, and Nintendo is just trying to get it together.

@kingdip looking at you past comments you sure have no problem jumping in MSFT/XB1 articles bad mouthing them for lying. In that case judging by your quote "I can't trust someone who says one thing is truth and does another." You would have to be a hypocrite to even buy a console then, because all 3 lie.

kingdip903621d ago

Never even touched a ps4 and I haven't played my ps3 in over a year but nice try with all your assumptions and such.

-Foxtrot3620d ago (Edited 3620d ago )

What have Nintendo and Sony lied about exactly last gen which was as bad as what MS did last year

MS did more damage in the space of, let's say, 6 months starting from the reveal to it's launch then those two companies have put together since they first got into the gaming bussiness.

URNightmare3620d ago (Edited 3620d ago )

Sony lied last gen?
Sony misled people this gen?

Dafak are you talking about?

I never thought that working for a company would make you so blind to their flaws.

You are pathetic.

UnHoly_One3620d ago

Sony outright lied when they said that the PS2 would be able to do Toy Story level graphics.

Sony outright lied about the Killzone 2 E3 presentation being gameplay when it was CG.

Sony outright lied about the resolution of Killzone 2 multiplayer.

There is one example from each of the past three console generations for you.

Not trying to start a war here, by any means, but those are all three bold faced lies meant to make their consoles look better.

What has MS done that is like that? Saying one thing, and then changing your mind is not a lie.

Always online WAS required. They changed the console so it wasn't.

Kinect WAS required. They changed the console so it wasn't.

I'm pretty sure Sony didn't change their mind after the fact and have Guerrilla Games lower the resolution of Killzone multiplayer. They lied about it.

There is a difference between lying about your product and changing your product, and people here would do well to learn the difference.

UnHoly_One3620d ago

I just noticed that I said Killzone 2 multiplayer, I meant Killzone: Shadowfall of course.

Too late to edit.

Spotie3620d ago

@Unholy: MICROSOFT lied about Toy Story graphics. Xbox fanboys twisted it over time to be Sony. Google it.

Sony also didn't lie about Killzone. The multiplayer IS 1080p. Does it have to be explained to you yet again what 1080p means?

As for Killzone 2, the end result actually looked better, so...

Not a very strong argument, there.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3620d ago
No_Limit3620d ago

Isn't every company's goal is to try to win customers over?? So what is the big news here?

B1663r3620d ago

When Microsoft does it, it must be sinister.

AngelicIceDiamond3620d ago

@Bi663r That's the general vibe I'm getting.

dream21003620d ago

They already win me over and i love it thanks MS Keep up the good work.

vega2753620d ago

You and me both. Since day one with the x1. I got a ps4 but barely play it compared to the x1. But thats just me

Grimhammer003620d ago

Devil is in the details...and they always have led to MS shady, overly greedy practices.

Just remember....unless you enjoy being slapped - apologized to - slapped again...dont fall for MS.

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20°

Joy Ride Turbo - The Beginning of the End for Xbox Kinect

Joy Ride Turbo launched 10 years ago today. The first title was Xbox Kinect exclusive, yet this sequel failed to support the device at all.

300°

10 of the Biggest Video Game Hardware Failures Ever

Cultured Vultures: "Sadly, not all hardware is created equal, and no matter how much developers might try, some gaming hardware just fails to hit the mark. We’ve compiled a list of 10 gaming hardware fails, and boy did some fail hard."

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culturedvultures.com
Knightofelemia817d ago

I would label the Power Glove, Kinect, and that Tony Hawk skateboard more as hardware addons hardware failure would be like the Virtual Boy and one day Stadia.

Magog817d ago

Kinect was bundled with every Xbox One and inflated the price on an already underpowered and low RAM machine so for the One it wasn't an accessory as much as a white elephant.

CaptainHenry916817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Definitely the RROD but that power glove had a lot of issues as well. The Kinect just didn't work

817d ago
CrimsonWing69817d ago

Hardware add-ons are more like RAM or a video card, basically components that enhance capabilities or performance of the computer.

If you really want to get technical the Kinect is more of a peripheral device, kind of like a keyboard or mouse to a computer.

ThatsGaming817d ago

The person in this article obviously is not up on their gaming history....

Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, Coleco Gemini, Commodore 128, Commodore Amiga, Atari 5200, Atari 7800 were all massive failures and in most cases cost their companies participating in future gaming generations.

Gamer79817d ago

Sega saturn (successful in Japan) and dreamcast were not failures.
Seems like you're not up on you're gaming history

septemberindecember816d ago

@Gamer79

How in the world are the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast not seen as failures? They both sold around 8M each, which is much lower than the ~30M that the Genesis had sold before it, and even the Master System before that. They were both the worst selling consoles in their respective generation (PS1, N64 outsold Saturn, PS2, GC, and Xbox outsold Dreamcast). Both of the consoles were incredibly short lived. The Saturn was discontinued in every territory but Japan after just three years. In Japan the console was discontinued after six years. Meanwhile the Dreamcast was discontinued worldwide in 2001 after launching in most territories in 1999 and in Japan in 1998. The failure of the Saturn and Dreamcast lead to Sega pulling out of the hardware market. Which, by the way, all of this occurred when Sega was massively dropping the price of their consoles quickly to compete. Sega was hemorrhaging money at this point.

None of this indicates a successful console. Saying the Saturn was a success because it did better in Japan is like saying the Vita is a success (they both sold around the same amount of units in Japan). Even the Wii U outsold these consoles worldwide.

Magog817d ago

The picture should be the 360 RROD. When I think of gaming hardware failures that's what springs to mind. Kinect and it's bundled price tag definitely hobbled the already underpowered Xbox One though for sure so I would give it a close second place.

porkChop817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

That's not what the author means by failures. It's about hardware that failed in terms of sales (Wii U) or just failed to deliver on its promise (Kinect).

Magog817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Given that the 360 had a year head start, much easier hardware to develop for, was cheaper, and still ended up in third place I think it qualifies especially when you factor in the frustration and huge losses incurred by RROD.

porkChop817d ago

Selling over 80 million consoles isn't a sales flop. We get it, you don't like Xbox, but that doesn't mean the 360 is suddenly a failure.

Rhythmattic816d ago

Porky....
You know how many people I know bought a 2nd or third 360 due to RROD? Even when MS had to confront the issue with replacement systems, my mates couldn't wait for even the turnaround of sending it in, and waiting for a replacement.,,..,..
If that's how you consider it a win... OK.. but so is having 5 , of which 3 don't function.... Its a win win....mwhahahahaha

porkChop816d ago

"my mates couldn't wait for even the turnaround of sending it in"

You're acting like it would take months. When I sent my 360 in I got a new one literally 5 days later. As soon as MS had tracking confirmation that you sent yours, they'd send a new one to you the same day. No one is going to spend hundreds to buy a new console instead of waiting a week. I swear you guys pull some of the dumbest shit out of nowhere and think people will actually believe it.

Regardless, none of this changes the fact that this isn't what the article is even about.

Rhythmattic815d ago (Edited 815d ago )

Porky
"You're acting like it would take months"
Sometimes it could.. FFS.. 'Strya here...
Best turnaround I reckon was 2-3 weeks.....
Either way, My mates experiences still exist.. So Sorry, no point trying to earn Xbox Achievements when it doesn't feature in what was a situation you never dealt with,,,,
3 of my friends would disagree (overall, 10 extra Xboxes purchased)
Regardless.. MS sold a lot of 360's that was due to this reason.. That is sales. Fact

"none of this changes the fact that this isn't what the article is even about."
Headline says HELLO !
Oh and "Sadly, not all hardware is created equal," that's enough to pass this on without taking your article bias into consideration.....
As for the rest.... Ok.. But you've actually gone out of your way to give MS a Pass... Fap on.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 815d ago
Aloymetal817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Yup, and because of that big fiasco MS had to fork out 1 billion but knowing them I think they're very proud of the 360, it's the only time a MS console reached 80mil+ sales, RROD played a big part of that and a record they will never break again.

Rhythmattic816d ago (Edited 816d ago )

So true.. Even when MS accepted they where caught out in the biggest lie of any generation, The wait for a replacement was outweighed by just buying another, and having one be returned as a backup, which, btw, generally failed on first swap.
I own honestly can't believe MS tards are just supporting , or arguing why and what MS did by just dismissing it....

lonewolf10817d ago

Lol I had the Atari Jaguar, surprised its "competition" the 3DO isn't on the list too, both as "popular" as each other.

SullysCigar817d ago

Lol same. Played the crap out of Aliens Vs Predator and Tempest 2000 .... aaand that's about it really!!

lonewolf10817d ago

Sad but true that was pretty much it.

Kurt Russell817d ago

Agreed, I never actually saw a 3DO make it to retailers in the UK. At least the Atari Jaguar was sold for around 6 months.

lonewolf10817d ago

It made it to some my brother got one, fared just as well as the Jaguar so most probably hard to find in general.

darthv72817d ago

3do had way better games. Jaguar not so much. Neo Geo sold less than both and yet isnt considered a failure. Go figure.

LWOGaming817d ago

Stadia is a weird one. It hasn’t sold at all well but in terms of how it works it’s still miles ahead of Xcloud in terms of stability and performance. Xcloud is still a way behind and that needs sorting but it will be in time. Stadia for me is one of those things that will go down as a what could have been moments. With better marketing it could have been a roaring success. I still play it and it remains the best place in my opinion to play CyberPunk 2077. Only platform I have played it on without having any issues at all. The tech is great. The concept is fine. Marketing terrible. Shame really.

Magog817d ago

The sales model was awful. They should have teamed with an existing player to allow for local and cloud access to games or a gaming subscription service.

LWOGaming817d ago

It was a strange mess from such a huge company, as I said, as a system it works really well but without gamers it’s nothing. Such a waste,

LWOGaming817d ago

The Xbox One was Microsoft’s Nintendo Wii U. Undercooked, undersold and just an unholy mess. The thing is with any of these failures is to learn from them and thankfully both Nintendo and Xbox did just that to the benefit of gamers everywhere.

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120°

Pivotal Decisions in Gaming History - Xbox Goes All-In on Kinect

Xbox 360's Kinect had flopped yet Microsoft insisted on mandatory Kinect for Xbox One, driving the price up and alienating their potential customers.

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techstomper.com
darthv72994d ago

the tech was pretty damn good but their focus on making it the centerpiece was not. Had they opted to keep it as a secondary or even tertiary device, it may have found new use for AR/VR.

PrimeVinister994d ago

Maybe. But they were two early for VR and too late for motion control

994d ago Replies(2)
Godmars290994d ago

Their focus was marketing metrics. Information gathering for targeted advertising. Also "event curating" or head counting for special TV events. If MS had had their way with always online and mandatory Kinect pre COVID, as and during it they'd likely be turning into dominant presence in many Western homes. Be getting subsidized by Disney and other streamers as well as the NFL.

Thing was, Kinect as an actual game system, its games, just weren't ready. MS moved on it too soon. Thankfully.

Atticus_finch994d ago

Sorry but it was incredibly bad for gaming. The thing barely worked as intended and the games were broken shovelware. And let's not forget all the lies from Xbox to try and sell it. What happened to Milo?
It's like Xbox it's a perpetual lying machine.

PrimeVinister994d ago

I had almost forgotten about Milo. It looks so unbelievable in retrospect. How did anyone believe it?!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 993d ago
TheEnigma313994d ago

Kinect requirement, TV focused, DRM, and $100 buried Xbone before it even stared.

PrimeVinister994d ago (Edited 994d ago )

I think Kinect was the worst of the bunch. They reversed DRM overnight and try to play down the TV stuff when they realised it made them look disinterested in gaming.

Kinect stuck around for six months, preventing sales and making more and more people upset when they dropped the Kinect and the price.

Atticus_finch994d ago

Don't forget the inferior hardware which affects their game development to this day.
And the constant boasting and lying that hasn't change very much to this day.

kayoss994d ago

I was kind of excited for the kinect. It had potential. That was until i tried it at one of their Microsoft store. The thing was so laggy and worker who was there, had no clue what he was doing. It kind of made rethink about buying an Xbox One with Kinect.

PrimeVinister994d ago

I had already been turned off of the idea by Kinect for 360. Even when it worked, the games were bad and showed no potential.

Wii made you understand what they were going to do with it within about 10 seconds of Wii Sports. It went on to become a bit of a joke but at least it worked and had a purpose.

Thundercat77994d ago

The damage to the Xbox brand was so hard that til this day they are just the last place brand in the market.

PrimeVinister994d ago

Totally. They haven't been really all that relevant since.

Godmars290993d ago

That has to do with repeatedly failing, having to reaffirm only to again fail at creating a competent flow of decent games.

@PrimeVinister:
Until Game Pass and BC are mentioned. Only for the point to be missed.

kayoss993d ago

thats because they dont know what they want to be. A gaming console, Television, or a gaming service?

Godmars290993d ago

@kayoss:
They wanted, expected, to be Steam. To have everyone coming to them and paying for the privilege. That's the exact mentality on display when they tried to push always online.

brewin993d ago

Its sad because the Xbox one version of Kinect was actually pretty solid. Not for motion games, I couldnt care less about those, but for the other features that are now commonplace in the gaming ecosystem. Things like voice control and optional motion features in games. Stuff that Sony did with the PS camera was pretty sweet and they could have done some of that stuff with Kinect.

The tech was pretty sweet when implemented right though. Who remembers the implementation in Dead Rising 3?! You could lure zombies away by saying stuff into the kinect, it was a bit hokey at first, but it actually enhanced the game significantly once you learned all the different voice commands. There was and still is nothing else like that!

The focus on TV seemed to be an issue for people, but the TV pass through had some real potential. They could have had cable companies giving the XBone out instead of cable boxes! I understood what they were trying to do, but they needed to show the games too, and thats where they lost the core gamers. Being able to jump right to a sports event or TV show with out leaving the console was actually a pretty cool thing. I spent many nights switching between NHL games or TV shows and jumping right back into my games seamlessly, just by telling Kinect to do so. It was better than people care to admit, but I loved it!

People say XBone had no games, but on launch I got Dead Rising 3, AC Black Flag, Watch Dogs, Killer Instinct, Battlefield 4, Forza 5, and Ryse. That was actually a pretty solid lineup in hindsight! Then later on it got gems like Quantum Break, Dead Rising 4, Sunset Overdrive, Gears 4 and 5, the Ori games, Rare Replay, Forza Horizon 3/4, State of Decay 2, ReCore (SUPER UNDERRATED GEM), Halo 5, Halo Wars 2, and all the great 3rd party stuff as well! I dare anyone who sat on the Xbox One to go back and give it a shot now.

It was actually a pretty great console all things considered. Yes the PS4 had better 1st party stuff, stuff that MS just couldnt top or even compete with, but there are some really great games that a lot of people missed out on that they would probably really enjoy if they actually played them. Thats why I recommend a Series S and Gamepass to a lot of people, as its a great way to get an awesome lineup pf games for super cheap!

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