The Surface Pro 3 Media Event on the 27th of June also revealed some information about the Xbox One and Windows Phone in Singapore. Here are some interesting information regarding the three that I gathered from asking around.
Xbox One
- The Xbox One will be released in Singapore on the 23rd of September.
- It will be available for purchase on the online Microsoft Store, with (S$739) and without the Kinect (S$639).
- Consumers will be able to pre-order the Xbox One – though no news on pre-order bonuses, if any.
- The delayed launch of the Xbox One was due to customizations that had to be made in order to cater to the country.
- This is because the Xbox One is not just a gaming device – it’s an all-rounded entertainment device.
- Stay-tuned for the pre-order which may reward locals for waiting.
- Post-launch, we should see games by Microsoft (343i – like Halo Master Chief Collection, etc) launching on the same day in Singapore. Not sure if partners (like EA) will release on the same day as well or if games will have a staggered release.
- Integration with local providers is being worked on.
- The Xbox One has many upcoming exclusive games as shown in the recent E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo).
- Did you know: The Xbox One can control the TV (e.g. power, volume) via HDMI?
Windows Phone
- The Nokia Lumia 930 will be launched in July.
- Nokia device releases are usually on Saturdays – meaning the Lumia 930 will likely go live on the 5th, 12th, 19th, or 26th of July.
- Windows Phone 8.1 will be rolled out some time in Q3 2014 (1st July to 30th September).
- SensorCore will only be available to the Nokia Lumia 635, 930, and 1520 – and future Lumias- but not earlier models of Nokia Lumia.
- Fragmentation is not expected from this as SensorCore is very niche, and developers can make an app work with or without it (e.g. Bing Health & Fitness app)
Surface Pro 3
- Students can get an educational 10% discount off the Surface Pro 3 from the online Microsoft Store.
- No plans for any trade-in promotion.
- Will be available at Challenger, Newstead, and Harvey Norman – pre-orders from them start 4th July (already available at the online Microsoft Store).
- Check out the Surface Pro 3 Fact Sheet for more information.
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