Forget about the next iPhone, smartwatches, and even Google Glass to some extent. The biggest technology stories at the end of 2013 are all going to revolve around the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 consoles, set to be released by Microsoft and Sony respectively in the coming months.
One common feature of such releases is that you get the brand or product loyalists who always stick to one product, and then become keyboard warriors of the highest order when discussing the merits of particular consoles on internet forums. However, such bun fights are things that we’re quite keen to stay well clear of. Instead, we’re going to look at the technology of the two consoles, how they measure up, and try to come up with which one has the edge. This will help anyone who currently doesn’t own a Microsoft or Sony console, and therefore has no bias or loyalty, who might be thinking of buying one of these next generation machines.
Processors
Both consoles will be fitted with eight-core processors and run at a frequency of 1.6GHz. Expect this to change for one or both consoles; neither company is likely to going to want there to be too many similarities. Custom AMD graphics processors, featuring the latest Graphics Core Next architecture, and a Blu-ray drive will also be standard with each machine.
Graphics
There are fundamental differences between the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 when it comes to the use of the graphics processing unit (GPU) in each machine.
The Xbox One GPU has 12 compute units to process game graphics. In contrast, the PlayStation 4 has 18. Gamers who are aware of this statistic were everything from stunned to sceptical about the possibility of the PlayStation 4 having 50% more power than the Xbox One in terms of graphics processing.
While these numbers boost the feeling that the PlayStation 4 will offer better graphics due to its aim of being a better all-round gaming machine, the Xbox is obviously not a weak product for focusing on overall entertainment rather than solely gaming. You have to think that this increased performance in the PlayStation 4 will be offset with a shortcoming somewhere.
Memory
The differences here again point to Sony’s desire to make the PlayStation 4 the ultimate in gaming. Both have 8GB of memory, but the PlayStation uses GDDR5 memory in contrast to the Xbox that utilizes DDR3.This will work alongside the graphics processor to increase the credentials of the PlayStation 4 further.
Motion Gaming
This is where the Xbox has a huge advantage. Kinect now comes with the console as standard, and is now able to track six people at a time, increasing opportunities for multi-player interactive gaming, so long as your living room is big enough! Reportedly, there will also be some exciting features included, such as the ability of the camera to calculate heart rate.
Little is currently known about the PlayStation Eye, which one can only assume will be the next generation version of Move, except that it will be available as a separate purchase.
Who Wins?
Overall, the PlayStation 4 has the edge in terms of technology, particularly if you want a console purely for gaming. However, the changing way in which we use and interact with consoles means that Kinect, and well as the general entertainment options that come with the Xbox, will continue to make the Microsoft product a strong one.
Author Bio: Terry is a passionate gamer who cannot wait for the launch of both consoles. He is currently searching for a great VPS hosting service so he can launch a website to discuss the features of both machines, leading up to and following their launch.
