Whats New About The Xbox One Kinect
Its a bigger unit and youll need to make a little extra room for it, but there are some really clever things this second-generation motion-sensing controller can do. For starters, it has a wider field of vision that means you only need to be 1.4 metres or so away, making it more suitable to use in smaller rooms. It can now track six people at once, tell whos holding the controller, work in the dark and can even track facial expressions. So itll know when youre smiling after youve finally got through the mandatory day one updateRelated: Xbox One vs Xbox 360
Xbox Series X Series S Size And Dimensions
Microsoft has released official Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S dimensions, providing a clearer understanding of how each device stands in the real world, proving especially handy when sizing up your future console with your gaming setup.
The Xbox Series X measures 301mm x 151mm x 151mm, with its default vertical orientation convenient if standing beside your TV or atop a desk. But for those putting the console into an entertainment center or any environment with reduced overhead space, flipping the console sideways cuts its vertical height to half the size.
Clocking in at 60% of the Xbox Series X footprint, the Xbox Series S measures 275mm x 151mm x 64mm, closer to past consoles. The device is shorter than its most powerful system console in their respective orientations, ideal to ensure suitable ventilation in smaller storage spaces.
Can I Use An External Hard Drive With The Xbox One
Yes, to store all your games, apps and other content.
The Xbox One can, in fact, support up to two external hard drives at once, allowing you to increase your consoles storage.
The hard drive must be USB 3.0 compatible and 256GB or larger in capacity.
Youll need to format the external hard drive when its first plugged into your Xbox One, but then youll be given the choice of whether to make it your default installation location.
You dont have to, though, because if your Xbox Ones built-in hard drive gets too full, your content will automatically start spilling over into your external drive space.Related: Xbox One HDD Upgrade How to upgrade your Xbox One storage
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Xbox Series X Vs Series S
The Xbox Series X isnt the only console in the new Xbox lineup, with the cheaper all-digital Xbox Series S also now available. It doesnt have quite the same raw power, but it might be a much better buy for gamers on a budget .
The Xbox Series S has the same CPU as the Xbox Series X, but with a much less powerful GPU. The console is still more powerful than an Xbox One X, but targets 60fps at 1440p instead of native 4K like the Xbox Series X. It can still be upscaled to 4K, and supports framerates of up to 120fps.
The Xbox Series S has all the same features of the Series X, but with less GPU power to target 1440p at 60fps.
Removing the more powerful GPU hardware and the disk drive has enabled the Xbox team to reduce the consoles size by 60% compared to the Xbox Series X. This will make it a much more comfortable fit in most entertainment centers, and it doesnt come at the cost of loud fans or poor heat dispersion.
Apart from the resolution and size, the two consoles share all the same new features mentioned above, like Quick Resume, an upgraded SSD, ray tracing, and more. Its the cheapest way to access next-gen hardware and games, although you wont get pure next-gen resolutions. Check out our full comparison at the article below.
How Do I Make My Gaming Console Last Longer

When you buy a new gaming console, you want it to last long enough, preferably until the gaming console developer launches the next-generation console. If you do not take good care of your gaming console, you might spend a lot of money repairing it or buying another one.
If you want to make your gaming console last longer, you have to do several things:
- keep your console dry.
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Does Xbox Series X Work Horizontally And Vertically
While the Xbox Series X is often present in an upright position, embracing its almost monolithic silhouette, Microsoft has shown considerations for daily usage. It includes a design that functions vertically and horizontally, with no impact on functionality, based on the system’s orientation.
Unlike the earliest Xbox One console, designed only to sit horizontally, Xbox Series X supports two positions. The primary orientation is seen all over the marketing, with its towering vertical chassis and the Xbox-branded power button positioned at the top. It even features an integrated circular stand to support the device when stood tall.
But Microsoft has made considerations for using the device horizontally, ideal if tucked in media centers with less vertical headroom. It even has four tiny, rubberized feet hidden on the console’s right-hand edge. But you can’t remove the stand from the device it’s essential to keep airflow guaranteed and it sticks out from the right-hand side when laid flat.
The Xbox Series X boasts a vastly different form factor to past Xbox consoles, supporting what the company describes as its “Parallel Cooling Architecture.” It regulates heat with a single, large fan and high air output, funneling multiple air streams through the device. It also keeps Xbox Series X relatively quiet, improving overall acoustics compared to past Xbox One consoles. But this design works both ways, provided the main fan has room for ventilation.
Can The Xbox One Stand Up On Its Side
Unlike the Xbox 360, which was capable of being positioned on its side or horizontally, the Xbox One can only be placed one way.
The Xbox One has been designed to be sat horizontally, with Microsoft saying that vertical positioning of the console is not supported.
Other positioning tips include:
- Keep your Xbox One flat
- Position it away from direct heat sources
- Dont put objects on, under or directly next to your Xbox One
- Keep the vents free from clutter in order to prevent overheating
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Can The Series X Stand On Its Side Or Does It Need To Constantly Stand Up Straight
When you look to buy something, you want to make sure that it fits just right in the home, whether if thats in the front room, the bedroom or even just the bathroom.
When it comes to the next-gen consoles, its important where it needs to go, and if its acceptable to the partner, otherwise you may be seeing it in CEX for sale not long after.
After the unveil of the PS5 console, its clear that its meant to be stood up, especially as its height rivals many PC towers and small trees.
But when it comes to the Xbox Series X, people have wondered whether the Series X can lay on its side or stand up as shown in the promo images.
Does Mr Clean Have Alcohol
Likewise, Is it OK to leave my Xbox One on overnight?
Leaving your XBox on for extended periods of time will not break the console itself. But it is not suggested that you leave it on for too long. If you are not able to check on the console while it is running then you run the risk of the console overheating, which can cause damage to the system.
Also, Can I vacuum my Xbox one?
It is not recommended to use a vacuum or electronic appliance to clean another electronic. Reasons vary. A vacuum for example can cause damage to your Xbox through transmitting static electricity that can harm the components inside.
Moreover, Should I clean my Xbox one?
Clean every 3-6 months or whenever needed. Important Power off and disconnect your Xbox console from the wall before cleaning it. Dont apply liquids directly to your console or controllers. For Xbox consoles, use an isopropyl alcohol solution thats 70% or less with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Can dust break an Xbox one?
Once the dust accumulates in the side vents and fan cooling system, the whole system can get overheated due to the presence of dust. If the accumulated dust is not cleaned for the air vents and cooling system the Xbox can be damaged.
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How Does Xbox One Remote Play Work
With Windows 10 came the ability to steam Xbox One games to your Windows 10 PCs and tablets. It works in a similar way to the PS4 Remote Play with the PS Vita and select Sony Xperia devices.
For Xbox One remote play on Windows 10 devices youll need your Xbox One controller and a micro USB to USB cable.
Then to get it working you go to Settings > Preferences on your Xbox One and tick the box that says Allow game streaming to other devices.
Next, connect your Xbox One controller to your PC via USB, wait for the drivers to install, and then launch the Xbox app.
The last but one button from the bottom of the left-hand Menu bar reads Connect to your Xbox One. This will search for Xbox One consoles on the same network, select the one you want and then the Stream button.
Youll then be in control of your Xbox One remotely. From there you can do everything youd expect to be able to on your Xbox One.
Of course, functionality and overall success will require a stable and speedy internet connection.
Can A Xbox One Stand On Its Side
Asked by: Pedro Gerhold III
While the Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and Xbox 360 consoles can be placed either horizontally or vertically, the horizontal position offers the most stability. … Make sure you use only the stand designed for your Xbox, which helps console stability and operation. Without the stand, vertical positioning blocks a cooling vent.
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Xbox One Can’t Stand Vertically Due To Disc Drive
Microsoft has clarified that the Xbox One isn’t suited to being placed on its side. If you do an image search for the Xbox One, you’ll find that all you’ll see are Microsoft’s next-gen console positioned horizontally like most set top boxes. Placing a games console on its side like many desktop towers has been popular since the PlayStation 2, and is an accepted way to position an Xbox 360.
According to Albert Panello, senior director of Xbox product management, the Xbox One won’t support a vertical orientation due to its slot-loading disc drive.
“We don’t support vertical orientation do it at your own risk,” Panello told GameSpot.
Panello clarified that it wasn’t a cooling design issue, saying, “it wouldn’t be a cooling problem, we just didn’t design the drive for vertical. Because it’s a slot loading drive, we just didn’t design it for both.”
It’s unclear why a slot-loading disc drive would prevent a vertical orientation early versions of the PS3 and the upcoming PS4 have slot-loaded drives and appear to operate fine vertically.
After the quality issues surrounding the earlier models of the Xbox 360, it’s no surprise that Microsoft is taking special care of the Xbox One. The company said that the Xbox One will be able to adjust itself to avoid overheating and is confident that it won’t be having any quality issues.
Everything You Need To Know About The Xbox One

The Xbox One is a powerful beast, full to the brim with exciting features and offering a store front full of top notch titles from AAA blockbusters to indies.
Microsofts answer to the PS4 and successor to the Xbox 360 has been around for over two years now and a lot has changed since that time.
But, for those of you still debating whether to buy an Xbox One, there are some key questions you may want answered first.
Weve endeavoured to answer those questions for you in one handy Xbox One FAQ guide, to make sure you feel informed before you part with your cash.
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Is The Xbox Series X Worth It
The Xbox Series X is an impressive upgrade over its predecessor and features the same starting price as the Xbox One X that launched back in 2017. For buyers, the console has a lot going for it. Its powerful, offers amazing backwards compatibility, and has an ace in the hole in Xbox Game Pass. Overall, it offers a great balance of power and value for money.
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That said, there isnt a truly compelling reason to buy one just yet, especially if you have the Xbox One X. The library is still limited more than a year after release, and you can play most new games on an older console as well, even if not at the highest possible quality.
Theres definitely a lot to look forward to though! To answer the question, the Xbox Series X is absolutely worth it. If youre looking to buy into the Xbox ecosystem for the first time, the Series X is the best choice . If youre in the market for an upgrade though, you can hold off for a while. This is probably what youd have to do regardless, given how difficult it is to get your hands on one right now.
Make Sure The Xbox Series X Has Room
This is key and by far the most important thing to consider. The fan takes up a lot of space and the entire top of the console needs to be kept free from anything touching it so it can kick out that heat and stay working.
If you have anything covering it, it will not take long for you to start running into trouble, so keep it on a shelf all to itself where possible and if there are things next to it, make sure that they cant slip onto the fan.
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
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This Story Is Part Of A Group Of Stories Called
E3 2021 takes place June 12-15 as a re-imagined, all-virtual online event. Nintendo, Xbox, Bethesda, Square Enix, Sega, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Capcom, and others will deliver new video game announcements, trailers, release dates, and more.
As with the Xbox One S, the upcoming $500 Xbox One X can be placed either horizontally or vertically with the use of an optional stand, according to Microsoft.
A price hasnt yet been released for the stand, but the stand for the Xbox One S currently sells for about $20.
The consoles design was inspired by the sleek look of the Xbox One S, but smaller, according to the company. The Xbox One X features the same number and type of ports in the same locations as the Xbox One S to make switching over easier.
The Xbox One X, which hits Nov. 7, comes with a 1 TB hard drive, matching Xbox Wireless Controller, HDMI cable, power supply, a 1-month free Xbox Game Pass subscription and a 14-day free Xbox Live Gold membership.
You can read more about the Xbox One Xs specs right here, and details about the Xbox Game Pass, which is sort of like a Netflix for gaming, right here.
Can I Use Skype On My Xbox One
Skype, the popular VoIP service bought up by Microsoft back in 2011, is deeply integrated into the Xbox One thanks to Kinect. Utilising the 1080p HD cameras and stereo microphones, you can make video calls and the Kinect camera will zoom and pan as you move around the room.You can make group video calls with up to three other people and theres even support for instant messaging via the on-screen keyboard. Skype will also power the Xbox Ones party chat, which supports up to eight users when youre playing multiplayer.
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Does Xbox One Have To Lay Flat
Important The original Xbox One console can only be placed horizontally. All Xbox consoles are designed to ventilate air to keep them at an optimal temperature during use. Your console may feel hot around the vents, but this is normal. Hot air is being ventilated from the console to cool the interior.
Ps5 Vertical Vs Horizontal: Can Playstation 5 Go On Its Side
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Can PS5 go on its side? Many are eager to know whether you can use the PlayStation 5 horizontally, or if you have to play with the console stood up. When Sony unveiled the PS5 console, it did so by showing the machine stood up vertically. It looks great in this formation, but what if you want to lay your PS5 down on its side? As part of our PS5 guide, we going to reveal whether it’s possible to use the console while it’s lying down.
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Leave Xbox One On Overnight
Those who love gaming can do it for many hours during the day, and when it is time to get some sleep, it is normal to turn off your devices. However, sometimes, you may forget to turn off your Xbox One when you go to bed at night. If you keep forgetting to turn off your Xbox One, you might wonder if it is okay to do so or if you are damaging your console.
So, can you leave your Xbox One on overnight? You can leave your Xbox One on overnight, but you risk damaging your console or shortening its lifespan. When your Xbox One is in use, it usually produces heat, and when you turn it off, it cools down. After using your Xbox One during the day, leaving it on throughout the night might cause it to overheat.
Overheating can cause damage to the delicate components inside your Xbox One. It is also important to give your Xbox One a break because leaving it one overnight means that its processor keeps working, which will reduce its lifespan.
Most people turn off their electronics during the night because they are not using them. There are many ways to take good care of your console and turning it off can be one of them.
When you are done watching a movie on your TV or listening to music on your laptop, you always turn them off when you go to bed. An Xbox One is a different machine, and you are wondering if you need to turn it off every night or leave it on.