Xbox One S Launch

Xbox One S to launch on August 2

The first console to support 4K Ultra HD video, the smaller S version of the Xbox One will initially be up for grabs across 25 different countries.

Microsoft will kick off sales of its new Xbox One S starting Tuesday, August 2.

There is one catch. The Xbox One S will be available in three different capacities and price tags -- a 500GB version for $299, a 1TB version for $349 and a 2TB version for $399. However, only the 2TB version lifts off on August 2.

Launch dates for the other two models are currently unknown but "will be shared soon," Matt Lapsen, general manager for Xbox Devices Marketing, said in a blog post on Monday.

All three models are currently available for preorder through Microsoft, Best Buy, Amazon and GameStop. Anyone who preorders the 2TB version of the console will be able to grab it come August 2. You can also try walking into your local Microsoft, Best Buy or GameStop store. However, "availability is limited and demand is high," according to Lapsen, who advises preordering the console soon.

Microsoft has tried a number of tactics to boost Xbox One sales, including slashing the price, bundling free games and offering a Kinect-free version of the console. But the Xbox One S represents a new shift. The console is smaller, cheaper and throws in support for 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray discs and 4K streaming services as a way to do battle with both gaming consoles and Blu-ray players.

By supporting 4K (3,820x2,160-pixel) resolution, the Xbox One S will display more vibrant colors and darker blacks. The higher resolution is reserved for movies and TVs and won't work with games, however, and you'll also need a 4K compatible TV.

Those of you who have a 4K TV and are looking for a 4K Blu-ray player may be tempted by the Xbox One S since you also get the option to play games. The new console also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) for video and gaming, which means certain games will look better due to a higher contrast ratio.

The Xbox One S will initially arrive in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and the US. Other regions will get dibs on the new console later this year.



source: cnet

Xbox site outs new slim “Xbox One S”

Xbox site outs new slim “Xbox One S” ahead of Monday reveal

A leaked promotional image for the Xbox One S confirms news that Ars had gathered ahead of this year's E3 conference.

Ars can confirm support for 4K video, lack of power brick; price, date not yet known.

Rumors and insider tips have pointed to an Xbox One "slim" model being revealed at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, and the news was so good, someone at Microsoft couldn't wait to spill the beans.

Images found by multiple NeoGAF forum members confirm the news of the new "Xbox One S"—and the ability for gamers to pre-order it soon enough. Multiple Xbox sources had recently confirmed to Ars that some sort of "slim" system would be announced at this year's E3 and that a major part of its bulk reduction (which has been measured by Microsoft as "40 percent") will come from the removal of its AC adapter's "power brick," which will make this the first Xbox-branded console to nix that bulky portion.

The leaked announcement image also confirms news that the Xbox One S will support 4K output, though Microsoft sources have informed Ars that 4K support will mostly manifest in the system's menus and in any streaming app that announces support for 4K output in the future—meaning, this will not include the kind of hardware upgrades needed to automatically boost current software to 4K resolution. The announcement image also trumpets support for high dynamic range (HDR) imagery, a vertical stand, and a "streamlined" controller, though we have yet to learn what exactly will be streamlined or changed in that controller.

Oh, and it's going to be white. Quite white, from the look of things.

The leaked image did not include a price point or launch date estimate. We have reached out to Microsoft asking about the accuracy of the leaked store listing, and we will update this report with any response.


source: www.arstechnica.com