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Xbox One gets early unboxing in new Microsoft video

Microsoft uncorks a detailed unboxing video of the Xbox One Day One Edition -- roughly three months before the console is set to hit stores.

Jeff Bakalar Editor at Large
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
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Jeff Bakalar
2 min read

Microsoft

Ever since Microsoft reversed controversial DRM and "always-on" policies back in June, the company has been promoting a sense of transparency in regard to Xbox One and information about the surrounding ecosystem.

This approach continues today with the release of an Xbox One unboxing video on Microsoft's Xbox Wire blog, nearly three months ahead of when people will be able to get their hands on one.

There's a lot of fluff in the copy accompanying the unboxing video, so I cherry-picked what I thought were the most revealing details:

  • The Day One edition of Xbox One is the version being unboxed in the video. It includes special Day One packaging, a unique controller, and a digital achievement. Quantities of the Day One Edition will be limited at retail.

  • The new Kinect will feature a 1080p camera, four-microphone array, and IR blasting functionality (for control of all your electronic devices).

  • The Xbox One controller can switch to wired mode and work over Micro-USB without batteries. The same cord can be used to charge rechargeable batteries with the Play and Charge Kit.

  • Chat quality has three times the sampling rate it did on Xbox 360. The new headset can be worn on either your left or right ear and will feature a bendable, rotating boom mic. Mute and volume functions can be toggled without taking your hands off the controller.

  • An HDMI cable is included in the box (finally!).

  • The Xbox One will support a/b/g/n wireless protocols as well as 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.