170°

Edge: The Baffling Incompetence of Xbox One UI

It looks like an improvement. And as long as you aren’t actually using it, it is.

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edge-online.com
colt-of-tipton3804d ago

I don't like the fact they have made everything a app its really annoying and i prefer to have a guide button but saying the apps are slow to load is BS , they load super quick even in snap mode in my opinion.

cleft53804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

The problem with the UI is that it's menus after menus. It looks streamlined but it's actually really convoluted. I would say I am surprised that this happened, but if you look at the UI for Windows 8 this UI is a nature fit for Microsoft. With that said, I am sure this is something that can and will fix with patches, etc.

bessy673804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

I don't understand where you see the convolution. Want to watch Netflix? Say "Xbox go to Netflix". In Netflix and want to play Dead Rising 3? Say "Xbox go to Dead Rising 3". In Dead Rising 3 and want to check scores on the football games? Say "Xbox snap NFL". Even with a controller navigation is really easy. Press the guide button to get back to the dash from anywhere, set up some pins for things you use a lot, and simply scroll left and choose them. People make it out to be a ton more complicated than it really is.

Edit: I don't get what people are disagreeing with. That's how it actually works. I know, since I'm using it as I type this.

abzdine3804d ago

Windows 8 is the worst thing i came across in a long time and the UI in that design is really not what i would prefer.
I prefer the PS4 UI where everything is in front of you and you don't need to look for anything.

Boody-Bandit3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

bessy

People are disagreeing because right now the X1 UI has a fair amount of issues. I am helping a friend write an article about it right now. My son and I played several hours on the X1 over the holidays. We ran into quite a few issues.

1 of them being while we were both signed in, even though he was the primary account, when he asked me an an X1 command and I told him? The X1 responded to my voice and signed me in as the primary account and literally signed him out completely.

I mean there are a lot hiccups I ran into. There should be more attention brought to this so MS will address these issues as soon as possible.

This UI was not ready for launch and is nothing like MS markets it in advertising. It is not close to being seamless. Not even close. When the voice commands works they work great but this console isn't easy to navigate for the masses.

Kinect even appears to get confused at times. This console is going to need several updates before most of these hiccups are worked out. Hopefully all of them can be ironed out. If not, what was the point of going in this direction at all? At the end of the day I still prefer using the controller over Kinect and even that is cumbersome. Too many menus.

One thing is for sure. They need to address XBL gaming part of things ASAP. The friends list, partying up, voice messaging, friends online notifications, etc... Seriously these things should've been priority one for the X1 launch. It sucks having to literally go to your friends list just to see if they are online.

Another thing I would want if this was my primary console. Keyboard compatibility. It's so much easier surfing IE with a keyboard vs an X1 controller.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3804d ago
Gazondaily3804d ago

"The party system, another former highlight, is similarly broken. It now insists on inviting every member to each game launched."

Yeah wtf is up with that? It makes no sense.

"[it] doesn’t show if people are in parties, gives no option to join them and no longer shows the biographical detail that enabled you to identify people."

Again...such a glaring omission. I don't understand MS' mindset behind these decisions.

come_bom3804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

The problem with Microsoft is that they don't listen to consumers... they make changes without consumers feedback, and then try to force those changes on the consumer.

Xbox One UI and Windows 8 are a good example.

ThatCanadianGuy5143804d ago

Hands down the worst UI i've ever seen.Can't believe what a step down it is from the 360 Blades.

That windows 8 effect just ruins everything

bessy673804d ago

I'm guessing you've never used it.

cleft53804d ago

It's a UI people are discussing not gameplay or graphics. UIs are designed to be visually pleasing, so if the UI doesn't look visually pleasing than that is already a failure on their part. Also, there are a number of places that anyone can go and try out a Xbox One.

Just because you like the Xbox One, now I am the one doing the guessing, it doesn't mean you should bury your head in the sand about the negatives facing that console. Had people done that you would still have your DRM and not being able to rent/sale/buy used games. Both of which would have bothered you more than you know.

I love the PS4, but I keep my eyes open to it's flaws because if they do exist I want to see to it that Sony gets them fixed. Stop behaving like a fanboy and start behaving like an informed consumer.

Sleepless3804d ago Show
donman13804d ago

Yep... thats Microsoft once again trying to force their failed tile system UI down the consumers throat. Hey Microsoft... how many years now and the Windows smartphones still is sh*tty and unpopular. Now they applying the same failed UI with their console.

bessy673804d ago

And I'm guessing you've never used it either. I get it, hating on MS is the "in" thing, but maybe you should try some of these products before just following the fanboy hive mentality and throwing them under the bus.

curtis923804d ago

@bessy right, because NO ONE could ever dislike the windows tiles, yes? If someone doesn't like it then they must not have used it. Because MS has perfected the OS UI, no doubt. /s

donman13804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

@Bessy67,

I am going to forgive your ignorance. Part of my job is to test and recommend technology based on the users needs. In my department we have Windows, Android and iOS based technology (smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops). So I speak as a person who have used and tested these various UIs. The tile system is not liked in general and is one of the reason why we still use windows 7 and have no interest in upgrading company wide to windows 8.1. Windows smartphones are not popular for that reason also.
So yes... I have used and tested their products and they are terrible. I don't speak about something I have not tried. Ok sir. Good!!

TheFallenAngel3804d ago

Windows 8 is the worst. My sister bought a laptop with windows 8 and she hates it too. Returned it and bought an apple laptop. She loves it.

BobBelcher3804d ago

Honestly, if you know how to use it, then it's great... But that's the story of windows 8.1 as well.

BX813804d ago (Edited 3804d ago )

I agree, It seems like a mess till you get it down. I didn't like it at first but It's easy to use now. I can't wait to see where it's at in a year or so. Also my big complaint is the Party chat system. Am I the only one who get into a party chat?

Edit: Also fix the damn thing so I can check my memory

Christopher3804d ago

So, essentially, it's a mess until you train yourself to like it? That's not how UIs are supposed to work.

PsylentKiller3804d ago

@cgoodno

All UI's are a mess until you figure out how to use them. Some are more intuitive than others. Apple's iOS is one of the most simplistic UIs on phones and tablets. The home computers are a bit more complicated. Android is complicated to the person who only uses iOS. Linux is extremely complicated to people because it is unknown and unfamiliar to them.
Windows, like everything else, gets easier to use over time. I think the main problem with Windows metro design is that Microsoft made it look streamlined and intuitive but in action it is not. It seems simple to use until you find yourself searching through menus to find the surround sound beta option. Is it in video and sound settings? No. It's in TV settings under the troubleshooting tab.
Game freezes up. You have to go to settings > bluray > clear persistent storage. What the hell is persistent storage? Why do I have to do this on my own?
It's easy to use now, after a week and a half of use but omg is it the complete opposite of intuitive at times.

BX813804d ago

That's not what I said at all. I said "It seems like a mess till you get it down", not what you said "So, essentially, it's a mess until you train yourself to like it?". It seems like a mess because it's new, when you learn it you actually see it's not bad. You're welcome.

MaverickStar73804d ago

It seems like any other product that introduces a new UI. People hate it in the beginning but then come around once they figure it out.

PSnation43804d ago

its windows 8 style... majority of the people hate it.. nothing going to change that till they redo it

bessy673804d ago

No, the majority of people who have never tried it and simply listen to people with obvious biases like you(PSnation4)hate it.

Christopher3804d ago

@bessy67: No, actually, most PC gamers don't like Windows 8 compared to Windows 7 either. I went back to Windows 7 because I actually had more options for control over my PC. Rainmeter alone allows me to do more than what Win8 can do.

Now, Win8 does improve on certain features, but those could have easily have been an SP for Win7, but Microsoft pushed them to Win8 so they could force people to upgrade to the new OS.

Thehyph3804d ago

Maybe, it's just not a good UI then.

A good UI should be intuitive right off the bat. Double so if the UI is meant to be the center of an entertainment unit for a family.
See: iOS. Apple made it so your grandma can figure it out.

Aside: I've only had limited experience talking to the new Kinect. It works. It understood me, and I didn't have to repeat myself. That's great, BUT that delay is not pleasant. Some may say "what delay?" I'm referring to the laggy response that my android phone (which is a tiny fraction of the power of a console, and a fraction of the size of Kinect) doesn't have.

I don't mean to be a fanboy, but I am generally unimpressed by Kinect. Google Now just works for me, and it does it faster than SIRI or Kinect. I've used it at the grocery store, walking downtown, in the middle of my living room similar to a Kinect scenario, and more.

If two microphones and an ARM chip can do it so smooth, then why does a stationary Kinect have a delay.

MaverickStar73804d ago

My feelings are that people often point the finger at the new UI. But to use the UI you need the human element. Not all people figure these systems out as easily. When someone has been using a system for many years and then moves to a new machine with a new system they are going to feel a little lost because trying to do things differently. That will play into a new users view of how intuitive a new system is. Also UI's are designed to get the most out of the system. With any case, that requires the user to learn how the UI works, not getting the UI to work how they want it to.

I've seen these complaints with every new Xbox and Playstation change, or every time Apple, or some website changes things. Most of the complaints die off, and you are left with a smaller portion of people that genuinely don't like the UI.

Using my PS4 has been a similar experience. I could say it has a terrible UI and is a step backwards in some areas. But the more I use it and learn how things are different, its fine.

nypifisel3804d ago

An UI which is cumbersome to use (optimal is as few button presses as possible), you don't get used too, it's just badly designed. Problem is, the XO UI was designed for voice and motion interaction, thins is; those things doesn't work too well.

Mr Lahey3804d ago

"Xbox One’s debut user experience is stuttering, clunky, and a serious challenge to Xbox Live’s long-held status as the premier console service.

Bluntly, they take too long to load, don’t offer the functionality that Xbox Live was built on, and are, inexplicably, badly handled by the OS."

Windows 8...

BX813804d ago

You have to use the UI for your self. Don't let someone else make up your mind. Once you know what you're doing it's nice.

Mr Lahey3804d ago

True, but I really dislike windows 8 and the whole app concept! So it's no surprise to me that people are having issues with the XONE UI..

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest3d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN3d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan3d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor2d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic2d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv722d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares3d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv723d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka3d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion3d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer3d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow13d ago (Edited 3d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer2d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

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news.xbox.com
bionicstar3d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18813d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast3d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

3d ago
Lightning773d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

3d ago
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3d ago Replies(1)
Lightning773d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

3d ago
anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning773d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast3d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning772d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast2d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
darthv723d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes3d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv728d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle7d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18817d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio7d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning777d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga7d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv727d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19926d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21837d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga7d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan7d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit7d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus237d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv727d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier6d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan6d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
purple1017d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos7d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-7d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac7d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1017d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic7d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead7d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 7d ago
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