Microsoft is trying to tap into a new market with Xbox One - small businesses.

In a post on the Microsoft Small Business Support website, Xbox MVP Marques Lyons claims that "what is being positioned as an excellent entertainment device can be just as enticing for you and your small business".

The argument put forward is that for only $499, the Xbox One offers features that "could help it rival even the most modest of video conferencing and networking platforms".

Lyons claims that since the inclusion of Kinect and Skype allows people to not only chat to each other but also supports multi-person chatting, with the wide-angle lens of Kinect "you have the means for collaborative meetings and presentations".

"The Xbox One with Kinect, as a Skype provider, is just as capable as a PC with an attached/included microphone and webcam," Lyons goes on. "The difference here is that Xbox One and Kinect gives you the open space to move, gesture, show examples, and see everyone more clearly."

The dedicated SkyDrive app currently available on Xbox 360 and expected to be on Xbox One is another selling point for businesses, Lyons says, as it makes sharing documents and displaying them on the TV to a large group of people easier.

Combined with Internet Explorer and Office Web Apps, "pair that with a Wi-Fi keyboard and mouse and you have the means to edit documents, when necessary, even if you aren't near your PC".

Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox One will be available in 21 markets this November. The Xbox One price has been set at £425 / €499 / $499.

Posted: Jul 11, 2013 4:16 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/418604/xbox-one-is-great-for-small-businesses/