‘Xbox On’: Xbox One Voice Command Powers On Console, Reaches Dashboard In 13 Seconds

With the launch of the Sony (NYSE:SNE) PlayStation 4 looming on the horizon, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is promoting how quickly a simple voice command can turn on the Xbox One.

1. Microsoft’s Larry Hryb (a.k.a. Major Nelson) has revealed on Instagram that it takes only 13 seconds to reach the home screen and sign in to Xbox One, with the voice command “Xbox On.”

The Xbox One is also capable of several controls through voice, including changing television channels, starting a game and resuming playback of films and TV shows. The Xbox One includes an HDMI pass-through, as well as an infrared (IR) blaster to allow it to work with cable and satellite boxes.

Xbox One allows users to shout “Xbox, record that” to save gameplay footage through the new Game DVR feature. Xbox One is also capable of multitasking via voice gestures, utilizing the Windows 8 operating system for “snapping” Internet Explorer, sports score boxes and GameFAQs to the side of a game.

Sony announced earlier this month that the PlayStation 4 (PS4) was capable of shutting down, but not turning on through voice commands.

Microsoft raised privacy concerns when it announced that the Xbox One would need to be constantly connected to the internet, and would not function without the new Kinect. The Redmond, Wash.-based company later reversed those policies due to severe consumer backlash.

Microsoft will release the Xbox One on Nov. 22, for a price of $499 which includes the console along with a wired headset, wireless controller, and the new Kinect sensor. The Xbox One has largely sold out already through preorders, and demand is expected to outweigh supply of the new console until 2014.

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