The new XBox S (the matte black one) is much quieter than the old XBoxes. This YouTube video gives some idea of the difference, throwing in a listen with a PS3

The new XBox S (the matte black one) is much quieter than the old XBoxes. This YouTube video gives some idea of the difference, throwing in a listen with a PS3 as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5QpoKwVcSk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5QpoKwVcSk The Kinect experience so far is targeted at a wider audience than the traditional gamer. My mother, for example, absolutely loves the Kinect. She particularly likes the Tai Chi and yoga trainers in the "Your Shape" game. I didn't expect it to take off with her the way it did, but it's the first video game system where she really wants to play it. Another thing: there are several different interfaces embodied in the launch titles around the same basic Kinect capabilities and interactions. If you want to develop new user experiences, now is a good time to check out what people are doing before everything settles into place. So it's worth at least visiting a friend who has one. (Disclosure: I work at Microsoft. Speaking only for myself here, of course.)