Xbox One Adds DVR For TV In 2016, Chatpad And Backwards Compatibility In November
Microsoft continues to add new features and accessories to the Xbox One. The console maker revealed a new DVR TV service and chatpad at Gamescom on Monday plus announced a release date for backwards compatibility with the Xbox 360.
The new Xbox One DVR will work with the Xbox One Digital TV Turner to record over-the-air TV channels even while playing games or using other applications. A USB 3.0 external hard drive is required to record TV and the size of the drive determines how much content you can store. Then it is as simple as scrolling through the OneGuide to find the shows that you want to record or watch a show that’s already been recorded.
Record while you play. Watch when you want. DVR for Over-The-Air TV comes to #XboxOne in 2016 #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/xZ6puApsSI
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
The DVR functionality extends beyond the Xbox One though and works with mobile devices via Xbox Smartglass for Windows 10, iOS, and Android. Users will be able to schedule recording from their phone and stream live or recorded TV to their device when connected to the home network.
Microsoft is going a step further though by allowing users to download shows to Windows 10 phones and tablets so recorded TV can be watched anywhere. The TV DVR functionality will be completely free when launched for the Xbox One in 2016. There are no monthly fees associated with the service.
A new Chatpad for the Xbox One controller was also announced at Gamescom. It attaches to all existing official Xbox One controllers and comes with a full QWERTY keyboard plus a 3.5mm headphone jack to use with any pair of headphones.
Chat, search, & message w/ the new #Xbox Chatpad for #XboxOne & #Windows10. Pre-order today #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/aLx5VpmG1Q — Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
The Chatpad comes with a few extra buttons for additional features such as headphone volume controls. There are also dedicated buttons for recording gameplay and taking screenshots plus accessing friends list. Of course, it works on both the Xbox One and Windows 10.
Microsoft is launching the Chatpad this November with pre-orders going live later today with a $34.99 price tag.
Finally, backwards compatibility has been in testing as part of the Xbox One Preview Program for little more than a month. The original Gears of War and Shadow Complex were added to the lineup yesterday, but now a launch month has been announced. Backwards compatibility will become available in November with more than 100 titles supported with plans to grow it as time goes on.
All Games With Gold titles will be made available with #XboxOne backwards compatibility #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/8KOb8ZfQuE
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
The ability to play Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One is turning into a slick marketing move for the Xbox One. In addition to Gears of War: Ultimate Edition adding free copies of all four games in the series, Fallout 4 is coming with Fallout 3, Just Cause 3 packs in Just Cause 2, and Rainbow Six: Siege includes Rainbow Six: Vegas.
What do you think of these announcements for the Xbox One? Sound off in the comments below.
[Images via Xbox Wire]
[Update: Added price of the Xbox One Chatpad]
