Together, we ushered in a new era of games and entertainment with Xbox One. Over 3 million Xbox One consoles were sold to consumers in 13 countries before the end of 2013. It’s been incredible to see Xbox One selling at a record-setting pace for Xbox, and we were honored to see Xbox One become the fastest-selling console in the U.S. during our launch month in November. Since our launch, demand for Xbox One has been strong, selling out throughout the holidays at most retailers worldwide. We are continuing to work hard to deliver additional consoles to retailers as fast as possible.
Ya, and after 6 weeks my ONE had been religated to a $500 netflix streamer and as predicted, not significantly better at that than the 360 was for $199 LoL
Looks like stuff that should have been available at launch.
It most likely would have been if MS didn't have to get the Bone out the door to compete with Sony. Instead of falling way behind, they released a bare bones Bone
These updates are hinted to include the headset chat adapter. Not official but I just saw this on Turtle Beach. "The Ear Force XO SEVEN is now available for pre-order! They will ship on March 14, 2014." This changed since yesteday when it was still Mar. 31 and not available for pre-order.
Might make some people happy. For me, the answers to my nagging issues will soon be answered. Is the XO SEVEN a $159 wired headset or a wireless headset (game audio/music)? If wireless, will it be powered by a Turtle beach transmitter or will it be Bluetooth 4.0 using a newly enabled Bluetooth chip already in the XB1 (found in the iFixit XB1 teardown)?
I've never quite understood how the XO SEVEN could cost as much as the X42 with Wireless Surround Sound and still be a wired headset.
UPDATE: Still no absolute proof but it seems as if the new XB1 Audio adapter is the all-in-one wireless audio connectivity. I'm not sure if it plugs into the XB1 controller for power and tramsmits all audio to the headset via chat cable or if it plugs into the headset itself. Needs batteries somewhere. If this is the case, then I confidently predict it is Bluetooth.
I know, I know. You all think I'm nuts by now. I found more stuff on Polk Audio. The headset adapter they show controls both the game audio and chat audio. All the game and chat audio goes through the XB1 controller. Look at the pdf link.
so wait, are you saying there would be no optical adapter dongle on the X1? game audio would pass to the controller and through to the headset?
My best info/guess says no TOS LINK and no name brand transceiver. It could be the game audio is received by a XB1 proprietary receiver in the headest but I do not think that's it because neither approved XB1 headsets require batteries. AFAIK. If reciever is in the headset then the mixing is controlled by the new adapter.
So, my guess, all game + chat audio passes through the XB1 controller to the headset with chat being two way.
well that would be great. Of course, not for those that don't like the chat wire - but I think it'd be nice to make it work with pretty much any headset.
well that would be great. Of course, not for those that don't like the chat wire - but I think it'd be nice to make it work with pretty much any headset.
Pretty much. The game+chat audio would all have to be in that same cable so some manufacturers would have to make a cable. Turtle Beach and Polk Audio are the only ones licenced to include the XB1 audio adapter in the box.
The XB1 audio adapter may be a little pricey. Probably the same or more than the stand alone chat headset. Could be nothing but a dumb switch or with some fancy electronics in it, like an audio receiver.
Check out this article on the tear down of a standard XB1 chat headset. There is an incredible amount of electronics in it for a simple dumb switch. I imagine the XB1 Audio adapter has even more junk in it.
Answers to questions on Polk and TB have pretty much nailed down that: The XB1 game controller provides all the power to the headset. All audio passes through the game controller and the XB1 audio adapter. Polk Headsets use their POET sound processing internally and I'll assume TB does something similar. TB rep said you get whatever sound type comes from the XB1 adapter. Stereo/surround. A combined game audio and chat cable connects a headset to the XB1 Audio Adapter.
The good from all of this is, no more worries with all of that extra 3rd party audio tranceiver and cables. No radio interferance problems beyond the XB1 itself. The bad is, we have no idea of the quality or nature of the sound. We don't know how battery usage will be affected other than negatively.
uh, also bad is will current 5.1 optical headsets like the Astro A50's still work?
I assume they will work with full surround sound the moment that option is updated. I've heard both March and June for this update. We'll know soon. I assume all existing headsets with audio transceivers will work with TOS as before but as you know, the chat thing has been an issue for pre-existing headsets.
A skeptical person would suggest MS kept the TOS capabilities limited to stereo until they had their adapter ready for XB1 headsets.
uh, also bad is will current 5.1 optical headsets like the Astro A50's still work?
I would think it would at least for the game audio. You still should be able to run the optical to the mixamp/transmitter. But as far as game chat you might have to still wait for the "astro" adapter to work with their transmitter and the xb1 controller.
Relying on my own research and conclusions, I've pre-ordered the TB XO SEVEN headset. So if I'm wrong and this is a big fuck up, I'll have paid for my mistake with my voted dollars. I would need consolation and not disparaging remarks.
as it stands now, DIY chat adapters work, so I don't know why it wouldn't continue working I guess. But I don't think the chat sound is as good as with the pack in headset.
Xbox One Stereo Headset and Headset Adapter Details
Today, we’re announcing a pair of new audio device options for Xbox One.
First up, the all-new Xbox One Stereo Headset. The Stereo Headset pairs a premium, full-range (20Hz – 20kHz) audio experience with a unidirectional microphone taking advantage of Xbox One’s Skype-powered chat audio codec. Included in the package is a detachable Stereo Headset Adapter that puts all of the audio controls right at your fingertips. You can balance the game and chat audio levels, control the master volume, and mute the microphone.
The Xbox One Stereo Headset does not use separate batteries and is passively powered through the Wireless Controller. Additionally, headset is compatible with mobile devices, tablets and PC/Mac.
The Xbox One Stereo Headset will cost $79.99 (MSRP).
For Xbox fans that already have a favorite set of stereo gaming headphones, we’re happy to reveal that the Stereo Headset Adapter will also ship separately. Plug your compatible headset into the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter to chat with your fellow players, and enjoy the convenient volume controls right on the adapter. For more details on the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, please visit xbox.com/xboxone/compatibleheadsets.
The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter will cost $24.99 (MSRP.)
Both will be available in Xbox One markets worldwide in early March.
came to post this. Pretty much what was expected. $25 for adapter. $80 isn't terrible for a headset but it's not an independently powered one and it's "stereo" not 5.1 or Dolby Headphone. I'll stick with my Astros and an adapter.
UPDATE: Rec'd my replacement Kinect and all seems to be working as designed.....so far......knock on wood.
XBOX ONE, 3 million consoles sold in 2013.
The XB1 default headset, while in Forza 5 is the best chat audio I've heard yet.
I wonder if those special chips in the headset adapter have anything to do with it? I 'think' I saw some chips in a tear down.
I'm calling it: Time of Thread Death - 1/30/14, 3:09PM
Ya, and after 6 weeks my ONE had been religated to a $500 netflix streamer and as predicted, not significantly better at that than the 360 was for $199 LoL
Many of you have heard, and thankfully not written about, the huge number of XBox rumours dropped on NeoGaf this week.
One of the rumours concerned a $399 XB1 in 2014. Well, it's not true.
https://twitter.com/aarongreenberg/status/429438436139745281
as if they'd confirm it. cannibalize their current sales? are you crazy?
XB1 System Updates due Feb 11 and Mar. 4.
http://majornelson.com/2014/02/05/xbox-one-system-update-coming-feb-11/
Looks like stuff that should have been available at launch.
It most likely would have been if MS didn't have to get the Bone out the door to compete with Sony. Instead of falling way behind, they released a bare bones Bone
Glad to see the battery indicator is coming back.
These updates are hinted to include the headset chat adapter. Not official but I just saw this on Turtle Beach. "The Ear Force XO SEVEN is now available for pre-order! They will ship on March 14, 2014." This changed since yesteday when it was still Mar. 31 and not available for pre-order.
Might make some people happy. For me, the answers to my nagging issues will soon be answered. Is the XO SEVEN a $159 wired headset or a wireless headset (game audio/music)? If wireless, will it be powered by a Turtle beach transmitter or will it be Bluetooth 4.0 using a newly enabled Bluetooth chip already in the XB1 (found in the iFixit XB1 teardown)?
I've never quite understood how the XO SEVEN could cost as much as the X42 with Wireless Surround Sound and still be a wired headset.
UPDATE:
Still no absolute proof but it seems as if the new XB1 Audio adapter is the all-in-one wireless audio connectivity. I'm not sure if it plugs into the XB1 controller for power and tramsmits all audio to the headset via chat cable or if it plugs into the headset itself. Needs batteries somewhere. If this is the case, then I confidently predict it is Bluetooth.
I know, I know. You all think I'm nuts by now. I found more stuff on Polk Audio. The headset adapter they show controls both the game audio and chat audio. All the game and chat audio goes through the XB1 controller. Look at the pdf link.
http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/manual/4ShotWebMN.pdf
This may blow my Bluetooth idea out of the water but hey, it's been fun (for me) trying to figure this out.
UPDATED with picture.
What are my color choices?
Anytime I can improve someone's day...
so wait, are you saying there would be no optical adapter dongle on the X1? game audio would pass to the controller and through to the headset?
So, my guess, all game + chat audio passes through the XB1 controller to the headset with chat being two way.
well that would be great. Of course, not for those that don't like the chat wire - but I think it'd be nice to make it work with pretty much any headset.
The XB1 audio adapter may be a little pricey. Probably the same or more than the stand alone chat headset. Could be nothing but a dumb switch or with some fancy electronics in it, like an audio receiver.
Again, if I am correct.
Check out this article on the tear down of a standard XB1 chat headset. There is an incredible amount of electronics in it for a simple dumb switch. I imagine the XB1 Audio adapter has even more junk in it.
http://blog.damonpollard.com/xbox-one-headset-adapter-diy/
More on above, of course.
Not bothering with links.
Answers to questions on Polk and TB have pretty much nailed down that:
The XB1 game controller provides all the power to the headset.
All audio passes through the game controller and the XB1 audio adapter.
Polk Headsets use their POET sound processing internally and I'll assume TB does something similar.
TB rep said you get whatever sound type comes from the XB1 adapter. Stereo/surround.
A combined game audio and chat cable connects a headset to the XB1 Audio Adapter.
The good from all of this is, no more worries with all of that extra 3rd party audio tranceiver and cables. No radio interferance problems beyond the XB1 itself. The bad is, we have no idea of the quality or nature of the sound. We don't know how battery usage will be affected other than negatively.
uh, also bad is will current 5.1 optical headsets like the Astro A50's still work?
A skeptical person would suggest MS kept the TOS capabilities limited to stereo until they had their adapter ready for XB1 headsets.
I would think it would at least for the game audio. You still should be able to run the optical to the mixamp/transmitter. But as far as game chat you might have to still wait for the "astro" adapter to work with their transmitter and the xb1 controller.
at least that is my best guess.
Relying on my own research and conclusions, I've pre-ordered the TB XO SEVEN headset. So if I'm wrong and this is a big fuck up, I'll have paid for my mistake with my voted dollars. I would need consolation and not disparaging remarks.
as it stands now, DIY chat adapters work, so I don't know why it wouldn't continue working I guess. But I don't think the chat sound is as good as with the pack in headset.
Here you go.
came to post this. Pretty much what was expected. $25 for adapter. $80 isn't terrible for a headset but it's not an independently powered one and it's "stereo" not 5.1 or Dolby Headphone. I'll stick with my Astros and an adapter.