New Microsoft videos feature Xbox One’s key peripherals

NEWS - Thursday, August 8, 2013

New Microsoft videos feature Xbox One’s key peripherals

Microsoft has released three new videos showing three key peripherals in close-up details:

Controller:

The Xbox One controller, which Microsoft reiterated features more than 40 design improvements, will allow you to play wirelessly with standard AA or rechargeable AA batteries (or via the standard micro USB port for wired play). The micro USB cable (not included) will charge the batteries if you are using the Xbox One Play & Charge Kit, although it will not charge generic rechargeable AA batteries.

Albert Penello, director of product planning for Xbox One, elaborates here, explaining that when you plug a micro-USB cable into the controller for wired play the internal radio is actually shut off and all data is transmitted through the wire. In this mode you’ll actually be able to use the controller without batteries.

Headset:

The Xbox One Day One edition will include an Xbox One Chat Headset, reversing the policy Microsoft announced in June. (Note: IGN has confirmed with Microsoft that the Chat Headset will be included in everyXbox One and not just the limited-edition Day One versions of the console).

Xbox Wire editor Lisa Gurry explains the chat on Xbox One offers three times the sampling rate of the Xbox 360 and that the lightweight earpiece with its bendable, rotating mic boom (which can be worn on either the right or left ear) tips the scales at only 44 grams. You can also control the volume and mute without taking your hands off the controller, as those buttons are placed at the connection point with the gamepad.

Play & Charge Kit:

Penello also notes that the HDMI cable included in the box is a Category 2 HDMI cable, rated for 1080p, 3D and 4K, according to the HDMI 1.4 spec. He also explains that, while the built-in wireless on Xbox 360 just supported single-band A/B/G/N @ 2.4ghz the Xbox One wireless radio is A/B/G/N, but supports dual-band 2.4ghz and 5ghz frequencies.

The Xbox One console itself, the Kinect sensor and even the HDMI cable and the power supply all have a “liquid black” finish.

The Xbox One has no official release date yet, but is due sometime before the end of the year.

And because we know you all want to see that gorgeous POWER BRICK again: