Microsoft unveils Xbox One, aims to be center of home entertainment

REDMOND, Wash., May 21 (UPI) -- Microsoft has unveiled its latest console, the Xbox One, making it clear it's about much more than just games and pushing it as the ultimate family digital hub.

"Team Xbox is on a new mission," Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business group, said Tuesday at the unveiling at Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., headquarters, calling the console the "ultimate all-in-one-home entertainment system."

Gaming took a back seat as Microsoft executives talked about TV viewing, video conferencing and music listening, CNET reported.

"What if a single device could provide all your entertainment?" Yusuf Mehdi, the group's chief marketing officer, asked attendees at the unveiling. "What if it was always ready and connected?"

Every Xbox One sold will come with Microsoft's Kinect controller, the company said.

"The all new Kinect is now an essential and integrated part of the platform," Microsoft posted regarding the Xbox One. "By having it as a consistent part of every Xbox One, game and entertainment creators can build experiences that assume the availability of voice, gesture and natural sensing, leading to unrivaled ease of use, premium experiences and interactivity for you."

Microsoft did not announce any pricing information for the Xbox One or a release date, saying only the console would be available "later this year."