EDGE: Xbox, why? The baffling incompetence of the Xbox One interface

[Z A C K]

And I'm not so sure that this metro interface that Microsoft is trying to use here, which was built for the Windows Phone and Surface tablets, is really that great. They introduced it on the PC to almost universal hatred and now their console (to a very mixed response).

I think the universal hate on PC was because it was such a huge change from what people were used to before. At least on the X1 the change wasn't as big, still big mind you, but not as big. With that said, yeah the whole metro thing definitely was a gamble by MS to push that, but hopefully it'll pay off.

 

[blofeld65]

I bought a surface last summer and it wasn't immediate to learn everything. I am thinking maybe my experience with that just made the transition to learning and loving the one all the easier.

 

[Mr. Titan]

Gaming like everything else has to evolve and change. And it has. The controller is very much essential to interacting with games in general. Probably will remain that way for the foreseeable future. The only change here is how you interact with the UI. In this case, there has never been a UI quite like the one on the XO and since Microsoft is pioneering this new direction they get to determine how you interact with it. This is just a case where consumers have to adapt to the evolution of technology in entertainment/gaming consoles.

I agree that gaming will evolve, but who says the Kinect is the next evolution in that or UI? Microsoft is hoping it will be. There's been no evidence that it will be. There is a lot of resistance to that. Who is to say that Steam's Controller isn't the next evolution?

Also, Microsoft has to adapt to the consumers. Consumers don't have to adapt to Microsoft. That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever read. Microsoft needs to make things that people want to buy in order to stay in business. People don't have to buy things if they don't like it or want to 'adapt'

And the metro interface is more popular than you think it is. How many versions of Windows 8 - 8.1 have been sold? The numbers are ridiculously high. I'm also a fan but then again, I just understand how to use it.

I don't feel like listing it all out. But google 'Windows 8 sales' and also google 'Windows 8 reviews'. That should say enough to refute your comments. Also you realize that one of the biggest aspects of Windows 8.1 is the minimization of the metro interface?

The reason why Windows 8 sold a lot was because it is included with new computer.

 

[Cody32599]

Haha no worries



Fast and awesome is an opinion of yours, one person, not a fact, learn the difference. You apparently can't figure that out. If you need help on the difference just ask.

Listen to the Shacknews, Giantbomb, even the IGN Xbox podcasts, people have some serious gripes with the interface. Look at any forum or boards outside of this small teamxbox universe (even here opinion seems split 50/50) and you'll see that the gripes are fairly widespread. It's not a fact, but it's definitely more than one person. Major Nelson even had to come out and say that they are working on fixes. I believe it has potential and it's decent, but it is still unacceptably clunky in some spots, especially with just the controller. And voice control doesn't work all the time.

With just a controller, one's friends list and trophies are now easier to access on the PS4 than on the Xbox One.

And I'm not so sure that this metro interface that Microsoft is trying to use here, which was built for the Windows Phone and Surface tablets, is really that great. They introduced it on the PC to almost universal hatred and now their console (to a very mixed response).

That fact that you need an additional device that adds $100 to the cost of the Xbox One and takes up a sizable footprint in order to navigate the UI somewhat smoothly is beyond ridiculous. I'm sorry you can't figure that out.....if you need help, just ask.

I ask you for your issue and you give me some podcasts? I've said that the UI is missing some features(which is the beef of most of those podcasts) but there is nothing wrong with how fast it goes from everything it does have... this is fact.I can see all my friends... who's on line and the last 10 achievements with the last 2 challenges on the same screen... in 2 clicks... instant. If people don't want to pin what they want to do fast than that's on them... if they don't want to learn the system and make it hard on themselves than fuc it... they are going to have problems.

Are there some problems with missing things in the UI... sure but that has nothing to do with getting from point A to point B.I can get to these things very fast if you can't let me know what your problem is and I can help you.

Btw...I can see my friends list as fast as the ps4 and play the game while looking at it.... fyi.

 

[Kassen]

Your words, I added the bold for emphasis, you can click the link to the original should you choose. I suppose you need to stop insinuating Z A C K is putting words in your mouth and start berating yourself for putting words in your mouth.

There was no insinuating. He was putting words in my mouth. And the thing I really don't even get is how he came to the conclusion that I was saying that Kinect caused the UI to be unnavigable.

 

[Smiley]

When I said added controller I meant they made the Kinect not required. Sorry for the wording.

No need to apologize to anyone ZACK, it was quite clear what you meant to those who read your posts.

 

[the_slayer]

Do not understand all the hate in this thread, can't believe it's on page 11!!!!

Guys can we just sit back for a minute and remember THIS IS A LAUNCH CONSOLE WITH A BRAND NEW LAUNCH OS!!!!!!!!......there WILL be kinks and there WILL be bugs, if you wanted the PERFECT OS you shouldn't have brought a launch console.

MS will fix the bugs (damn well better than any other competitor) just enjoy your games and stop focusing/nit picking a brand new interface!

 

[BunzHoles]

I think the OS is a bit clunky and odd at this point. I regularly hit the back button and have no clue how the XBO decided to take me "back" to whatever it decided to do... it's very strange having almost every option be an "app" from a user perspective.. seems pointless to dedicating so much of the home screen to showing that the last thing you launched was say.. the settings "app".. it's also inconsistent speed wise because of it.. if you've loaded something it loads fast most of the time.. first time you load it chugs. Doesn't feel very smooth to me.

But that article is full of FUD.. just outright false statements.

I can't share my gameplay videos with the world? Huh? MS offers multiple ways to do that... and some of it I just don't care about.. spent maybe .0005% of my time on 360 viewing achievments so couldn't care less about them here, and they devoted the beginning of their rant to this feature I couldn't care less about.

 

[Mcmasters]

I agree that gaming will evolve, but who says the Kinect is the next evolution in that or UI? Microsoft is hoping it will be. There's been no evidence that it will be. There is a lot of resistance to that. Who is to say that Steam's Controller isn't the next evolution?

Also, Microsoft has to adapt to the consumers. Consumers don't have to adapt to Microsoft. That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever read. Microsoft needs to make things that people want to buy in order to stay in business. People don't have to buy things if they don't like it or want to 'adapt'




I don't feel like listing it all out. But google 'Windows 8 sales' and also google 'Windows 8 reviews'. That should say enough to refute your comments. Also you realize that one of the biggest aspects of Windows 8.1 is the minimization of the metro interface?

The reason why Windows 8 sold a lot was because it is included with new computer.

Well, considering how VR wont grace the consumer or consoles for some time, what next logical step is there? When using motion to control your tablet, smartphone or laptop came into the picture, that particular technology was bound to grace gaming consoles and it has. Its what was hot, and a lot of people made the transition fairly easy. It shouldn't be a shock that its come to what it has. So evidently, this must be the next logical step or else it wouldnt be here, would it?

Seeing as how companies like Apple and Microsoft are in the position of creative technology they're in, and has the finances, resources and genius engineers to tread new ground, I'd say they have a responsibility to innovate for the masses. Wouldnt you? If they didnt who would? So when either company decides to innovate and bring something new to the table, their simply filling their roles as innovators. Being an innovator takes risk. It comes with the territory. Are you saying that Microsoft shouldnt take the risk and play things safe? I've never expected as such. The never did with the original Xbox, they didnt with the 360 and they havent with the XO. Again, just doing what they do best.

The general public cant tell either company HOW to innovate as we arent in that position to do so. Wouldnt you agree? So at this point, people are having to adapt to change and we both know that technology has well advanced past its creator. Sure there are going to be some who dont agree with the change, but there will also be those who will. Microsoft is betting that more will adapt just fine with the Kinect integration/UI.

And so far, they risk is paying off. We will never see another console released without a Kinect like device with included voice and motion integration. Its a done deal. So you tell me mate; Who's having to adapt? And is it so horrible?

Its like bitching that we didnt need 60" inch HD television sets because we already had the Pan and Scan sets that did everyone just fine? Or stating that we didnt need BR because DVD did the job just fine. To that end, why the hell did we ever leave the cave to begin with?

"Only by going too far can we find out how far we can possibly go."

Just sayin mate....

 

[Phuque]

See, that's the thing though - they sold 80M consoles last gen. They're aiming big and "hardcore" gamers are, frankly, not nearly that large a market. For a parallel, let's say that Syfy was airing an intelligent, thought-provoking and fairly compelling sci-fi series that for whatever reason, was only getting moderate ratings. (I'll personally just use Babylon 5 here as an example because that's what I went through this with.) And then let's say they replaced that with some crappy Twilight in Space dreck and drew ten times as many eyeballs. The fans of B5 would naturally be displeased that Syfy abandoned them, but rather than catering exclusively to their existing base, they went for a larger market. And the self-proclaimed hardcore gamers also should realize that there's simply not the market for a games-only console at the levels that either Sony or MS are aspiring to. What they both need to do is try to cater to both their hardcore (which Sony has done better so far this gen) and to draw in that mainstream market (which MS is ahead - imagine dudebros playing Call of Donkey with NFL snapped).

But they are the predominant market at launch. I think the smart company caters to its market as it evolves because it isn't static and will be very different at the end of this generation. Just like it was the last generation. The smart game company caters to the hardcore at the outset and adds more for the more casual gamer as the price of the console drops and becomes more palatable to that segment of the market. You can't aim that high when the price of entry is half a grand.

 

[hrudey]

But they are the predominant market at launch. I think the smart company caters to its market as it evolves because it isn't static and will be very different at the end of this generation. Just like it was the last generation. The smart game company caters to the hardcore at the outset and adds more for the more casual gamer as the price of the console drops and becomes more palatable to that segment of the market. You can't aim that high when the price of entry is half a grand.

Yes, at launch, and if they waved the checkered flag after a month of sales, it'd be a different business model altogether. But they're selling quite well at launch nonetheless, and certainly are positioned to have a better chance of mainstream appeal as opposed to being just another box that plays games (which of course we all know the PS4 isn't just that, but there's no advertising right now for the PS4 as anything other than a game box). If the hardcore gamers were shunning the XB1 left and right, of course, then it would be time to react more forcefully, but if they can achieve even close to parity with the PS4 among the hardcore and then carry the "mainstream" then it's a massive success for MS.

 

[Phuque]

I'm just curious though, why don't you use Kinect? Or if you do then I'm surprised your experience has been so different than mine. But like I said, hope the problems get fixed for you.

I did use it, but I'm waiting for a mount for the top of my TV(looking for my old one today and if not, I'll order one of the old ones that Ceger recommended) and I really don't have the room without putting it somewhere perilous. I was pretty annoyed that they don't have one on the market yet, and you have to rig up the old mount after they demoed Kinect 2.0 so many times atop a TV set.

 

[Phuque]

Yes, at launch, and if they waved the checkered flag after a month of sales, it'd be a different business model altogether. But they're selling quite well at launch nonetheless, and certainly are positioned to have a better chance of mainstream appeal as opposed to being just another box that plays games (which of course we all know the PS4 isn't just that, but there's no advertising right now for the PS4 as anything other than a game box). If the hardcore gamers were shunning the XB1 left and right, of course, then it would be time to react more forcefully, but if they can achieve even close to parity with the PS4 among the hardcore and then carry the "mainstream" then it's a massive success for MS.

Are they? True mainstream appeal won't really come until they drop the price. And price is usually one of -- if not -- the biggest draws to the mainstream. MS may be better positioned with apps and services for the mainstream in the future, but will they be with price? It will be interesting to see. My question is why such a hardcore appeal to that segment of the market now when they don't have the price to appeal to that part of the market? I think we can all agree that they won't sell 80 million at 500 bucks.

 

[Mcmasters]

Are they? True mainstream appeal won't really come until they drop the price. And price is usually one of -- if not -- the biggest draws to the mainstream. MS may be better positioned with apps and services for the mainstream in the future, but will they be with price? It will be interesting to see. My question is why such a hardcore appeal to that segment of the market now when they don't have the price to appeal to that part of the market? I think we can all agree that they won't sell 80 million at 500 bucks.

Im not sure. I thought people were absolutely crazy to purchase the I-phone at anything over $399-hell $299. They've sold over 100 mill of those damned phones! Not saying they arent nice but wow...

 

[Z A C K]

Are they? True mainstream appeal won't really come until they drop the price. And price is usually one of -- if not -- the biggest draws to the mainstream. MS may be better positioned with apps and services for the mainstream in the future, but will they be with price? It will be interesting to see. My question is why such a hardcore appeal to that segment of the market now when they don't have the price to appeal to that part of the market? I think we can all agree that they won't sell 80 million at 500 bucks.

Do you think the PS4s price is targeted at the mainstream though? I mean, $399 is still a lot of money. I guess you could say that since the PS4 is cheaper than the X1 and since they are the 2 options, then by default the PS4 appeals to the mainstream, but I think an argument could also be made that neither of those prices are low enough for mainstream/casual/non-hardcore gamers to flock to.

 

[Phuque]

Im not sure. I thought people were absolutely crazy to purchase the I-phone at anything over $399-hell $299. They've sold over 100 mill of those damned phones! Not saying they arent nice but wow...

A phone and a console aren't one in the same though. Apples to oranges. Many would consider a phone a necessity. For some it is the only phone they have and a lifeline to medical help, business, friends and family. I don't know that a huge segment of the mainstream that thinks the same of a console. It is a false equivalency. For most a console is a luxury, a phone is a portable necessity, more practical, and the expense more justifiable.

 

[Phuque]

Do you think the PS4s price is targeted at the mainstream though? I mean, $399 is still a lot of money. I guess you could say that since the PS4 is cheaper than the X1 and since they are the 2 options, then by default the PS4 appeals to the mainstream, but I think an argument could also be made that neither of those prices are low enough for mainstream/casual/non-hardcore gamers to flock to.

I agree. I was speaking going forward into the generation, not the present.

 

[Mcmasters]

A phone and a console aren't one in the same though. Apples to oranges. Many would consider a phone a necessity. For some it is the only phone they have and a lifeline to medical help, business, friends and family. I don't know that a huge segment of the mainstream that thinks the same of a console. It is a false equivalency. For most a console is a luxury, a phone is a portable necessity, more practical, and the expense more justifiable.

True. But people are willing to pay (and pay well) for options that go beyond just a phone. I-phones and smart phones are evidence of that. Consoles having those kind of options to go along with gaming, justify the price of the XO and the PS4. I think both stand a really great chance of surpassing their counter parts very early on because of this.

 

[hrudey]

Are they? True mainstream appeal won't really come until they drop the price. And price is usually one of -- if not -- the biggest draws to the mainstream. MS may be better positioned with apps and services for the mainstream in the future, but will they be with price? It will be interesting to see. My question is why such a hardcore appeal to that segment of the market now when they don't have the price to appeal to that part of the market? I think we can all agree that they won't sell 80 million at 500 bucks.

We don't know (and I appreciate the fact that you don't claim to know either). But I don't think that price is going to be that strong a differentiating factor for that market - the people who want to Skype, snap apps, watch TV and play games perhaps in that order might see that the PS4 is cheaper but can't do those things that attracted them to the XB1. Or they may decide $499 is too rich a price and then I imagine we'd see price drops. Plenty of time to see how things shake out.

 

[Kvally]

Price is always going to be a factor. But with the X1 outselling the competition already, it's clear that many see a better value with the hardware and software services of the X1 for $100 more. Now, had the X1 been $600 like the PS3, then we might see an issue.

 

[hrudey]

Price is always going to be a factor. But with the X1 outselling the competition already, it's clear that many see a better value with the hardware and software services of the X1 for $100 more. Now, had the X1 been $600 like the PS3, then we might see an issue.

We don't know that they're outselling Sony, though - at least unless something just broke and even then I'd be skeptical just because we'd need to hear from both companies about how many units they sold as of the same time frame. Nor does that particularly matter to this offshoot of the discussion - whichever console is up by whatever small percentage they're up by at the present time really won't matter one lifting of a dog's leg to the mainstream crowd.

 

[Z A C K]

We don't know (and I appreciate the fact that you don't claim to know either). But I don't think that price is going to be that strong a differentiating factor for that market - the people who want to Skype, snap apps, watch TV and play games perhaps in that order might see that the PS4 is cheaper but can't do those things that attracted them to the XB1. Or they may decide $499 is too rich a price and then I imagine we'd see price drops. Plenty of time to see how things shake out.

I think the $499 price tag is a good strategy for MS honestly. They knew they were probably going to get a million+ preorders right out of the gate all at $499 because I'm sure they assumed they have at least that many people who are going to buy the console no matter what. Then in the next year or so I'm sure the sales will be stable, maybe not record breaking, but stable, and by that point hopefully a lot of X1 games and services will be getting praise. At that point they will have milked all they can with the $499, so they drop the price and profit.

I'm no business major, but that's the way I see it. Maybe I'm way off course though.

 

[Mr. Titan]

I ask you for your issue and you give me some podcasts? I've said that the UI is missing some features(which is the beef of most of those podcasts) but there is nothing wrong with how fast it goes from everything it does have... this is fact.I can see all my friends... who's on line and the last 10 achievements with the last 2 challenges on the same screen... in 2 clicks... instant. If people don't want to pin what they want to do fast than that's on them... if they don't want to learn the system and make it hard on themselves than fuc it... they are going to have problems.

Are there some problems with missing things in the UI... sure but that has nothing to do with getting from point A to point B.I can get to these things very fast if you can't let me know what your problem is and I can help you.

Btw...I can see my friends list as fast as the ps4 and play the game while looking at it.... fyi.

You didn't ask me you stated in a rather douchey way that I don't know what I'm doing. I took time to learn the system, I have some apps pinned, and I still am not a fan.

A lot of my issues stem from the Metro Interface in general and how Microsoft is trying to force a tablet interface onto the Xbox One (and PC).

1.) I cannot stand the blocky look of everything and how everything has to be accompanied by a large picture. Whether I'm looking at games, achievements, or friends, each item takes up way too much space on the screen. My friends list is relatively small, but it takes longer than it should to navigate through it.

It would be great to be able to customize the sizes of the tiles (given how much space they take up) and change the achievements listings and friends lists from blocks into actual lists.

2.) They need to bring the guide button back. It was quick, convenient, and straight to the point. I could access everything I wanted, whether it was achievements, settings, online profile, friends, etc without launching 5 different apps.

3.) I hate having to launch apps for everything. When I'm looking through the PS4, everything feels more cohesive and seems quicker and smoother to launch. It may not be as visually appealing, but it feels more functional.

 

[Hammerclaw]

I agree that gaming will evolve, but who says the Kinect is the next evolution in that or UI? Microsoft is hoping it will be. There's been no evidence that it will be. There is a lot of resistance to that. Who is to say that Steam's Controller isn't the next evolution?

Also, Microsoft has to adapt to the consumers. Consumers don't have to adapt to Microsoft. That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever read. Microsoft needs to make things that people want to buy in order to stay in business. People don't have to buy things if they don't like it or want to 'adapt'




I don't feel like listing it all out. But google 'Windows 8 sales' and also google 'Windows 8 reviews'. That should say enough to refute your comments. Also you realize that one of the biggest aspects of Windows 8.1 is the minimization of the metro interface?

The reason why Windows 8 sold a lot was because it is included with new computer.

We already have one PS4 why would want two? If you don't like the goods,you don't have to buy them. I like what Microsoft has to offer. If you don't, well....life is tough.

 

[Mr. Titan]

We already have one PS4 why would want two? If you don't like the goods,you don't have to buy them. I like what Microsoft has to offer. If you don't, well....life is tough.

The old if you don't like it deal with it argument. Such a great comeback.

I have a lot of friends on Xbox Live and there are exclusives on the Xbox One I would like to play. However, the UI will make the experience less enjoyable. Therefore I would like it improved.

My point was, if the PS4 could do it that fast, Microsoft should be able to too, considering they are a software company.

This is a forum. People discuss things. Life is tough. Deal with it.

 

[Hammerclaw]

The old if you don't like it deal with it argument. Such a great comeback.

I have a lot of friends on Xbox Live and there are exclusives on the Xbox One I would like to play. However, the UI will make the experience less enjoyable. Therefore I would like it improved.

My point was, if the PS4 could do it that fast, Microsoft should be able to too, considering they are a software company.

This is a forum. People discuss things. Life is tough. Deal with it.

Oh, I just love the "some my best friends are on xbox live line" talk about lame. I got a twx for you pal: I disasgree with you're point of view, and I'll say it as often as I feel like.

 

[Dtwice]

What are we talking about? The UI is not fast enough?

I am no tech head but i'm navigating around the X1 just fine. It has been plenty fast for me. The more I tinker around with it the more I like it.

 

[Hammerclaw]

A phone and a console aren't one in the same though. Apples to oranges. Many would consider a phone a necessity. For some it is the only phone they have and a lifeline to medical help, business, friends and family. I don't know that a huge segment of the mainstream that thinks the same of a console. It is a false equivalency. For most a console is a luxury, a phone is a portable necessity, more practical, and the expense more justifiable.

So, a game console is luxury and a $500 Smart Phone with functions that go way beyond conceivable necessity is not. A game console is an unnecessary luxury? Well, if one is willing to blow $400+ on mere frivolity...what's a hundred dollars more? Seriously, anyone that thinks a hundred dollars is a lot money, shouldn't be wasting their time and resources on video games, period. Somehow, though, I think you'd be making the exact same points, if the Xbox One was $400 and the PS4 was three hundred, wouldn't you?

 

[Cody32599]

You didn't ask me you stated in a rather douchey way that I don't know what I'm doing. I took time to learn the system, I have some apps pinned, and I still am not a fan.

A lot of my issues stem from the Metro Interface in general and how Microsoft is trying to force a tablet interface onto the Xbox One (and PC).

1.) I cannot stand the blocky look of everything and how everything has to be accompanied by a large picture. Whether I'm looking at games, achievements, or friends, each item takes up way too much space on the screen. My friends list is relatively small, but it takes longer than it should to navigate through it.

It would be great to be able to customize the sizes of the tiles (given how much space they take up) and change the achievements listings and friends lists from blocks into actual lists.

2.) They need to bring the guide button back. It was quick, convenient, and straight to the point. I could access everything I wanted, whether it was achievements, settings, online profile, friends, etc without launching 5 different apps.

3.) I hate having to launch apps for everything. When I'm looking through the PS4, everything feels more cohesive and seems quicker and smoother to launch. It may not be as visually appealing, but it feels more functional.

1.)I could care less what it looks like and besides it goes against your argumant as you obviosly have a bias against it before it even came out. The question is can I get to point A to point B in a very fast effieciant way. I say you can if you put the effort into it and put the pins where you need a learn the finer details of the system. You can make your friends list into a "list" and view this at the same time as you view your "Achievments" or at the same time you are playing a game and you can do this in 3 clicks with a controller. It comes up instant also.
2.) They do have the guide button...it's called the home button and enstead of being able to do 5-10 things fast...I can do 50 things fast.
3.) I don't have the PS4 but if the UI is basically the same as the ps3 version than the xbox one version runs rings around that UI when it comes to going from point A to B to C.

Look...I have no problem with people wanting what they personally want and the UI needs some changes but when people say they can't find their friends fast and can't navigate fast than I call bullsh1t...because you can...period.

Lets talk about why we can't see who we just played against and how in the fuk do we rate them and things of that nature but to go from"it doesn't show battery life" to now the UI is garbage cause I can't fukin see my achievments fast enough is fukin bullsh1t.

 

[Hammerclaw]

What are we talking about? The UI is not fast enough?

I am no tech head but i'm navigating around the X1 just fine. It has been plenty fast for me. The more I tinker around with it the more I like it.

The UI is basic and somewhat clunky, at this point in time, with some notable omissions, and all will be improved on in the near future. However, it makes a convenient strawman for the detractors of the OS and Microsoft's vision for their machine, and, truth-to-tell, there are some people who have never even learned how to operate a DVD player.