Xbox One announcement recap

Microsoft has unveiled Xbox One, the all-in-one gaming and entertainment system. At Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash., the company showcased how Xbox One combines games, TV, movies, music, sports and Skype.

"Xbox One is designed to deliver a whole new generation of blockbuster games, television and entertainment in a powerful, all-in-one device," said Don Mattrick , president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "Our unique, modern architecture brings simplicity to the living room and, for the first time ever, the ability to instantly switch across your games and entertainment."

The event kicked off with the name announcement - Xbox One - and first look at the console. Then, interactive TV took the center stage. Users can navigate and watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through your Xbox One. Turn on your entertainment system with Kinect by saying, "Xbox On," and a custom-tailored Home dashboard appears. The console recognizes the user thanks to the 1080p Kinect camera that is more accurate than before, able to track more joints and perceive depth better.

Use Snap to jump into a multiplayer battle while watching your favorite movie, talk with friends on Skype while watching live TV, or track your fantasy team on TV as you watch the big game and more. Skype lets you talk with friends on your TV in HD, or hold group calls. Trending and One Guide let you find new entertainment easily, searching by network, name or time, all with the sound of your voice and presented in a tailored program guide. Users will be able to quickly jump between games, TV, and music with no loading times.

Microsoft created a unique gaming operating system and fused it with an entertainment platform, so you will not have to switch inputs to watch TV or play a game. The first operating system controls Xbox games, the second your apps, and third connects it all together for seamless switching. An eight-core, x86 processor powers the Xbox One, with a 500GB hard drive, 8GB of Ram, BluRay player, and USB 3.0 ports. The controller also features an updated design, with better ergonomics, a new DPad, and dynamic triggers.

First games for Xbox One were also announced, including trailers for Forza Motorsport 5, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Quantum Break, and four sports titles from Electronic Arts. While the conference was taking place, other publishers confirmed their Xbox One plans - including Thief, AC 4 Black Flag, Watch Dogs, Battlefield 4, and more.

It was confirmed that the Xbox 360 games will not be playable on One, given a different architecture. Similarly, Xbox Live games will also not be carried over. However, any movies or music on your account will of course work.

Microsoft also unveiled exclusive content partnerships. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original "Halo" live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios. A multiyear, landmark partnership will deliver an interactive NFL television experiences for the Xbox One, with more details to follow.

Xbox Live will be more powerful, more personal and more intelligent. With cloud technology, save and store your personalized profile, games and entertainment anytime, from any Xbox One console. In addition, existing Xbox Live Gold Membership for Xbox 360 will carry over to Xbox One. A new Smart Match matchmaking system promises to eliminate waiting in lobbies by estimating wait times and finding people you want to play with. A dedicated Game DVR captures and accesses your gameplay, all saved to the cloud. A new and expanded achievements system captures video of your best moments, continues to grow a game's achievements over time and rewards you in new ways, and your Gamerscore carries over from Xbox 360.

Xbox One will launch in markets around the world later this year. More is to be expected at E3 2013, starting June 10th.