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PCMag UK

Microsoft Xbox One

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The Xbox One, Microsoft's current-generation console, has seen a user interface upgrade and the addition of limited backward compatibility, and it's still at the top of its game.

Set

The Kinect has become more of an afterthought to the Xbox One than the centerpiece Microsoft first planned, but the system itself remains a powerful game console with several excellent features.

Front

The Xbox One is big, black, rectangular, and looks closer to a VCR than a futuristic, stylish game system.

Angle

The Xbox One combines glossy and matte black finishes to give it at least some style, but no shine can get past its plain blockiness.

Controller

The Xbox One controller is comfortable, but it's not the great leap in design that the PlayStation 4's DualShock 4 gamepad is. It's a mostly matte black gamepad that looks and feels almost identical to the Xbox 360's gamepad.

Quick Menu

Double-pressing the Xbox button brings up a quick-access menu on the side of the screen that shows friends online, game capture settings, and other information and options.

OneGuide

The Xbox One OneGuide brings together live television and streaming services on the system, thanks to a wide selection of media features and an HDMI passthrough.

Backwards Compatibility

With the most recent update of the Xbox One, the system now supports backwards compatibility with a limited list of Xbox 360 games.

Microsoft Xbox One : Snapping

The Xbox One supports "snapping" apps to any game or software you're running. By selecting "Snap" on the Dashboard and selecting an app (or by saying "Xbox, snap"), you can keep certain apps on the side of the screen and running while you're working in the main app (or playing a game).

Microsoft Xbox One : OneGuide

OneGuide is a Rovio-based program guide in the Xbox One's menu system that shows what's on your cable or satellite service with a grid just like your set-top box's guide.