Xbox One is scheduled for release sometime in late 2013. The previous Xbox models were Xbox 360 and the Xbox. If the massive success of these models is any indicator at all, the Xbox One should also face a great deal of popularity.

Some of the impressive features of this promising upcoming gaming console are:

• Compatible with x86-64 instruction set
• AMD 8 – core CPU
• 8gb of DDR3 RAM
• AMD DirectX 11.1 based GPU, 32 MB ESRAM Memory
• Features Blu-ray disk reader, as well as CD and DVD (both single and double layer
• Voice command start up

With these features, there is no doubt that Xbox One will be one promising and extremely powerful gaming console that can take on the coolest of games, and give a whole new definition to home entertainment. Xbox lovers can't wait.

There are, however, a few issues that may keep the Xbox enthusiasts in check from considering the Xbox One. For one thing, this new and powerful gaming console cannot support games that were built for Xbox and Xbox 360. The reason for this is that Xbox One uses a hardware architecture from Xbox or Xbox 360. However, it is likely that game developers will soon release versions for Xbox one, so this may not turn up to be much of a concern.

Another concern is that the Xbox One cannot operate at all without an internet connection. Those who have restricted internet connection will therefore not be able to use Xbox One to its full potential. In order to combat piracy, the Xbox One requires online verification for single player games every 24 hours.

Furthermore, game CDs can be shared between different consoles, but an unlocking fee will have to be paid to play the game in a new console.

One feature that comes with the Xbox is the new and improved Kinect 2. The new Kinect features a 1080P video camera, as opposed to the VGA camera featured in the previous Kinect. It also has a microphone, which is utilized in the voice command start up process. The new motion controller that is featured can process 2 gigabits of data per second – making the gaming experience.

Security issues?

Many tough questions have been asked about the Kinect. The fact that it can be turned on at all times with a voice command clearly shows that the Kinect is "listening" at all times. This, coupled with the fact that that the Kinect includes an impressive video camera, and a wide array of microphones, and that it has to be connected to the internet at all times, is very disconcerting.

Many people have expressed concern that having an Xbox One in their home will result in a breach of privacy – due to all this video and voice data being received by a source that is connected to the internet at all times. Furthermore, although the Kinect features will only be used by some of the games (where the game developer has put in voice or motion sensor elements in the game play), the Kinect itself has to be connected at all times for the Xbox One to work .

To allay fears about this privacy concern, Microsoft has stated that the Kinect can be turned completely off. Unlike the standby mode, where the Kinect can still receive voice commands, this mode will shut Kinect completely down. This can be done at any time.

Microsoft has further stated that the Kinect will come with comprehensive privacy settings that can be edited to your exact preference. It is hoped that this will help allay some fears about Xbox One causing a breach in your privacy.

Xbox One looks to be a great gaming console that can really redefine entertainment. It remains to be seen, however, whether Microsoft will be able to address the issues that have popped up about Xbox one, particularly the security concern, and attract and hold consumers.