Has Microsoft's living room strategy panned out?

[Sulaco]

It is a semi-worthless buy because of lack of games, but so is the X1, unless you like its "integration". Personally, I have no cable/sat subscription anyway, and I've been HDMI switching with amy Sony receiver for a while; the X1 really offers me nothing.

As far as bikejunkie's earlier posts in this thread I really am sympathetic to what he's saying. There isn't a person here who hasn't from time to time felt "guilt" over wasting huge amounts of time gaming. Apparently he's at the point where he feels this over all of it, so he's purged it. Most people do waste parts of their life with entertainment and I see nothing worse about vid games than other forms, so it just comes down to a personal thing on how much is too much. When I was younger I was always playing something, moving from game to game. Now I tend toward the best ones only, which leaves me weeks between games, and helps bring some balance.

While I don't game nearly as much as I used to, I think the obvious parallel in societal entertainment is TV watching.

For most, it's perfectly acceptable to come home and unwind with two or more hours of TV. And let's not kid ourselves, that's usually the most vapid of TV: reality shows and the like.
At least with video games, there's an interaction factor. It forces you to use your brain, make decisions, and adjust to circumstances on the fly. TV? You just veg out.

So even though my gaming days are quite limited these days, I will never feel any sort of guilt associated with it (in moderation), and would hope no one else does either, unless you feel that same "guilt" every time you watch a TV show or movie.

 

[HeXen]

I don't get too excited about games or systems like I used to, but I suspect many are just waiting until enough good games and broad appeal. Right now both systems feel like a niche product. Once they are basically everywhere and games for them fill up the shelves then I think both will do just fine and guys like me will casually walk into a store and walk out with one. I initially planned to get one as soon as I saw a PS4 on a shelf somewhere but that impulse has passed and I now have a couple other high priced items I'm going to invest in first. Macbook pro and Ipad air. After that I'll get a PS4 assuming there are more than 2 games for it I want.

Of course in the past, most systems came out during better economic times as well.

 

[desura]

I don't get why MS doesn't come out with...a Microsoft TV. Like, just take the voice recognition of kinect + streaming video box + windows phone integration (throw video, play music), sell for $50. Instead of $500 that htey want for the xbox1.

As I said in the OP...that was what MS was after with the first xbox...using gaming as an entrance for more casual activities. Well, they have the entrance now, why not just skip straight to the casual stuff?

 

[Skel]

I don't get why MS doesn't come out with...a Microsoft TV. Like, just take the voice recognition of kinect + streaming video box + windows phone integration (throw video, play music), sell for $50. Instead of $500 that htey want for the xbox1.

As I said in the OP...that was what MS was after with the first xbox...using gaming as an entrance for more casual activities. Well, they have the entrance now, why not just skip straight to the casual stuff?

I really hate myself for feeding trolls, which I'm pretty convinced you are, but you do ask a valid question.

Why should MS create a device that competes in the same space as a ton of others? Why should MS create a device and compete with AppleTV, roku, samsung SmartTVs, and the chromecast when they've pretty much one upped them with a console that does the same they are. The question becomes, why buy a Roku when I can do the same thing it does but also play games? I now return you to trolling, which I really at this point am convinced you are because ALL you seem to do is keep trying to find a way to either piss of the MS fans.

 

[dagamer34]

I don't get why MS doesn't come out with...a Microsoft TV. Like, just take the voice recognition of kinect + streaming video box + windows phone integration (throw video, play music), sell for $50. Instead of $500 that htey want for the xbox1.

As I said in the OP...that was what MS was after with the first xbox...using gaming as an entrance for more casual activities. Well, they have the entrance now, why not just skip straight to the casual stuff?

There's no profit to be made in a cheap box, only royalty fees from games.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I don't get why MS doesn't come out with...a Microsoft TV. Like, just take the voice recognition of kinect + streaming video box + windows phone integration (throw video, play music), sell for $50. Instead of $500 that htey want for the xbox1.

As I said in the OP...that was what MS was after with the first xbox...using gaming as an entrance for more casual activities. Well, they have the entrance now, why not just skip straight to the casual stuff?

Because Gaming consoles sell, and sell fast. How many Apple TVs sold in the first week? Not a million. The software and accessory sales generate the majority of the profits of a console over it's lifetime. You aren't selling any software with a box that can do netflix.

If you think about it, MS played it right. Gamers will buy the XB1 for the games and might use the media features. People who want both in one box will find it valuable as well. People who want a media box might see extra value because they can play games on it.

 

[Doppel]

I'm assuming you don't have an X1.

You sort of hit the nail on the head about the integration without even realizing it. Even with your fancy receiver you still need to find the remote to change that input to get to your Roku, AppleTV, etc. Since the X1 supports all of the major online streaming services from the getgo, I can do all of this from my couch with my voice without having to interrupt what I'm doing. If I get tired of Netflix I can pause it, jump into Dead Rising 3, and then pop back in when I'm ready and pick up where I left off. This is the level of integration I'm talking about.

You have to experience it for yourself to actually understand. I was skeptical in the exact same way as you until I tried it for myself. It's a game changer and everyone who has the X1 gets it.

I do enjoy things that save even seconds off my life, as that sounds like it would (not being sarcastic), and I find myself about 4-5 times/day looking for the remote to switch HDMI source, but still it's not that much of a pain in the end 🙂 Honestly, I would pay something for it, though.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

I do enjoy things that save even seconds off my life, as that sounds like it would (not being sarcastic), and I find myself about 4-5 times/day looking for the remote to switch HDMI source, but still it's not that much of a pain in the end 🙂 Honestly, I would pay something for it, though.

The great thing is that all of this is an added bonus. The X1 at its core is still an amazing gaming machine.

 

[dagamer34]

If my Kinect could fully control my AV receiver to switch inputs and other boxes (not just TV) like my Apple TV via IR blasting, I wouldn't care if I ever got another game, that thing would be on all the time. I'd just say "Xbox switch to Apple TV", "Apple TV Select", "Apple TV Play", "Apple TV Pause", that would save me needing to by the crappy $350 Harmony remote that just feels like a piece of junk.

 

[cmdrdredd]

If my Kinect could fully control my AV receiver to switch inputs and other boxes (not just TV) like my Apple TV via IR blasting, I wouldn't care if I ever got another game, that thing would be on all the time. I'd just say "Xbox switch to Apple TV", "Apple TV Select", "Apple TV Play", "Apple TV Pause", that would save me needing to by the crappy $350 Harmony remote that just feels like a piece of junk.

You blew your entire argument when you called Harmony remotes junk.

 

[ImpulsE69]

You blew your entire argument when you called Harmony remotes junk.

Eh..not necessarily. It is well established that for the prices they want they don't last. When they work they are great.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Eh..not necessarily. It is well established that for the prices they want they don't last. When they work they are great.

I've had mine(2x Harmony One) for I don't know how many years. No problems.

Well established by who? People who can't keep from dropping things or what?

 

[boomhower]

You blew your entire argument when you called Harmony remotes junk.

Completely agreed. My Harmony is one of the most convenient thing I've ever bought, and it didn't cost anywhere near $350.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Completely agreed. My Harmony is one of the most convenient thing I've ever bought, and it didn't cost anywhere near $350.

I haven't found another remote out there that is as easy to program for new devices and as customizable, but also so simple to use that my mom can do it. I think I bought mine back in 2008 if I remember. I still have the same remotes today. The fact that I can just hop on the harmony software and tell it I got a new TV or receiver and setup my activities with that device is pretty amazing when the remote is 5 years old. As it relates to the XB1, using the Harmony remote in conjunction with the voice commands and cable box integration of the console is a huge convenience.

 

[ImpulsE69]

I've had mine(2x Harmony One) for I don't know how many years. No problems.

Well established by who? People who can't keep from dropping things or what?

Buttons go bad fairly quickly. We've went through 2 of them and they aren't dropped on anything. Of course it's not everyone (and when did you start acting like Smack and Pure?). Read any Harmony thread. We aren't here to point you in the direction because you can't use a search button. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but they are pricey and not exactly reliable. I wouldn't buy their high end ones. I'd be more than happy to if they didn't have such a bad rep. If there was another brand that did what they do nearly as well and were cheaper and/or more reliable, people would drop Harmony in a heartbeat because it's really a love/hate relationship.

As for motion/voice replacing remotes, I can't say that I myself am ready for that (at least voice), but until I tried it I couldn't say. Something tells me talking to an empty room would feel odd, but I suppose you'd get used to it after awhile. Am I the only one that thinks it would seem less odd if the Xbox (or whatever) actually responded back to you? As in. "YES MASTER!" ..or something.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Buttons go bad fairly quickly. We've went through 2 of them and they aren't dropped on anything. Of course it's not everyone (and when did you start acting like Smack and Pure?). Read any Harmony thread. We aren't here to point you in the direction because you can't use a search button. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but they are pricey and not exactly reliable. I wouldn't buy their high end ones. I'd be more than happy to if they didn't have such a bad rep.

Well, I've had my Harmony One remotes for about 5 years if I remember right. I've never had any problems with them. I've never heard any real complaints about them until you mentioned it. When I purchased them I think they were up close to the $300 range.

Read any thread on the internet and you'll have people complaining about every product out there.

As for motion/voice replacing remotes, I can't say that I myself am ready for that (at least voice), but until I tried it I couldn't say. Something tells me talking to an empty room would feel odd, but I suppose you'd get used to it after awhile. Am I the only one that thinks it would seem less odd if the Xbox (or whatever) actually responded back to you? As in. "YES MASTER!" ..or something.

I just want it to be more reliable, or learn how I speak. Sometimes I have to repeat myself for it to do what I want. I don't want it to respond back, I get visions of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

 

[purbeast0]

I haven't found another remote out there that is as easy to program for new devices and as customizable, but also so simple to use that my mom can do it. I think I bought mine back in 2008 if I remember. I still have the same remotes today. The fact that I can just hop on the harmony software and tell it I got a new TV or receiver and setup my activities with that device is pretty amazing when the remote is 5 years old. As it relates to the XB1, using the Harmony remote in conjunction with the voice commands and cable box integration of the console is a huge convenience.

roomie remote is a million times better than the harmony remote i used to have, however it requires some hardware and an ios device.

that said, harmony is still great.

 

[boomhower]

roomie remote is a million times better than the harmony remote i used to have, however it requires some hardware and an ios device.

that said, harmony is still great.

Using a phone/tablet has it's own inherent issues, mainly that you can't use it by touch. I have the Harmony smart control and use the simple remote 99% of the time. Only use my phone or tablet when I need to adjust some obscure setting. When in the darks watching TV you can't adjust things by feel on phone.

 

[cmdrdredd]

roomie remote is a million times better than the harmony remote i used to have, however it requires some hardware and an ios device.

that said, harmony is still great.

Once every device has Bluetooth it will be a lot easier. Having to buy IR adapters for stuff that does not have BT is kind of a bummer. This is true of the new harmony stuff too. You almost need the IR base for a lot of devices.

I do agree with boomhower that using touch to find the correct buttons is something that would be hard to give up.

 

[Doppel]

I do agree with boomhower that using touch to find the correct buttons is something that would be hard to give up.

Hells yeah. Whenever I buy a new device it takes a while to learn the buttons by touch but it's far nicer than looking down at something.

 

[dagamer34]

You blew your entire argument when you called Harmony remotes junk.

I used my brother's Harmony Touch over Thanksgiving and for $350 with the hockey puck thing, I expect better. Heck, the touchscreen on that thing is ABYSMAL. If it's not iPhone-level responsive, it's not coming into my home because I don't want to play tech support every time someone else wants to use the TV. I'd rather just they deal with 5 remotes which is sadly less daunting. :\

 

[Doppel]

I used my brother's Harmony Touch over Thanksgiving and for $350 with the hockey puck thing, I expect better. Heck, the touchscreen on that thing is ABYSMAL. If it's not iPhone-level responsive, it's not coming into my home because I don't want to play tech support every time someone else wants to use the TV. I'd rather just they deal with 5 remotes which is sadly less daunting. :\

I get this. I have a ton of devices at home and a ton of remotes. They are annoying, but they work 100% of the time with zero setup. I have a couple of cheat sheets printed by each TV to instruct visitors who aren't tech savvy how to use everything 🙂

 

[cmdrdredd]

I used my brother's Harmony Touch over Thanksgiving and for $350 with the hockey puck thing, I expect better. Heck, the touchscreen on that thing is ABYSMAL. If it's not iPhone-level responsive, it's not coming into my home because I don't want to play tech support every time someone else wants to use the TV. I'd rather just they deal with 5 remotes which is sadly less daunting. :\

Um...yeah so you compare a remote that costs $180 (it doesn't have to come with the RF receiver) to a phone that costs $750(unlocked price) who's ONLY interface is the touch screen?

Besides, if he has the smart control with the base station there is an app for any android or ios smartphone that will let you control everything that way.

 

[smackababy]

Um...yeah so you compare a remote that costs $180 (it doesn't have to come with the RF receiver) to a phone that costs $750(unlocked price) who's ONLY interface is the touch screen?

Besides, if he has the smart control with the base station there is an app for any android or ios smartphone that will let you control everything that way.

His point was paying $180 for a touch screen that is awful is $180 not well spent. If the experience using the touch interface is awful, the remote is awful. The "using the button" experience might be the same as using any button remove, but why would I buy an expensive remote for that?

And the iPhone or Android phone you're using with the much better touch interface simply doubles as a remote. The remote's primary job is controlling. And, you could easily get an iPod touch for like $230 new if you wanted a good touch screen experience.

 

[cmdrdredd]

His point was paying $180 for a touch screen that is awful is $180 not well spent. If the experience using the touch interface is awful, the remote is awful. The "using the button" experience might be the same as using any button remove, but why would I buy an expensive remote for that?

And the iPhone or Android phone you're using with the much better touch interface simply doubles as a remote. The remote's primary job is controlling. And, you could easily get an iPod touch for like $230 new if you wanted a good touch screen experience.

Thing of it is, it's not awful at all. It's better than the WiiU touch screen or the 3DS touch screen (you almost need the stylus to use them). You aren't paying $180 to use the touch screen, you are buying a remote that takes up to 15 remotes and combines it into one with physical buttons that you can use via muscle memory. You can't use a touchscreen by muscle memory or feel. We established that before.