Game of Thrones is an awesome show but a review of that programme would be placed on an entertainment blog, not a tech blog such as this one. As it relates to technology, the last few months have been quite exciting for video game fans with the speculation and announcements of new and improved consoles by Sony and Microsoft. And let's not forget Nintendo, which also vies for a piece of the multi-billion dollar industry pie. All three firms would be eager to position themselves in this highly lucrative industry, although Nintendo which got a head start with the launch of its Wii U last year has so far seen poor Wii U sale figures. This year Sony and Microsoft have been looking to promote their system as the "best of the best" so to speak.
Microsoft would be keen to see a solid sales performance for its up-coming system entitled Xbox One, especially after the poor response to Windows 8. To be fair, as the article (poor response to Windows 8) highlighted the trends in the technology industry are changing and the traditional PC/laptop as a mainstay of an individual's daily life while still important will continue to decline with the advancement of mobile and tablet devices. After all, its so much easier to sit on the couch and tweet on your tablet or mobile device about that awesome goal than have to look for the keyboard or position the laptop to type the same tweet. At this point your tablet or mobile device not only provides connectivity 'on-the-go' but also in the comfort of your living room. But I digress....looking again at the video game industry Sony looks to compete with Microsoft through its newest entry to the console market the Playstation 4 (kudos to Sony for maintaining continuity with the naming of their new system).
As has been reported there has been extensive debate about the Xbox One versus the PS4, especially as it relates to online connectivity requirements and used game sales. Microsoft seems willing to take the potential risk (at least with consumers) of creating a system which provides limitations in certain areas (namely unlimited game sharing) but promises to reward users with a system that not only will meet your video game expectations but also your home entertainment needs. This philosophy could possibly explain the branding of the unit as 'Xbox One' in that this is a new, fresh approach to gaming with a system that Microsoft envisages would be the centre of your entertainment room.
While this thinking could end up being a gamble when it comes to the consumer, we have to wait and see if game developers may be keen on the idea of limited game sharing, which could in theory lead to more profitability for them. On the other hand Sony has decided to maintain the traditional approach of unlimited game sharing.
The real test will be later this year when the systems are released and the sales resulting from the holiday season are tallied. What is defiantly certain this holiday season is that gamers will have the final say as to which of the three new video game consoles is the best of the bunch.
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