The Xbox One has been available for several months, but aside from controllers, Play & Charge Kits and its pre-bundled Kinect sensor, Microsoft’s new console has been running low on accessories. However, this has all changed now thanks to an infusion of media-centric add-ons. In one fell swoop, Microsoft released three new Xbox One accessories: a media remote, stereo headset and a chat adapter for older third-party stereo headsets.
The software giant calls its latest console the all-in-one entertainment system, and its new gear hopes to enhance the way you experience your media when using an Xbox One. However, at the end of the day, the real question is do you need any of this stuff? After logging in countless hours with each item, I’ve collected my thoughts and keyed them in. So if you’re on the fence and undecided about the Xbox One’s new accessories, perhaps my findings will be enough to push you into making a purchase or saving a few bucks.
Media Remote
Each Xbox One ships with a second-generation Kinect sensor, and thanks to its inclusion, the general consensus is that the console should never need a remote control. This is absolutely incorrect. While the Kinect handles media fairly well, it’s not foolproof by any means. Voice commands are occasionally misinterpreted and accidental onscreen hand gestures are a pain in the ass. Also, some people just aren’t too big on the idea of talking to their game console.
So does a Microsoft’s channel changer have what it takes to manage the Xbox One’s non-gaming media?
About the size of an iPhone, Microsoft’s new media remote is very well built and feels really great in your hands. It’s light and features just about everything you’d find on a traditional universal remote, except its backlit keypad doesn’t have any number keys.
Unlike using an Xbox One controller, the media remote doesn’t need to be powered on to start working; it’s ready to go at the press of a button. And while the Xbox One’s SmartGlass app has its perks, it still forces you to sift through menus and requires a network connection. The media remote on the other hand is fast, simple and reliable. It sends information directly to your Xbox One, so input lag is kept at a minimum. In addition to your console, the media remote can be used to control just about anything that can be paired with your Xbox One. However, some devices have their limitations, most notably a cable or satellite receiver.
The remote’s lack of number keys limits your channel surfing experience and forces you to use the console’s One Guide to switch between programs. If you set up a favorites list, this becomes tolerable, but cable subscribers will definitely be restricted when trying to jump freely between multiple television channels.
This one gripe aside, the Xbox One’s media remote is easily worth its $25 asking price. The only better option out there for media connoisseurs would be an Xbox compatible Harmony remote, which can cost around three times the price of Microsoft’s homegrown solution. But if you plan on using your Xbox One to watch Blu-rays, stream videos or listen to music, the media remote is a slam-dunk.
Pros
+ Stylish design.
+Feels great in your hands.
+ Bright backlight.
+Very easy to use.
Cons
– No number keys.
Stereo Headset
When the system was first announced, the Xbox One didn’t play nice with stereo headsets and after a lot of consumer backlash, Microsoft came up with a workaround (more on that later) for legacy devices. Not to be outdone by accessory makers, the company produced its own sound solution for audiophiles looking to get their fix.
Like the Xbox One’s media remote, Microsoft took a simple design approach with its headset. It’s all black with an adjustable headband that offers an acceptable amount of comfort, but I’ve experienced better. Its headband’s padding could be a teeny bit thicker, however it’s far from uncomfortable.
As for the rest of the headset’s design, its over-the-ear almost retro styled cups are lined with a signature Xbox green interior and that about sums up its appearance. In terms of sound, the stereo headset offers a full-range (20Hz – 20kHz) audio spectrum. Its bass is fairly deep, and tones are clear, but strictly from a gaming perspective there’s nothing too spectacular about the Xbox One’s house brand audio solution in terms of sound quality.
Bundled with the headset is a detachable audio adapter that connects directly to an Xbox One controller. This dock-like add-on manages the system’s sound setup and features quick mute, volume up and down, along with chat and in-game audio controls. This easy to use big button approach is great for quick adjustments during competitive multiplayer sessions.
Another selling point of the Xbox One’s stereo headset is that it’s compatible with other devices that have a 3.5mm audio jack. In my time with this device, I tested it with a PlayStation 4, MacBook Air and a few smartphones just to see how the audio carried over. While some features and control elements were restricted, it still produced respectable sound. So it’s something to consider if you game on other platforms and are looking for an all-in-one audio solution.
In addition to cranking out sound, the Xbox One stereo headset features a unidirectional microphone for chatting. Not completely static, the headset’s microphone can be raised to keep it out of view when using the device as headphones. As for when in use, the mic’s chat audio was fair and people were almost always able to hear me loud and clearly.
So, is the Xbox One’s stereo headset worth your $80? The short answer to this question is no. While it’s not a bad headset, its audio performance is just slightly above average. If you’re truly looking for the best audio experience to compliment your Xbox One, there are plenty of third-party solutions that’ll offer a better experience, however most of these devices will come with a three digit price tag and will require the Xbox One’s new chat adapter.
Of course if you’re on a strict budget and you’re obsessed with the idea of having a first-party product, the Xbox One’s official stereo headset should appeal to most casual users.
Pros
+ Comfortable fit.
+Accessible control scheme.
Cons
-Mediocre audio.
-Boring design.
-Flimsy connection wire.
Stereo Headset Adapter
There’s really not a lot to it. The Xbox One’s stereo headset adapter is almost a must own. If you invested in a high-end stereo headset during the last console hardware cycle, you’ll most likely need one of these to use your fancy audio gear with your Xbox One. This device has easy to use controls and works with most 3.5mm or 2.5mm headsets.
The only real reason you should avoid buying the Xbox One’s chat adapter is if you’re fine with using the system’s Kinect or bundled mono chat headset for in-game communication.
Pros
+Accessible control scheme.
+Works with older headsets.
Cons
-Adds a little bulk to your controller.
Final Thoughts
While these items might not be for everyone, they’re necessary products. Some people don’t want to use a game controller or Kinect to manage media on their Xbox One and a pre-packed mono headset for chatting won’t be enough for gamers who are looking to get the most out of their console. People complained about support for older headset and Microsoft answered. Whether or not these three new accessories will work for your personal setup depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, they tell a bigger story. They’re an obvious sign that Microsoft is actually listening to consumers after all.
