Microsoft: Next Gen to be Defined by Cloud, Kinect Functionality

Every generation of hardware has a few defining characteristics. When you look at the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the emergence of online, connected experiences, as well as the standardization of high-definition gaming, quickly comes to mind. The way we play and even look at games has been significantly altered since the launch of current hardware, and that process will likely take place once again with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Phil Harrison, corporate VP of the Xbox division, was recently asked by CVG about what he sees as the next big defining feature of new consoles, and had these two points quickly come to mind.

“I think it is, connectivity amplified by the cloud. Not just using the CPU and GPU in the box, but also amplifying your experience in the cloud,” Harrison argued. “We are establishing 300,000 servers on launch day for Xbox One. So I think developers will have a great opportunity harvesting that.

“Secondly, adding a Kinect to every Xbox One means developers are free to use voice and gesture controls in their games because they can be confident it now addresses one hundred per cent of their Xbox audience.”

Kinect didn’t exactly floor the core gaming community on the Xbox 360, but the updated hardware is said to improve just about every aspect of the motion device.

Harrison also discussed the recently announced Steam Machines in the interview, which he will be watching with “great interest” in the coming months.