Xbox One won't play 3D Blu-rays at launch

The Xbox One is launching soon and is Microsoft's first console to have a built-in Blu-ray player. If you've already got a library of 3D Blu-ray movies, though, you're out of luck since the Xbox One won't play them at launch.

The Xbox One console won't support 3D Blu-ray movies when it hits Australia on November 22. That functionality could be added in the future, though, so anyone with an extensive 3D Blu-ray library shouldn't discount the console altogether. Plus, if you've got 3D Blu-rays, you've probably also got a 3D Blu-ray player already.

Speaking to CNET, a Microsoft representative said that the upcoming console doesn't support 3D Blu-ray playback but that the company hasn't ruled out adding the ability to do so at a later date. Since the difference between a 3D and non-3D Blu-ray is purely in the data on the disc, a software update should be all that's needed to enable 3D movie playback.

The PlayStation 4 supports 3D games, although none will launch with the console. It isn't clear whether the PS4 will play 3D Blu-rays — but it's likely, especially considering that the feature was enabled on the PlayStation 3 with a firmware update.

Launch-day entertainment apps for the Xbox One were announced this morning. The US gets the lion's share of services, with Netflux, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video and HBO GO exclusive to the North American version of the console. Australia isn't entirely left out of the streaming TV and movies race, though, with apps from Channel Ten, SBS and Quickflix, as well as global video apps, such as TED and Twitch.

Other than the lack of 3D disc support, the Xbox One is looking pretty exciting. The Kinect's voice activation works with local apps, too; for example, saying "Xbox, go to tenplay" will launch Channel Ten's catch-up TV app. More entertainment and other apps will be rolling out after the initial launch period, too, so the list will only get longer.

All Xbox One consoles worldwide will also be able to access the Xbox Fitness, Music and Video apps at launch, as well as Internet Explorer, SkyDrive and Upload.